hi all, i want to open this thread, because i have promised it to my partners forumers in Latinscraper. They write that always they is talking about what city in Latin America is the most similar to an europen city, and they are asked why in Europe do not we ask us what european cities are seemed to the american cities.

so, what do u think about this?

What city in europe is the most similar to a city of America?

I should say in Spain the most similar is Benidorm, it is like a brazilian city in the coast.

Thanx.

I know San Francisco and Boston are the most European cities in the States but I have no idea what European city would be considered most American. In The Netherlands probably Rotterdam, there is no old town (left), skyscrapers (although modestly in height) in the city centre with width avenues crossing the city making it quite suitable for cars.

Rotterdam

In the UK, Milton Keynes looks a bit like some US-sprawlvilles

City centre

http://www.webbaviation.co.uk/gallery/d/13587-2/milton-keynes-aerial-aa13379b.jpg?g2_GALLERYSID=913dd273117a4a5585561db9008e39fa

http://www.webbaviation.co.uk/gallery/d/13602-1/milton-keynes-buckinghamshire-aa13389b.jpg?g2_GALLERYSID=913dd273117a4a5585561db9008e39fa

http://www.webbaviation.co.uk/gallery/d/13562-1/aa13358b.jpg?g2_GALLERYSID=913dd273117a4a5585561db9008e39fa

Milton Keynes Bowl

http://10.41.66.17:9090/progress?pages&id=199831281&url=http://lh3.google.com/_tG6J8O-WTMY/RnVua1SvETI/AAAAAAAAAOI/2iB6CNvi6qA/s800/aerialmk10606.jpg&fileName=attachment&referer=http://images.google.co.uk/imgres&foo=3

Suburban housing

http://www.webbaviation.co.uk/gallery/d/13636-1/aa13471b.jpg?g2_GALLERYSID=8c6e3f183ce3f7b2119167232af49850

http://www.webbaviation.co.uk/gallery/d/13613-1/milton-keynes-aerial-aa13397b.jpg?g2_GALLERYSID=8c6e3f183ce3f7b2119167232af49850

and there are similarities between some UK cities that grew quickly in the 19th Century and cities in the NE US, redbrick architecture, 19th century warehouses converted to apartments etc.

Everything built in Europe after the 60s is somewhat American-influenced. From "new towns" to suburbs.

I guess it would have to be those new suburbs they're building outside of Disney Land Paris.

Everything built in Europe after the 60s is somewhat American-influenced. From "new towns" to suburbs. Everything? :nuts:

Everything? :nuts:

Everything from residential housing estates to universities. What is European about nowadays' projects ? The way it's conceived, the way it's built, it's all American.

Berlin feels most like the US to me for some reason, maybe its the food?

Everything from residential housing estates to universities. What is European about nowadays' projects ? The way it's conceived, the way it's built, it's all American.

It's all 'international' I guess, whether 'international' is American is another question.

Judging by photos, Hague struck me as North American the first time I saw it.

I guess it would have to be those new suburbs they're building outside of Disney Land Paris.
You have a point there. This below is probably the most U.S.A.-looking bit of suburbia anywhere in Europe.

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/1746/parc30pm2.jpg

A typical McMansion there.

Everything built in Europe after the 60s is somewhat American-influenced. From "new towns" to suburbs.

The place I live in is from the 70's and it's not US-influenced or oriented.

Of course, since architects and urbanists have been "globalised" since the 60's, you can find similar urbanism in America, but it doesn't necessarily originate from there.

Birmingham is often thought to be the most American big city in the UK.

I read that newer cities in the Netherlands are similar to sunbelt cities of the US.

I'd say mainly cities in Britain and Germany.

You have a point there. This below is probably the most U.S.A.-looking bit of suburbia anywhere in Europe.

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/1746/parc30pm2.jpg

This is awful. It looks as an extension of Disneyland Paris. :puke:

I read that newer cities in the Netherlands are similar to sunbelt cities of the US.

