There are more than 7,500 metered parking spaces in Vancouver. By reclaiming some of these spaces, we hope to encourage people to re-imagine the possibilities for new and different types of public space in our urban landscape.

The VPSN intervention will be part of several taking place. The Robson Street Business Association has been working with the City’s Viva Vancouver to help create a series of interventions along the street. Be sure to drop by during the day and check out the placemaking magic. You’ll also see other activations by the Vancouver Design Nerds and CityHive.

BACKGROUND
Originally devised in 2005 by ReBar, a San Francisco-based art and design studio, PARK(ing) Day challenges people to rethink the way streets are used and reinforces the need for broad-based changes to urban infrastructure. Since 2005, the project has blossomed into a worldwide grassroots movement: The Vancouver Public Space Network has been undertaking Park(ing) Day interventions since 2008.

Downtown Bus Service Review

Last year, Translink initiated a review of Vancouver’s downtown bus network (the routes and connections of buses and community shuttles operating on the downtown peninsula). The intent of this review is to facilitate better linkages between downtown neighbourhoods, improved connection to Canada Line facilities, and greater reliability of service.

Part of the motivation for this work also relates to key public space initiatives:

• The opportunity to expand Robson Square and transform the 800-block of Robson into a pedestrian-only space;
• The potential relocation of the Vancouver Art Gallery, and the possibility of closing the 600-block of Cambie Street;
• Potential changes to the Georgia and Dunsmuir Viaducts and the North East False Creek area.

The Bus Service Review is an important opportunity. As noted in Translink’s study materials “over the past twenty years the downtown population has more than doubled.” The Review will help decision-makers plan for transit service that meets the needs of residents and visitors to the downtown peninsula. Equally importantly, it has the potential to play a significant part in the creation of some excellent new public spaces for the city.

This is particularly true in the case of an expanded Robson Square. Summertime re-routing of the #5 bus (to accommodate the temporary public space on the 800-block) has been a cause for concern among some West End residents. The VPSN has been calling for an exploration of alternatives that would enable these concerns to be addressed. Thanks to the Bus Service Review, we now have some options to look at – including some temporary measures to support the summertime transformation of Robson.

On April 2, Translink released a set of network design concepts for public review. The concepts feature alternative and enhanced routes for much of the downtown peninsula, as well as some eastern corridor routes (those routes coming in and out of downtown along Hastings, Powell and other east-side streets). The various options are assessed in an accompanying Technical Summary document, which reviews the various pros and cons associated with each. Of note: each of the alternatives also features a specific scenario relating to the expansion and pedestrianization of Robson Square.

Translink is asking for your opinion on these ideas. Please lend a hand by attending a public open house or sharing your thoughts online.

Open House Dates

There are three upcoming events (one also took place this past weekend) where you can weigh in with your thoughts. These take place:

• Wednesday, April 9; 3-6pm – Woodward’s Atrium
• Thursday, April 10; 3-6pm – Roundhouse Community Centre
• Saturday, April 12; 11am-2pm – VPL Central Library

Online

You can also review open house materials and share your ideas at via an online questionnaire – both available at translink.ca/downtownbusreview. Deadline for input is Monday, April 21, 2014.

One of 79 ideas for transforming the 800-block – part of the Robson Redux Design Competition

Robson Redux

Earlier this year, the City of Vancouver launched Robson Redux, a design completion to “build and install a temporary public space installation that will transform the iconic 800 block of Robson St. in downtown Vancouver into a pedestrian plaza for the duration of summer 2014.”

This will be the fourth straight year that Vancouverites (and visitors) will get to play in an expanded Robson Square. Previous transformations included “Picnurbia” (2011), “Pop Rocks” (2012) and “Courderoy Road” (2013). However, 2014 marks the first year that the design competition format is being used.

