Vancouver, the flirtation with Robson Square has been lovely. So lovely, dare we say, that we think it’s time to put a ring on it.

Director Park in downtown Portland, Oregon. Flickr: p medved.

A public square should be a city’s living room. A place for special occasions, celebrations, and big events, but also a place for day to day life, for gathering and socializing. A public square should be an orientation point; a place to visit; a place to take a moment between comings and goings; a space where we can meet people; and a space where we can be pleasantly surprised. We make spaces into places in our minds and collective imagination, when we have the time to get comfortable with them — as we learn their character, discover their efficiencies and eccentricities peeking out from behind the façades of our daily activities. And yes, we make spaces into places when we get to see them through the cycle of the seasons; or indeed, through the broader cycles of human life. A successful public square needs to be accessible, open to everyone, and open all year round, and we think Robson Square can be this — if we give it more of a chance to truly become a place.

Where’s Vancouver’s public square?

Is Robson Square our city living room? Do we have a safe and comfortable, centrally located public plaza where something is always happening, where we can observe Vancouverites, tourists, office workers, children, parents, grandparents, and everyone else that visits or lives in our city? We may have incredible parks and beaches, lively streets and civic facilities, but do we have a place like Director Park in Portland, Trafalgar Square in London, or Piazza Navona in Rome?

Although Vancouverites are flocking back to the city from the suburbs to live and work, we still appear to flee to the edges, often beyond the suburbs, for our leisure. For public space we’ve been described as a “centrifugal city” – with good spaces on the edge, and the absence of a successful year round gathering space in the city centre.

Robson Square was a very successful focal point during the Olympics, and for the last three years,the square has proven to be a great venue for the Vancouver Jazz Festival, which proves that Robson Square can work well as a public gathering area. More casual programming via summertime seating installations (such as this year’s “Urban Reef”) illustrate how well the space can be used for enhancing the everyday urban experience. Why wouldn’t it? Robson Square is at the heart of downtown Vancouver. It’s a major pedestrian thoroughfare. When VPSN launched the very popular ‘Where’s the Square?’ design competition, Robson Square was a favourite location for the creation of a new ‘grand gathering place’.

Because of the Summer Spaces initiatives and ‘Where’s the Square?’ we know people want to sit, watch, eat and gather in Robson Square. We have seen that some activations, designs and seating seem to work better than others. We know from surveys and polls that the idea is a popular one with many residents. But we also know there are some challenges that need to be looked at. For example, the current lighting and evening business closures make the square less appealing after dark, and that there isn’t much shelter from the weather.

However more important than what we know about Robson Square, is the potential that lies in what we don’t yet know, because Robson Square isn’t open all year round.

There is a whole world of possibilities beyond the celebratory, the economic, the playful, or the casual gathering purposes that serve as the primary point of focus of VIVA Vancouver’s summer programming, that we can only explore when Robson Square is pedestrianized full-time and year-round.

Could Robson Square be a successful public space in the winter?

Vancouver Christmas Market; Flickr: Cara kiwinky

How might Robson Square serve as a platform for ever-important political expression? How might Robson Square function as a site of collective mourning or grief?

Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto inscribed with tributes to NDP leader Jack Layton upon his passing. Flickr: Jackman Chiu.

These are questions we just can’t answer with the way we’re using the space now. Seeing the year around, everyday, and spontaneous use of Robson Square allows us to form the kinds of relationships with people that play a key role in countering, or possibly even overcoming, the disconnection cited by so many Vancouverites (clearly captured by the Vancouver Foundation’s studies and report on loneliness).

Important transit challenges

Robson Square is an important block in Vancouver – for visitors using all modes of transportation. We recognize that restricting car access will have an impact on drivers, passengers, deliveries and other vehicles, and that the complete pedestrianization of the space means requires strengthening alternative vehicle routes with minimal delays. But the benefits of better pedestrian conditions at the heart of downtown Vancouver will be a net benefit for the whole city.