Yeah, just without the sun.

Frankfurt has some american touch

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7f/Skyline_Frankfurt_am_Main.jpg/800px-Skyline_Frankfurt_am_Main.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e0/Frankfurt_am_Main_-_Skyline.jpg/800px-Frankfurt_am_Main_-_Skyline.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2a/Frankfurt_am_Main_Messeturm.jpg/450px-Frankfurt_am_Main_Messeturm.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d8/Skyline-sued-ffm003.jpg/800px-Skyline-sued-ffm003.jpg

http://www.fraport.de/cms/media/119/119911.fingerkopf_b_west.jpg

But then again Frankfurt also has some very old and stunning architecture as well, and a top-knotch transportation system. Something that most American cities can only dream about.

Hm... what we must to know, it's which european city have the most houses with open gardens 'cause normally, european gardens are closed by fences :lol:

But then again Frankfurt also has some very old and stunning architecture as well, and a top-knotch transportation system. Something that most American cities can only dream about.

New York, Boston, SF and many other American cities have more historic architecture than Frankfurt. Keep in mind that Frankfurt was almost completely destroyed during WW2 and only partly rebuild afterwards.

Paris has such similarities to Milwaukee. However, Paris is a bit less artistic and its street vibe is a bit duller.

^What? :? :lol:

^What? :? :lol:

I bet you didnt know that FREKI. :cheers:

the suburban areas around milton keynes are nothing like typical north american suburbia.

Paris has such similarities to Milwaukee. However, Paris is a bit less artistic and its street vibe is a bit duller.

Yes, now Milwaukee...

http://www.boomerangshop.com/dvdcover/ImageWeb2/LaverneShirleyTheComple11025_f.jpg

"We're gonna do it!" :lol:

Thanx all for your opinions.

I think that in Spain the city most seemed to an american city is Benidorm. I find that it has a certain resemblance with coastal cities of Brazil. The majority of the Spaniards think that it is the ugliest city of the country.

These fotos are of Mr. Wolf:

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/3526/bali2in4.jpg

http://img506.imageshack.us/img506/15/benishe2ap8.jpg

http://img506.imageshack.us/img506/2918/balinight1sx5.jpg

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/971/balinight6rl2.jpg

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/9752/beninight1od5.jpg

http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/6663/beninight5dt5.jpg

^^ It looks more Chinese than American.

Benidorm has a real third world feeling. Could be Chinese, Thai or Brazillian. But not North American.

Benidorm looks really close to any 3rd world country skyline.

The majority of the Spaniards think that it is the ugliest city of the country.


And they are right.

Benidorm has a real third world feeling. Could be Chinese, Thai or Brazillian. But not North American.

I haven't said that it is like a northamerican city, i have said that it is seemed to a brazilian coastel city. But now, it's thruth, could be chinese ot thai, you're right.

Paris has such similarities to Milwaukee. However, Paris is a bit less artistic and its street vibe is a bit duller.

this guy must be under drugs effect. :lol:

And they are right.
Definitely.

I would say, the most North American-like places in Spain would be some neighbourhoods built in the last years out of the big cities.

Like this one, close to Madrid;

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/1716/rivas2pe8.jpg

http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/3776/rivas3dr3.jpg

http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/3714/rivas4kj7.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j182/urbeuropa/Rivas4.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j182/urbeuropa/Rivas11.jpg

Personally, I wouldn't live there even if they gave me the house for free.

Wow... McMansions in Europe.
They are not that bad. People aren't supposed to live in huge condominia.

Yes, now Milwaukee...

http://www.boomerangshop.com/dvdcover/ImageWeb2/LaverneShirleyTheComple11025_f.jpg

"We're gonna do it!" :lol:

Hell yeah man. That show is one of our few claims to fame, aside from the Fonz, Harley Davidson, beer, and gay serial killers.