There are two awards being given – the Jury Selection and the People’s Choice award, and last Thursday, the City held a wildly successful event at the Vancouver Art Gallery that launched the public voting component. With a total of 79 different concepts in play, it is fair to say that a tremendous amount of creativity has been brought to bear on the creation of a vibrant summertime space.

You can view all of the concepts – and choose your favourites – online. The deadline for People’s Choice voting is Sunday April 13.

UPDATE: The original survey deadline has been extended by a few days. It now closes on November 12, 2012.

The City of Vancouver has just launched a survey to gather input on the future of Block 51 – the area bounded by Hornby, Georgia, Robson and Howe. The survey looks at the possible expansion of Robson Square (creating a pedestrian-only space on the segment between Hornby to Howe) as well as the future of the north plaza of the Art Gallery (also called Courthouse Plaza or Centennial Plaza).

We’d encourage you to take a few moments to fill out the questionnaire – and to send it along to your various contacts and networks.

You can access the on-line version here: http://fluidsurveys.com/s/Block51/

Here’s a few more notes from the City’s announcement:

Please take a moment to fill out the survey. Let us know how you would like to see 800-block Robson Street and the Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza used in the future, and whether you support the permanent closure of 800-block Robson Street to create a pedestrian plaza.

Your feedback will be given to the designers of the Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza, and the feedback regarding 800-block Robson Street will be included in the report to Vancouver City Council.

If you could please help us out by sharing the survey link with your networks, via email or social media, it would be greatly appreciated. And if you are tweeting, please add the hashtag #Block51 to your tweets.

Survey link: http://fluidsurveys.com/s/Block51/

City webpage: http://vancouver.ca/block51

Poster for the City’s “Block 51” Events & Consultation

The City of Vancouver has just announced two events related to the potential expansion of Robson Square and the future of the north end of the Art Gallery. Both events are coming up next week (October 15 and October 17). They’re free, but you’ll need to register to attend. Act now, as seats are expected to go fast!

The events look at the past and future of the city’s “Block 51” – the parcel of land bounded by Robson, Howe, Georgia and Hornby. The focus of both will be on the important open-space areas to the north and south of the Art Gallery – and the opportunities for their potential enhancement.

At the south end, the popular 800-block of Robson Street has been temporarily closed for several months now, and the City is studying the possibility of improving this gathering area by keeping the street permanently closed to vehicles.

At the same time the City is also looking at potential design improvements to the north side of the Art Gallery site (variously known as Old Courthouse Square, or Centennial Square). Structural repairs need to be made to protect the underground Art Gallery facilities – and this presents an opportunity for other upgrades to the space.

While the VPSN’s attentions have been mainly focused on the closure of the 800-block of Robson, we’re also deeply interested in the future of the north end of the gallery. Both sites have played an extraordinary role in the city’s public life and we’re excited to see what comes out of these two events and the larger consultation.

Here are the details:

Monday, October 15 – A Look Back
Vancouver Art Gallery, 7:00-10:00 p.m.
750 Hornby Street 

The 1973 National Film Board film “Chairs for Lovers” and a panel with members of the original team for Robson Square will set the context of how this block came to be.

:: Register for “A Look Back”

Wednesday, October 17 – A Look Forward
Vancouver Art Gallery, 7:00-10:00 p.m.
750 Hornby Street

Short and inspirational presentations will look at how this block has been used over the last few years and draw on inspiration from other cities.

:: Register for “A look forward”

Both events will include an illustrated brainstorming exercise that will collect ideas on what type of future uses are desired in each site.

:: For more information– City of Vancouver – Block 51 webpage

Related News

Our good friends at Vancouver Is Awesome just wrote a great letter in support of the permanent closure of the 800-block of Robson. You can check it out here. Thanks for your support VIA!

Why not write your own letter? Send your thoughts and ideas on the future of the 800-block of Robson Street, the north-end of the Art Gallery, (or both), to Mayor Gregor Robertson and members of Council – at mayorandcouncil [at] vancouver [dot] ca.