We also know that Robson Square is currently part of an important downtown transit route. A permanently pedestrianized square requires finding alternative transit routes which provide an equal or better transit service. Since summer of 2013, TransLink and the City of Vancouver’s Downtown bus review has been looking at how to improve the entire downtown network, including how Robson Square fits in, and we think viable all year alternatives have been identified.

Could Robson Square accommodate both transit and pedestrian spaces at the same time, while excluding all other vehicles? We have seen many examples that exist around the world of public transit vehicles that are integrated with public spaces, yet we have to see discussions at a deeper level on what this would look like for Robson Square. Robson Square (and the 800-block) has a layout is multi-level, and extremely narrow in places. This makes it quite different than most squares that feature bus or tram routing – and it means that conflicts between transit and pedestrians could be exacerbated. Programming of the 800-block with street-level markets, seating, small events and other popular public space activities would be a challenge, if not impossible.

We are confident that a year round solution that improves transit and public space can be found. More ongoing conversations are clearly needed to learn more, and to ensure that any challenges are properly mitigated. It’s important that we make Robson Square a permanent public space that is accessible and welcoming to everyone.

A quick update on the Robson Square expansion — including a good opportunity for weekend fun and a few little hiccups that have emerged in this initiative.

First up – your chance to get a sense for what an expanded square might be like. Construction fencing was recently pulled aside on the street section of the 800-block of Robson (south of the Art Gallery) and the space is now open to pedestrians and cyclists… at least for a little while. 

The weather promises to be sunny this weekend, so if you have the chance we encourage you to take a stroll through the space. And while you’re there, imagine what it could be like with a summer time market, patio seats, buskers, artists, a small performance to two… and any number of the other things that are enjoyed in good public plazas the world over. Artist Susan Milley recently did a drawing what the 800-block of Robson Square might look like under these circumstances. If you’ve got other ideas, please send them our way!

A few other Robson Square-related activities are also happening this weekend. If you happen to be heading to the 800-block on Saturday around noon… be sure to take a pillow with you — it’s World Pillow Fight Day, which is always a treat! Then, on Sunday, check out the Arthur Erickson Memorial Lecture with architect Bing Thom. Thom recently proposed a new performance space on the north lawn of the VAG and has spoken passionately about the value of Robson Square. This will be a great evening lecture.

And now the hiccups. 

Sadly, we’ve learned that this weekend might be one of the best and only chances that people have to enjoy an expanded Robson Square… at least in the short term. 

As you know, the VPSN has been advocating for the City to take advantage of the current street closure and traffic re-routing. The Province’s renovation work on Robson Square has facilitated a change in car and transit routing over the past two years. We see this as a golden opportunity for the City to secure the 800-block for a permanent square.

In fact, City Council has unanimously supported this idea, and passed a motion in December 2010 to create “a major public square at 800 Robson Street to coincide with Vancouver’s 125th Anniversary.”

In the course of proposing some summertime programming on the site, we’ve learned that Translink is quite concerned about any closure of the 800-block. In particular, they are uneasy with the idea of a continued re-routing of the #5 Robson bus (which used to run along Robson between Denman and Granville, but has been re-routed down Burrard for the past 14 months). As we understand it, the fear is that continued re-routing of #5 will affect the long-term ‘legibility’ of the overall transit system.

From our perspective, putting buses back on but not cars is an option – though by no means the best. The idea, in fact, was floated in the original Arthur Erickson design as far back as the 1970s. However, we feel that this approach compromises the usability of the space for a wide array of programming…. a lesson that is being learned on the newly redesigned Granville Street. You can exactly yell “bus!” and move a market or patio seating out of the way every 10 minutes.

In any event, we’re trying to learn more about the specific nature of Translink’s concerns and will report back when we do. In the meantime, we’d be interested in hearing from any transit planners and engineers (or transit users) about this issue. Are there alternatives that can allow similar or better transit service to be provided in this area? Is the presence of a public square at the 800-block a true challenge, or can is it possible to come up with some creative solutions?