But seriously, no European city is really that similar to an American one. I guess some British cities would have the closest resemblance.

this guy must be under drugs effect. :lol:

can Paris compete with this kind of streetlife?

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/2304/summerfestmr0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Thats how it is every day. I hate fighting through all those people to get to work. :lol:

Does anyone off hand know the least expensive European cities by the way?

Tiraspol is the cheapest.

this guy must be under drugs effect. :lol:

Paris is quite simmilar to Las Vegas

Tiraspol is the cheapest.

What about Białka Tatrzańska ?

What about Białka Tatrzańska ?

It's a tourist town now, so it's not as cheap as before.

I was looking a bit more Western Europe. Flights from O'Hare to Moldova would cost me a $2,000 alone.

You're missing out tho, look.

http://visitpmr.com/node

can Paris compete with this kind of streetlife?



Thats how it is every day. I hate fighting through all those people to get to work. :lol:

Indeed, Paris is much more glamour and cool, than this. :yes:

Paris is just a cheap copy of Vegas:D;)

You're missing out tho, look.

http://visitpmr.com/node

it looks like an intesting city/country, but it just isnt in the budget flight wise. 2,000 is a bit steep for me right now!

Indeed, Paris is much more glamour and cool, than this. :yes:

Nothing is more cool than where I live. Well, maybe Moscow or Minneapolis.

can Paris compete with this kind of streetlife?

Thats how it is every day. I hate fighting through all those people to get to work. :lol:

Of course
http://www.urbanphoto.net/gallerytwo/g2data/albums/paris/038.JPG

Paris holds nothing over Milwaukee :yes:

:?

Paris is just a cheap copy of Vegas:D;)

Yes, especially this metal tower they build in Paris.

A bit of European suburbia
Paris outermost suburbs

http://www.survoldefrance.fr/photos/highdef/3081.jpg

http://www.survoldefrance.fr/photos/highdef/5031.jpg

:?

http://splinteredsunrise.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/fonz.jpg

http://www.40ouncebeer.com/pics400/oldmilwaukeebottle.jpg

Melbourne's probably one of the most European type cities outside of Europe, in terms of architecture and life style, it's got the cafe scene, alley ways with small shops, the architecture especially. It's predicted to over come Sydney in population by 2030 i think.
http://i31.tinypic.com/2v1582b.jpg
http://i29.tinypic.com/33tiipf.jpg

Of course
http://www.urbanphoto.net/gallerytwo/g2data/albums/paris/038.JPG

Whats so good about crowds of people every 3 world city have them

Why in DLM this thread?

Once that a thread is on topic on general Euroscrapers :D

Definitely.

I would say, the most North American-like places in Spain would be some neighbourhoods built in the last years out of the big cities.

Like this one, close to Madrid;

http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/3776/rivas3dr3.jpg

Personally, I wouldn't live there even if they gave me the house for free.

Yikes, that looks like British suburbia on steroids.

I didnt think the Spanish would go for houses like this.

The myth of the suburban house with a garden, two cars and a labrador is strong everywhere I am afraid.

http://splinteredsunrise.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/fonz.jpg

You guys have statues of Napoleon and Lord Nelson in your cities. This is who we get. No lie. There will be a statue of the Fonz in downtown Milwaukee. :nuts:

Melbourne's probably one of the most European type cities outside of Europe, in terms of architecture and life style, it's got the cafe scene, alley ways with small shops, the architecture especially. It's predicted to over come Sydney in population by 2030 i think.

^^:nono: I don't think that, i've been in Melbourne and it has a few old architecture (it's only my opinion), perhaps the most european city outside of Europe is Buenos Aires.

You're missing out tho, look.

http://visitpmr.com/node

Visitors say: "Compared to Moldova, this is like the Riviera"

Visitors say: "Compared to Moldova, this is like the Riviera"

:lol:

You guys have statues of Napoleon and Lord Nelson in your cities. This is who we get. No lie. There will be a statue of the Fonz in downtown Milwaukee. :nuts:

There is no shame in that. Fonzie has inspired millions :cheers:

looking at the Warsaw skyline at first i thought it was some american city

Athens looks like LA. :)

Athens looks like LA. :)
:hilarious without the skyscrapers...