If you like the Twitter approach, consider following the discussion through that forum. The hashtag is #block51.

This Sunday, the Karaoke Kiosk returns to the heart of Vancouver for three enchanting afternoons in August. Designed by Urban Republic, the Kiosk is an outdoor karaoke booth that lets you to choose your favourite song from a touch screen display and sing it for the adoring public on the streets of downtown Vancouver. It’s first stop will be at the 700 block of Granville St., between Robson and Georgia, on August 12th from 2pm to 6pm. It’s totally free and everyone is welcome.

Here’s the complete schedule:

August 12th, 2pm to 6pm
Granville St. between Robson and Georgia

August 19th, 2pm to 6pm
Robson Square between Hornby and Howe

August 26th, 2pm to 6pm
Library Square between Homer and Hamilton (Vancouver Public Library Central Branch)

Check out the song list and photo gallery at urbanrepublic.ca.

The Karaoke Kiosk is a collaboration between VPSN and Urban Republic, and sponsored by VIVA Vancouver and the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association. More information about VIVA’s summer street activations can be found here.

UPDATE: For those of you interested in our Robson Square petitions, please check out our newly created on-line versions. The “yes” petition started late yesterday, the “no” petition today. Here’s your chance to participate in the discussion:

YES, I support the expansion of Robson Square and the closure of the 800-block to vehicular traffic.

Or,

NO. I want vehicles back on the 800-block of Robson. Please DO NOT expand Robson Square.

If you haven’t already done so, please consider taking two minutes to have your voice heard on this initiative. The street is scheduled to be opened to vehicles on September 5 – at which point many of the great activities now taking place on the street will be removed. The VPSN supports the permanent closure of the space, but want to make sure that all sides are represented.

For those of you who have signed our paper petition or sent us an email of support – thank you! We’ve recorded your signatures and are grateful for your help.

Once again, even if you don’t like this idea we also want to hear from you. We will presenting Mayor and Council with the full range of feedback that we get on this issue. You can email any questions, concerns – or other Robson-related comments – our way at robsonsquare [at] vancouverpublicspace.ca.

(A side note: we’re testing out the online software at change.org. Let us know what you think!)

A quick thank you to everyone who stopped by yesterday’s community market at the 800-block of Robson Street. Despite murmurings to the contrary, the weather turned out to be awesome — a perfect backdrop for the 30+ local vendors and dj who set up shop, and the many many visitors that took in the fun.

This was the first of our VPSN experiments with the space — all designed to see how the 800-block could function were the street to be remain closed to vehicular traffic. On that note, we’re pleased to report that the 800-block worked extraordinarily well as a market area. The surrounding architecture – the neoclassical finesse of the Art Gallery and the modernist trappings of Arthur Erickson’s Law Courts — created an all-important human-scale. This, in turn, allowed the market to enhance the ‘feel’ of the space, rather than appearing at odds with it. Add to that the high volume of pedestrian traffic (the 800-block is one of the city’s busiest pedestrian thoroughfares) and the fit worked quite well. As one visitor from Italy noted: “it’s lively, like one of our piazzas.” Fantastico!

And talk about complimentary activities — the excellent Picnurbia installation (a rolling picnic “beach” located on the east end of the block) – provided a great resting area for people once they’d taken in all the local arts and crafts on display. If you haven’t yet checked it out, have a peek.

The VPSN would like to thank our collaborators: Blim (www.blim.ca) for their hard work assembling vendors and handling so many of the logistics, as well as the City of Vancouver’s “Viva Vancouver” program – which supported the endeavor.

Finally, as a number of you have noted, the trolley wires were reinstalled through the 800-block. We are sad to report that, despite our efforts to the contrary (and despite being closed for two years), it seems the plan is to re-open Robson Street to vehicles sometime around Labour Day. We’re not yet clear on whether the plan is for buses only, or buses and cars. Either way, it’s unfortunate. As yesterday’s market – as well as the Picnurbia installation – continue to show, this small segment of Robson is one of the best spots in the City for a pedestrian-only gathering space.