And if you feel so inclined, consider taking 5 minutes to write a short letter copied to Ian Jarvis, Translink CEO [mailto:ian.jarvis@translink.ca] and Mayor Gregor Robertson [mailto:gregor.robertson@vancouver.ca]. Your letters of support for the closure of the 800-block were part of the reason Council voted to support the idea. It is still very important to let the City and Translink know that you support this important initiative.

Have a great weekend!

– The VPSN Team

p.s. There was a good article in the Courier today on some new bike infrastructure proposed by the City. Apparently an underwater bike tunnel is in the works – modelled after the Tsrif Lirpa system found in Finland. Not as tenable an idea as a good public square – but perhaps more timely, given the day. You can read the article here.

B.P.O. Elks Circus, at the Cambie Street Grounds (Larwill Park) – 1 May 1926.
CVA Reference – 99-1549

Among the many Council items on the docket tomorrow is a staff report on the possible relocation of the Vancouver Art Gallery. The report addresses the 688 Cambie Street location that the VAG currently has their eyes on (the giant parking bordered by Georgia, Dunsmuir, Cambie and Beatty). And while it doesn’t give a ‘yea’ or ‘nay’ either way, it does give the VAG two years to come up with a funding plan for the site, a comprehensive review of the various options for relocation and a number of other items.

And, as an added bonus – which makes us quite happy – the report also directs staff to investigate the possibility of locating a public plaza “fronting Georgia Street” as part of this process. Given that the site in question used to be one of Vancouver’s premier gathering places, this could mean the creation of a brand new public space. May we be first to suggest the name “Larwill Square“?

VPSN Chair Erin O’Melinn wrote a short letter noting our support for the report – and also took the opportunity to suggest to City Council that additional planning work also needs to be done for the existing VAG site at Robson Square. Here’s an excerpt from the letter:

Although our organization does not have a formal position on the Art Gallery move, we nevertheless recognize the need to secure the site at 688 Cambie Street so that the appropriate research and planning work can take place. 

Furthermore, we are particularly supportive of Recommendation E – pertaining to the investigation of options for the development of a public plaza fronting Georgia Street. Regardless of whether the VAG moves into the site, we feel that the 688 Cambie Street location is ideally suited to development as a public space – and that this would increase the cultural, social, and physical connectivity in that neighbourhood. Not only is this the former site of Larwill Park – one of the city’s chief gathering spaces in the early-to-mid 20^th century – but the location is particularly well suited because of its proximity to the Georgia Steps, key cultural facilities, transit and cycling infrastructure.

Our hope is that the public realm aspect of the discussion can be kept in sharp focus. There is great potential for the area to become more of a cultural and economic centre, and a more welcoming place for people to connect to amenities such as the library, Queen Elizabeth Theatre, the Playhouse, CBC, and the many cultural and retail facilities in the Downtown and Downtown Eastside. To that end, we would request that the discussion around a plaza at this location also be referenced in the Downtown Public Space Plan that you requested staff to produce on December 2, 2010.

Finally, we also wish to note that any relocation of the VAG also has the potential to create a significant impact on the Court House site and Robson Square. These are also vitally important public spaces in Vancouver. We would request that Council also direct staff, in consultation with the public and key stakeholders, to explore future options for this site. In this regard, if the VAG does move, there will be a transition strategy in place to ensure that these sites retain – or improve – their present day role in the public life of the city.

A quick update from today’s City Council session. The motion to turn the 800 block on Robson into a public square has been referred to one of Thursday’s Standing Committee meetings – either City Services and Budgets (9:30am), or Planning & Environment (2:00pm). UPDATE: The motion will be discussed at the City Services and Budgets Meeting (December 2, 9:30am). 

This is a good step – because it means that the motion will now be formally debated. It also means that there is still time for you to have your voice heard on this important initiative – either by sending Mayor and Council a note of support, or by signing up to speak in person on Thursday.