^And a helluva lot denser.

Athens looks like LA. :)

And Dusseldorf looks like Rio.

Esbjerg always reminds me of Miami.

And Dusseldorf looks like Rio.

So true!

http://www.rheinschwimmen-server.de/images/SkylineStrand.jpg
Photo by mspelter

:hilarious without the skyscrapers...

I was gonna say.. :D

Frankfurt looks like an American City. By looking at the nice skycrapers.

But I think Rotterdam looks also like a medium northern American City. Rotterdam has'nt got a historical centre and has a multicultural diversity of people. 45% White, 55% Colored inhabitants.

Rotterdam centre 1910 and 1940
http://appl.gemeentearchief.rotterdam.nl/rotterdamtweedewereldoorlog/_resources/images/foto_1.jpg http://appl.gemeentearchief.rotterdam.nl/rotterdamtweedewereldoorlog/_resources/images/foto_2.jpg

Downtown
http://i1.tinypic.com/sgsg2u.jpg

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/8581/hellokitty2qb7.jpg

Little Manhatten?
http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/6529/12801024wilhelminapieracc1.jpg

^^Frankfurt actually looks more American than I thought it would.

Downtown

Reminds me of Denver much or less.. (old houses excluded)

Little Manhatten?


No :D

Rotterdam looks really American.

most of the germanic countries look and feel pretty american in general (excluding the historic areas).

I think Frankfurt looks totally European, it has one of the best skylines of Europe but this does not make it American. It still reflects a European city.

1. Łódź
2. Warsaw
3. Katowice
4. Moscow
5. Paris suburbs

5. Paris suburbs

Paris suburbs are their own thing. The truth is that their conception is very French : commieblocks ad infinitum are a French invention.

If you allude to La Défense, one more time, it doesn't really feel like America.

Welcome to LA :P
http://fc01.deviantart.com/fs12/f/2006/337/f/1/WARSAW_IN_THE_EVENING_by_wwwkrzyzewskipl.jpg

Paris suburbs are their own thing. The truth is that their conception is very French : commieblocks ad infinitum are a French invention.

If you allude to La Défense, one more time, it doesn't really feel like America.

Paris suburbs aren't commieblocks but houses.

Paris suburbs aren't commieblocks but houses.

Then you mean all those styleless individual houses in the periphery that make tentacular cities. Well, lotissements's roots lie in the XVIIIth century. Most of XIXth century urbanism is about lotissements with the infamous lotissements pourris inhabited by workers. This is the mythology of the boulevards périphériques.

In the late XXth century, the myth of individual property made this phenomenon drastically increase. It's true that the concept of living in a tiny pavillion far from the turpitudes of the center town is somewhat an American concept but architecturally speaking, it's not really the same thing.

He is right Giri, Paris suburbs = commieblocks is a myth
most of Paris suburbs are 70's to 2000's little house.

Most inhabitants of Paris suburbs are in middle class, and suburbs have a lower poverty, crime rate and unemployement rate than inner Paris.

Don't generalise te Parisian suburbs with only the Seine Saint Denis it is only 1.5 of the 8 million inhabitants and even the whole Seine Saint Denis is not like these myth.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e5/Hauts_chatou.jpg/900px-Hauts_chatou.jpg

He is right Giri, Paris suburbs = commieblocks is a myth
most of Paris suburbs are 70's to 2000's little house.