For that reason, in addition to doing a number of research studies (timing, vendor studies, and pedestrian counts) as part of yesterday’s market, the VPSN crew was also on hand to gather signatures for a petition to keep the space free of vehicular traffic. If you’d like to add your voice to the list, please follow this link or send us an email noting your support. You can reach us at robsonsquare [at] vancouverpublicspace.ca. To make it official, we’ll need your full name and address — just as if you were signing a petition on the street. Please consider joining on — and with any luck we can still turn this one around.

A quick thank you to everyone who stopped by yesterday’s community market at the 800-block of Robson Street. Despite murmurings to the contrary, the weather turned out to be awesome — a perfect backdrop for the 30+ local vendors and dj who set up shop, and the many many visitors that took in the fun.

This was the first of our VPSN experiments with the space — all designed to see how the 800-block could function were the street to be remain closed to vehicular traffic. On that note, we’re pleased to report that the 800-block worked extraordinarily well as a market area. The surrounding architecture – the neoclassical finesse of the Art Gallery and the modernist trappings of Arthur Erickson’s Law Courts — created an all-important human-scale. This, in turn, allowed the market to enhance the ‘feel’ of the space, rather than appearing at odds with it. Add to that the high volume of pedestrian traffic (the 800-block is one of the city’s busiest pedestrian thoroughfares) and the fit worked quite well. As one visitor from Italy noted: “it’s lively, like one of our piazzas.” Fantastico!

And talk about complimentary activities — the excellent Picnurbia installation (a rolling picnic “beach” located on the east end of the block) – provided a great resting area for people once they’d taken in all the local arts and crafts on display. If you haven’t yet checked it out, have a peek.

The VPSN would like to thank our collaborators: Blim (www.blim.ca) for their hard work assembling vendors and handling so many of the logistics, as well as the City of Vancouver’s “Viva Vancouver” program – which supported the endeavor.

Finally, as a number of you have noted, the trolley wires were reinstalled through the 800-block. We are sad to report that, despite our efforts to the contrary (and despite being closed for two years), it seems the plan is to re-open Robson Street to vehicles sometime around Labour Day. We’re not yet clear on whether the plan is for buses only, or buses and cars. Either way, it’s unfortunate. As yesterday’s market – as well as the Picnurbia installation – show, Robson is perhaps the best space in the City for a pedestrian-only space of this sort.

For that reason, in addition to doing a number of research studies (timing, vendor studies, and pedestrian counts) as part of yesterday’s market, the VPSN crew was also on hand to gather signatures for a petition to keep the space free of vehicular traffic. If you’d like to add your voice to the list, please send us an email saying so. You can reach us at robsonsquare [at] vancouverpublicspace.ca. To make it official, we’ll need your full name and address — just as if you were signing a petition on the street. Please consider signing on — and with any luck we can still turn this one around.

• Expanding Robson Square – Update on City Council’s Decision!
• Wednesday December 8 – Public Space Animation Workshop
• Wednesday December 8 – North East False Creek Open House

OTHER VPSN PUBLIC SPAC E MEETINGS

• Monday December 6 – Urban Design Backgrounder Meeting
• Tuesday December 7 – Transportation Issues Meeting
• Monday December 13 – Public Space & Public Health Project Meeting

RECENT UPDATES

Expanding Robson Square – Update on City Council’s Decision!

Excellent news on the public space front! The City has taken a solid step forward in securing the 800-block segment of Robson Street (between Hornby and Howe) for a public square. They have also taken steps to embed this plan within a larger public space program from the Downtown (something that will lend the planning for Granville Street and Yaletown other proposed sites a greater degree of coherence). 