Tonight’s meeting itself was revealing, and gives some idea about the type of discussion that may take place a couple of days from now. Our guess is that, for a variety of reasons, the wholesale adoption of this motion is not going to be as straightforward as some people in the community have envisioned.

For example, members of COPE have expressed some reluctance to support the motion because they feel that it might be redundant. In April of this year, one of their Councillors (David Cadman) introduced a motion that asked for “Saturday and Sunday closures of Robson Street, as during the Olympics” (something the VPSN supported at the time). It’s not clear if this concern will be mitigated during the debate. (Our position on this is that the present motion – asking for the investigation of a permanent closure – appears to be sufficiently different in both scope and geography).

At the same time, there will also likely be a push by Vision Councillors to locate this motion within a larger discussion of Olympic legacies. This has some merit, given that staff were requested (in March 2010) to report back to Council with information on the ways the City could sustain a number of Olympic-style activities (including the streetcar, sports activities and more). There was also some discussion, though not explicit at the time, of public space components being included in this — and indeed, Councillor Cadman’s motion was later tacked on to the work City staff were directed to undertake in this regard. The report has not yet been presented to Council.

We feel that the present motion is actually complementary to both public space programming (a la Cllr. Cadman’s motion) and a larger Olympic legacies discussion. However – and this is key – it also needs to be looked at in and of itself.

Not only is the public space itself very clearly defined under the present motion (a specific, key block vs. “Robson Street”), but what is being asked for is a closure and transformation of the space rather than a temporary Summer Spaces style of programming). We feel that this is an important distinction, because a permanent closure will require a different portfolio of planning, design and resourcing activities.

But more to the point, securing Robson Square is a hot opportunity – because the block in question is presently closed for construction and has already changed traffic patterns in the area. The ‘window’ that this affords is not particularly large. The ideal situation, we feel, is to close the space immediately after the Province’s renovation work is completed. That way, it can be more easily be transitioned into a different use — much the way the Dunsmuir viaduct lane was repurposed for a bike lane (after being closed to car traffic for some time).

For this reason we feel that the best direction Council could take on Thursday would be to direct staff to undertake the appropriate resourcing planning to get the site lined up and secured now, while also directing staff to incorporate the site as a “Quick action” component of an expedited Olympic legacies report. Any work to enhance the space (design work, fundraising, etc.) can then be done in a more involved fashion under the banner of a range of City initiatives (including Olympic Legacies, Greenest City, the upcoming Transportation Plan, and so forth).

How you can help. If you haven’t already done so, please take a moment to write a letter or email to Council in support of this motion. Encourage others to do the same! Write a short note expressing your support for the creation of a permanent square on the 800 block of Robson, and the closure of Robson Street between Hornby and Howe. It would also be helpful to note in your letter that securing the space would be a good first step in realizing a number of Olympic legacies and public space goals – but that timing is of the essence on this one.

Council can be emailed at mayorandcouncil@vancouver.ca.

If you have the time to present your thoughts in person, consider getting on the speakers list by contacting the City Clerk’s office. Phone: 604.873.7276. Email: mayorandcouncil [at] vancouver.ca.

MEDIA COVERAGE

• Vancouver Courier – “City councillor floats downtown public square plan” – December 1, 2010
• CTV News – November 30, 2010 (sorry, couldn’t figure out how to link to the specific clip, but it’s online under BC news.
• City Caucus – “Reclaim Robson Street as a people place” – November 30, 2010
• 24 Hours – “A recipe for instant soul downtown Vancouver” – November 30, 2010
• Vancouver Observer – “A public square for downtown Vancouver” November 27, 2010
• Metro – A Eurostyle square for Robson – November 26, 2010

Next Tuesday, November 30, a very important public space motion will be debated at City Council. We need your help with making some very positive noise about this one.

Councillor Suzanne Anton is introducing a motion to expand Robson Square by closing down Robson Street between Howe and Hornby. This would, in effect, pedestrianize the entire south side of the Art Gallery block and turn it into a larger public gathering place. For proponents of a downtown public square this is an extraordinary opportunity. And given that the site is currently closed off because of other construction, the timing is excellent.