We were dealing with towns looking like American ones. I could not imagine that lotissements could be seen as American-looking.

maybe the south costa del sol urban area with torremolinos, fuengirola, benalmadena,marbella

http://www.torremolinos.com/images/Ciudad/0-1.jpg
http://www.reisgraag.nl/pictures/spanje/Costa%20del%20Sol/Benalmadena/foto_Benalmadena.jpg/Benalmadena.jpg

This is awful. It looks as an extension of Disneyland Paris. :puke:

it IS a part disneyland

Frankfurt is said to have some similarities with Atlanta from the distance.

http://www.rebstockpark-ffm.de/foto8.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/133/338251746_715f35e050_b.jpg
http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/1844/0006rc5.jpg

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/5797/n01jg8.jpg
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/9626/n02fg2.jpg

http://lh5.google.de/SpielmannszugHerschbach/RvVkhfR25iI/AAAAAAAADnE/egl7LbAs-oM/s800/IMG_0041.JPG
http://lh5.google.de/SpielmannszugHerschbach/RvVkzfR25oI/AAAAAAAADn4/_6ZNQOWx8BY/s800/IMG_0047.JPG

and this pic is ... maybe more of an australian style?
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/4448/0000000pr6.jpg

most of the germanic countries look and feel pretty american in general (excluding the historic areas).

I feel the opposite!

Warsaw:
http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/8463/dig1v.jpg

Some people say Frankfurt would feel American. Apart from the skyline, I don't agree at all.


Warsaw would fit that description better. Apart from the reconstructed old town.

Warsaw, like Frankfurt may have german looking skyline, but I dont think the rest of its architecture has much common with USA. How many commieblocks do you find in american cities?

on the other side, Warsaw is chaotic and car-dominated, which AFAIK are typically american traits.

Warsaw, like Frankfurt may have german looking skyline
Freudian slip? :lol:


How many commieblocks do you find in american cities?
Way too many actually. Well, let's rather call them capiblocks ;)

Warsaw is chaotic and car-dominated, which AFAIK are typically american traits.
That's part of the reason I take Warsaw into account. It's also pretty American oriented, just as most of Poland is. It's also fraught with advertisements, which looks rather dull sadly.

Warsaw is far from being car dominated actually, if you don't live in some new apartment complex in the middle of nowhere you can rely solely on public transport I don't even have a car for the matter... Warsaw is quite sprawled but it's mostly completely different kind of sprawl than what you see in America. But we have quite a big problem with advertising, billboards etc. especially in the city centre and yes it's dull as hell.

Well, I guess "car dominated" includes big (or rather oversized) magistrals and traffic infrastructure, which is typical for both former East block countries and America - ironically enough.

Well we have some wide streets but many of them have tram tracks in the middle

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/3064/2541319004cd15a72ec1oct5.jpg
http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/5489/25413162445a26e1fe43oat3.jpg
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/790/254050034318479bfe17obx3.jpg
http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/3676/254194442226bd29c40fomm3.jpg
and I wouldn't really say it's oversized

Warsaw:
http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/8463/dig1v.jpg
and suburbs:
http://arbiter.pl/files/g/2_7385_279_7941_.jpg

http://arbiter.pl/files/g/2_7390_P1010065_.jpg

http://wycieczki.arbiter.pl/files/g/2_7807_290_9089_.jpg

http://arbiter.pl/files/g/2_7354_278_7813__filtered.jpg

http://arbiter.pl/files/g/2_7356_278_7822_.jpg

http://www.skarbkazgor.pl/zdjecia/253.jpg

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/5414/dscn3456b.jpg

Warsaw is far from being car dominated actually, if you don't live in some new apartment complex in the middle of nowhere you can rely solely on public transport I don't even have a car for the matter... Warsaw is quite sprawled but it's mostly completely different kind of sprawl than what you see in America. But we have quite a big problem with advertising, billboards etc. especially in the city centre and yes it's dull as hell.
Agreed, 120 km of existing mostly separated tramway tracks, and new U/C or planned tracks, is far from being car dominated. Not mentioning subway, and railway hub. Over 50% of journeys in Warsaw is held with use of public transport.

Any city without public transportation, massive suburban sprawl and literary no pedestrian areas would be very similar to American cities.

