If you go back and read Gropius' old books about the New Architecture, the original point of steel-and-glass skyscrapers was that by building up instead of out,

If you go back and read Gropius' old books about the New Architecture, the original point of steel-and-glass skyscrapers was that by building up instead of out, you could devote the rest of the surface to other uses, like parks or shops. There would be enough space between buildings so every window gets sunlight, and there would be livable and walkable space all around. The taller the building, the more space you need between buildings to ensure every floor gets direct light. We've totally butchered the spirit by packing them back-to-back-to-back, and removing all the green. It's like "We took a Beethoven symphony, and made it more efficient by removing all the rests!" No, you ruined it. The space between was part of the work.