The specific text of the motion requests that:

“[City] staff consult with interested parties, including the general public, TransLink, the Downtown Vancouver BIA, the Robson Street BIA, the Art Gallery, and the Province of BC to consider the feasibility of creating a major public square at the 800 Robson Street, with a permanent closure of the street in that block.”

The VPSN is 100% supportive of this motion. For those of you who have been following our work with the Where’s the Square? initiative will know that we’ve long had our eye on this space (as did many of the designers who submitted plans during our ideas competition). The south end of the VAG is the natural spot for a grand gathering place in the downtown, and the present motion would provide a fantastic opportunity to enhance an already vital public space, making it more accessible, more people-friendly and more vibrant than it already is.

We believe that this motion supports the efforts and interests of all three political parties represented at City Council. It presents an chance to take a positive step forward on a number of fronts. Public gathering places of this sort play an important role in supporting urban sustainability, public health and the local economy.

We need your help to make this happen! Please take a few minutes to contact City Council to let them know that they favour such a motion. A quick letter or email will make all the difference.

Consider doing one of the following:

(1) Write to Mayor and Council and ask them to support the motion to permanently close Robson Street (between Hornby and Howe) and turn it into a public square. By post: Mayor Gregor Robertson and Members of Council, City of Vancouver, 453 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Y 1V4. By email: mayorandcouncil [at] vancouver.ca. You can also send it to each of the councillors individually: [firstname].[lastname]@vancouver.ca. NOTE: Try to get your letter in as soon as possible. If you want to write to specific members of Council check out this page. Please consider copying us on your correspondence – urbandesign [at] vancouverpublicspace.ca

(2) Make a brief presentation to Council. If you have the time to present your thoughts in person, consider getting on the speakers list by contacting the City Clerk’s office. Phone: 604.873.7276. Email: mayorandcouncil [at] vancouver.ca.

A Final Note: The motion will likely be referred to one of the Standing Committees of Council on Thursday, December 2. If you want to speak in person, plan on attending Thursday. The Clerk’s office will provide you more details.

Blame the great outdoors, but Vancouver lacks a central square — a place for citizens to turn inward and for visitors to feel that they have arrived.

It’s not the first time that these sorts of comments have been made, but as the Olympics roll-out across the city, it seems a timely reminder about the roll that grand public squares play in other cities.

At peak times, the downtown core of Vancouver will be seeing between 100,000 and 200,000 visitors pouring in — to catch sporting events, visit Live Sites and pavilions, and wind their way through the city’s streets and public spaces.

Granville Street and the Robson corridor between Granville and Burrard will be acting as stand-ins for our ‘missing’ downtown square. The pedestrianization of these two streets and there transformation into linear ‘squares’ was a critical step in creating sufficient gathering space for the crowds of Olympic enthusiasts.

Of course it’s a moot point to ask how these Games could play out if we had a larger central public square to add to the mix. ‘Sides, it would sound needlessly grumbly on our part (though for those who are interested, some of the lively possibilities for public gathering space are, in fact, well-profiled in the entries to our Where’s the Square? design competition.)

Our hope rather, is that the Olympic Games show us once and for all that we actually deserve the sort of central gathering space in Vancouver that you find in other cities. Temporarily pedestrianized streets are wonderful, but something more permanent and even more conducive to large public gatherings would be ideal. We may not get the Olympics again, but there’s no need to turn our back on other large gatherings.

At times during our Where’s the Square? Design Competition we heard a line of argument that suggested that the City and its residents were too focused on the mountains to want a central public square. This argument always seemed a bit dubious to us (what? Vancouverites aren’t capable of liking and partaking in both types of space?).

It’s only been a few days, but the Olympics have already shown us a different side to the city’s public life. Want a good legacy for the Games? Let’s make this the year that we finally get serious about planning for a central public square.