The discussion unfolded at yesterday’s Council – and was very positive, giving rise to a considerable degree of consensus between the different political parties. As one Councillor noted, “we all want this square.” To this end, we are particularly pleased that the idea of an expanded Robson Square was singled out as something that requires priority attention amongst other public space initiatives – as this provides some security against the idea of an expanded Robson Square (and the golden window of opportunity that is currently in place) from being lost amidst a larger discussion of Olympic Legacies and downtown public space.

You can read our account of the discussion, as well as notes on some key items that we’ll be monitoring over the next months, in this longer post. 

Wednesday December 8 – Public Space Animation Workshop

Do you have an innovative idea about how to increase community public space through the temporary reallocation of road space in Vancouver? If you answered yes, then the City of Vancouver/VPSN Summer Spaces 2011 Ideas Workshop is for you!

In 2009, the City of Vancouver piloted a community public spaces initiative called Summer Spaces. Vancouver City Council has asked that City staff continue to refine the Summer Spaces program and prepare a Call for Proposals process for 2010. Selected proposals would be implemented in Summer 2011. The goal of Summer Spaces is to increase community public space and community interaction by temporarily reallocating road space in creative and innovative ways. 

During the workshop we’ll be discussing changes to the Summer Spaces program for 2011. We will highlight some of the innovative public space work being done in other cities and also provide an opportunity for interested community groups/individuals to begin developing proposal ideas in a collaborative forum. If you are thinking of submitting a proposal to receive City support for your idea then your attendance at this workshop is important. Space is limited so please RSVP!

The workshop is free and snacks/refreshments will be provided. The session takes place Wednesday, December. 8^th, 6:30-9pm, Mt. Pleasant Community Centre – 1 Kingsway, Multipurpose rm.#2

Please direct any questions you may have to Krisztina Kassay at summerspaces [at] vancouver.ca or call 604-829.4348.

Wednesday December 8 – North East False Creek Open House

The City of Vancouver will be holding an open house for the planning process in North East False Creek this Tuesday December 8th from 4-8pm at the Roundhouse Community Centre and all interested members of the public are encouraged to attend.

This open house will be a chance for you to share your ideas and have your comments heard on future options for the Plaza of Nations site (Canadian Metropolitan Properties) and the North East False Creek area. Staff will be on hand along with the developer to answer your questions. Along with display materials, there will be a walking tour of the site at 6pm and a presentation at 7pm. For more information about the open house and the planning work being done in North East False Creek, please view the City of Vancouver’s website on this process: www.vancouver.ca/nefc

Takes place 4pm – 8pm, Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews (at the corner of Davie and Pacific Boulevard).

OTHER VPSN PUBLIC SPAC E MEETINGS

Monday December 6 – Urban Design Backgrounder Meeting

Our last Urban Design Working Group meeting was a roaring success. One of the outcomes of that session was a follow-up gathering for volunteers who are specifically interested in working on one of our foundation documents/backgrounders on urban design and public space, or, one of upcoming position papers on current urban design ‘issues’. If you have a knack for research or writing, consider coming out to this session and lending a hand. 

:: To RSVP and get meeting details – scott [at] vancouverpublicspace.ca

Tuesday December 7 – Transportation Issues Meeting

It’s been a while since we’ve had a Transportation Working Group meeting that convened folks interested in walking, biking, public transit and more. This is it! If you’ve got interests in any or all of the aforementioned issues, or ideas about other connections between transportation and public space, please join us as we brainstorm some new projects and reenergize some of our current work

:: To RSVP – demian [at] vancouverpublicspace.ca

Monday December 13 – Public Space & Public Health Project Meeting

The VPSN has recently assembled a project team of volunteers who are interested in the connection(s) between public health and public space. Part of our work will be scoping out and developing a set of backgrounders to explore the points of overlap between these areas, as well as other advocacy materials and creative activities to help promote a healthy urban environment.

:: For meeting details or more info – andrew [at] vancouverpublicspace.ca.