As far as european cities similar to latin american cities, I'd say some southern mediterranean cities where the culture is more loud and on the streets.... with hordes of people all over the place in parks, avenues etc.

Some people say Frankfurt would feel American. Apart from the skyline, I don't agree at all.


Warsaw would fit that description better. Apart from the reconstructed old town.

I lived in Frankfurt 2 years and honestly is nothing like the USA.... (I also lived in the USA 9 years of my life)

Frankfurt feels like a German city that was to be like new york :lol:

Istanbul Maslak

http://wowturkey.com/t.php?p=/tr416/Suha_DSC_1261.jpg

http://wowturkey.com/t.php?p=/tr404/forzAnil_DSC04945.jpg

Lodz in Poland and the Detroit, find which is which ;)
Lodz was biggest in Europe centrer of textile industry Detroit was biggest city in the world of car industry. Build in nearly the same time, collapsed in similar time.


http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/jalopnik/2008/12/Motor-City-Industrial-Park.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_WR-OIckqHQQ/RuavEqL6bVI/AAAAAAAAIEY/J8ocZCa9AWc/IMG_13982.JPG
http://www.rwnaturenotes.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/detroit_train_station.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_WR-OIckqHQQ/RuaumKL6bUI/AAAAAAAAIEM/f91GHSKbFBo/IMG_09943+-+ul.+Kilińskiego+83.JPG
http://i.pinger.pl/pgr434/2652a5e300038dcf4bb72946/IMG_0092.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2407/1505041641_b17edf18a8.jpg

Lodz = Detroit is interesting. There must be areas of Lodz which are uber European/Polish though ? Still.. I can see your point.

In England,Birmingham is thought of as very American like.

I can see the obvious comparisons with Frankfurt and American cities, but Frankfurt has some lovely typical German buildings which are not found in American cities I think.

No way Lodz is full of pretty buildings though it is a tad neglected

Lodz = Detroit is interesting. There must be areas of Lodz which are uber European/Polish though ? Still.. I can see your point.

In England,Birmingham is thought of as very American like.

I can see the obvious comparisons with Frankfurt and American cities, but Frankfurt has some lovely typical German buildings which are not found in American cities I think.

Well Birmingham is very car-centric as are American cities. We must be the only city in Europe with no real 'old town'. We have nothing left beyond late Victorian.

I would have to say Milton keynes, go on google maps street view you see what I mean

The most American thing about Lodz is probably its perpendicular road system:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KiL7a5apu6Y/Sk-74qjxlrI/AAAAAAAAFKs/Xv85TkkfYOo/s800/09_piatek_009.jpg

Tutaj masz lepsiejsze... (http://www.cezaryskorka.pl)
http://www.cezaryskorka.pl/lodz/pop/26.jpg

http://www.cezaryskorka.pl/lodz/pop/27.jpg

http://www.cezaryskorka.pl/lodz/pop/28.jpg

the perpendicular road system is common in europe and around the world, i don't get why people in lodz consider it so characteristic and american...

the perpendicular road system was founded in Europe by Hippodamus ; )

http://www.bodrumpages.com/images/history/Milet_plan.gif

btw. Warsaw actually fits to the topic, due to it's skyline, wide streets & quite large suburbs
by filosss
Jedna z ciekawszych miejscówek jakie ostatnio zaliczyłem. Kadr surowy bez jakiejkolwiek obróbki...

http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae339/filosss2010/2011/DSCF0236.jpg?t=1302073083

Reykjavik ofcourse!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/205/504323301_35d210f05d_o.jpg

Warsaw

by bprzybysz
http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/7333/panoramacentrum.jpg

by michal1701
http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/8360/dsc06748we.jpg

hilarious thread!

ok, hai!

registered to this forum today since don't know where else to post this question.
this may be considered as spamming/trolling but anyway

so ... why don't americans plan & build european cities ?!
for exaple, take european cities like:
London, Paris, Madrid, Brussels, Zurich, Berlin, Frankfurdt, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, ... etc
versus
New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Detroit, Miami, Seattle, Los Angeles, ... etc

in my opinion, Americans should:
ban suburban sprawl, tax motorcars, develop inter-city rail, build tramlinks, metro .. etc
Build strictly-pedestrian/bicycle town-areas similar to european old-towns , build seaside promenades, public parks and forests ... etc
concentrate high-rise financial districts away from city-centre similar to London city and Paris City ..
Build out-of-city industrial and high-tech estates ... etc etc

btw, I live in a rural seaside area in Scandinavia

Martin

That's because Americans like big things. Big houses, big cars, lot's of land. Once you got used to this it's kinda hard getting back to european scales.

They also are not terribly fond of the idea of being dependant on mass transit.

However, currently there is a strong trend towards reviltalization of American cities. I would not really claim there is a huge gap in urban development now. Just think of places like Seattle or Portland. Or count american cities with decent Light rail systems/subways, or rail links to the airports. You'll be surprized.

.. ok ...

Seattle and Minneapolis look most appealing out of US cities, at least for me .. or ..
some small town in USA - Bloomington,Indiana; Frederick,Maryland

ok .. so ..
none of my business how USA work as a country and what is best way to build cities, infrastructure, human habitat, etc etc.
USA is obviously the biggest energy consumer on the planet.
USA is an industrialized nation, car-dependent, trade-focused .. and therefore,
straightforward city grid and city blocks of skyscrapers is the most rational urban layout for USA cities, right? ok ..
.. but ..
there are other city designs which suit humans very well -
Montreal, Canada
Costa Rica, San José
Denmark, Copenhagen
Finland, Helsinki
Germany, Düsseldorf
Spain, Madrid
Switzerland, Zurich
Austria, Vienna
Australia, Melbourne
...
.. or .. simply build communist concrete blocks http://www.flickr.com/photos/martinmartiini/galleries/72157627129767633/

Paris suburbs are their own thing. The truth is that their conception is very French : commieblocks ad infinitum are a French invention.
.

This is true.
prefabricated concrete kommunist apartment-block is a French invention

^^:nono: I don't think that, i've been in Melbourne and it has a few old architecture (it's only my opinion), perhaps the most european city outside of Europe is Buenos Aires.

Nothing screams desperation like Melburnians trying to hijack threads that have nothing to do with Australia with their pathetic, look at us we're really good posts...unfortunately so common on SSC:(

Lisbon / San Francisco

Frankfurt is said to have some similarities with Atlanta from the distance.

http://www.rebstockpark-ffm.de/foto8.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/133/338251746_715f35e050_b.jpg
http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/1844/0006rc5.jpg

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/5797/n01jg8.jpg
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/9626/n02fg2.jpg

http://lh5.google.de/SpielmannszugHerschbach/RvVkhfR25iI/AAAAAAAADnE/egl7LbAs-oM/s800/IMG_0041.JPG
http://lh5.google.de/SpielmannszugHerschbach/RvVkzfR25oI/AAAAAAAADn4/_6ZNQOWx8BY/s800/IMG_0047.JPG

and this pic is ... maybe more of an australian style?
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/4448/0000000pr6.jpg

Yes, I always thought Frankfurt looked very American.

Warsaw, like Frankfurt may have german looking skyline, but I dont think the rest of its architecture has much common with USA. How many commieblocks do you find in american cities?

on the other side, Warsaw is chaotic and car-dominated, which AFAIK are typically american traits.

How does Warsaw have a German looking skyline? Silly you are. High rise skylines first appeared in the USA. They invented skyscrapers after all. We all know European metropolises are copying this. And give me an example of any major European city that does not have problems with traffic jams? Do you really think Warsaw is more chaotic than London, Paris or Rome? Rome is famous for it's traffic. I was just in Warsaw and I know that the transit is quite good in the suburbs.