The renewed square looks great, and we will be interested to see how the space is used – both formally for events, and informally, for everyday activities or a more casual nature. It’s a large plaza with some interesting design challenges – including a northerly orientation, and busy arterial streets on three sides. It will be intriguing to see what sorts of anticipated – and unanticipated – activities take place in this renewed square. One thing is for certain: the redesign is an improvement on where things were at just a few years ago.

Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza – Concept Rendering, November 2015

Up next, the 800-block of Robson… the North Plaza’s more intimate counterpart. The redesign of this plaza started last year after Council voted to permanently pedestrianize the block. A design concept was presented to Council in December, and work is expected to begin in the not too distant future.

In the meantime, check out the new North Plaza and let us know what you think. Good public spaces always take on a life of their own – so pop by and tell us what you see going on there!

Here’s the media release from the City of Vancouver:

VAG North Plaza reopens as Vancouver’s most compelling public square

Upgrades to the North Plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery are completing this week in time for the Jazz Festival on Saturday.

“The plaza to the north of the Vancouver Art Gallery is host to Vancouver’s most significant events and is a popular place for people to pass through, sit and relax, and meet one another,” says Paul Mochrie, Deputy City Manager for the City of Vancouver. “We at the City have the honour of maintaining this remarkable public gathering space, and we are excited to see how it will be used going forward.”

The new plaza complements Robson Square on the other side of the Art Gallery and the surrounding heritage buildings. The new fully accessible space enhances safety for large gatherings, improves flexibility for events and day to day use.

Design features include:

• A flexible space that can be used for solitary and small group use, as well as large events.
• A safe, inviting environment for formal and casual use.
• A surface with pavers that will be long-lasting and durable for heavy use.
• Full accessibility for all users.
• A continuation of the Hornby Street maple trees, with new trees added along the west side of the plaza.
• A flexible pavilion / bus stop on the east side which can be used during events and can accommodate future use as a food/beverage stand or tourist information centre.

The plaza redesign was led by Nick Milkovich Architects, HAPA Collaborative , and Matthew Soules Architecture, and construction was completed by Jacobs Brothers contractor.

Going forward, the plaza will be maintained and managed by the City of Vancouver, and event organizers interested in using it can apply through the City of Vancouver’s special events office.

Correction: An earlier version of this post quoted a City Media release that incorrectly referred to Hapa Collaborative as Hapa Collective. Further, the post suggested that the plaza was fully-reopened. Rather, it is being utilized for various events throughout the summer, but is still closed to everyday use while the remaining work is completed. Additional clarifying text was added around the potential usage of the site.

The 800-block space has been the site of a popular temporary plaza for the last five summers. The current proposal would now keep the area car-free year-round.

This makes good sense. The block in question – all 90 metres of it – has more people walking on it than almost any other block in the city. It’s a lively one too: the site of innumerable events – from markets to protests to music festivals. The area is also a well-loved meeting spot, with some of the best people-watching opportunities in the city.

There are other benefits as well. For one, it has a more intimate feel to it than its larger cousin on the north side of the Gallery, benefiting from the mixed-scale of the surrounding architecture and the verdant landscaping that defines the Law Courts. There’s good sun as well – which always serves to animate a space. Consider, as well, the symbiosis that the site has with the surrounding cafes and restaurants that do a good, brisk trade at the hands of plaza users. Grabbing a sandwich or coffee and sitting on the Art Gallery steps is a true pleasure.

However, bisected by car-traffic as it currently is, this important public space has never reached its full potential. The presence of cars creates a barrier to programming, congesting the limited space and constraining its uses.

That’s why this proposal is so important. Permanently closing this space will be one a big step forward. It will open up the possibility of year-round programming – everything from the additional of more seating, tables and public realm features, to a broader array of events and activities.

There have been – and we have always noted this – fair points raised about the impact that pedestrianization will have on transit users and drivers, particularly those living in the West End. The proposed re-routing of the #5 bus goes some way towards resolving these challenges. It’s not a perfect solution, (we would have preferred a Burrard>Georgia diversion), but on balance it attends to many of the concerns that were raised. Similarly car drivers who are used to driving on this street will also need to plan new routes. We feel these are fair trade-offs to make in creating an enhanced plaza area that all residents and visitors can enjoy.

Pedestrianizing the 800-block is a great move – and we offer our complete support for this initiative. We hope you will too.

The proposal will be discussed at City Council next Wednesday, April 20. You can read the related staff report .

Please consider taking a few moments to share your thoughts on the idea with City Council. You can send them an email at mayorandcouncil@vancouver.ca.

Originally published April 13, 2016.

Sadik-Khan is widely regarded as one of the driving forces behind a series of groundbreaking public space initiatives. In the six years she was Commissioner (2007-13), she oversaw the installation of 400 miles of bikelanes, 60 plazas – including the radical pedestrianization of Times Square – new street design guidelines and a slew of other transformative projects.

In addition to an impressive transportation-related CV, Sadik-Khan is also a lawyer by training — which perhaps explains her ability to turn a phrase. Her talk, delivered to a full house at the QE Theatre Playhouse, was replete with quotable moments. We’ve compiled some of our favourite lines as a way to share some of the content of the event.

1. Streets are what makes a city great, or not so great. For a long time now, we’ve been governed by a dashboard view of the road.

Streets are a huge part of the public domain – often accounting for over 30% of the land-area in a city. Great streets are the defining element in cities… but all to often, the perspective on how they should function – and whom they should serve – is focussed around the automobile. The tendency – at least for much of the 20th century – was to downplay and even exclude the needs of pedestrians, cyclists and transit riders.

The consequence of that exclusion is an economic, social and health catastrophe. Congestion wreaks havoc, traffic crashes are a leading cause of death, and building more (or wider) roads only amplifies the problems. (Sadik-Khan quipped: is there a profession other than traffic engineering where 33,000 people a year die and no one gets fired?)

Changing this “dashboard perspective” is about shifting focus to other road users. Importantly, this doesn’t mean getting rid of cars; rather it’s about a better balance.

A painted bikelane in New York (source: Janette Sadik-Khan)

2. Paint the city you want to see… you can accomplish a lot with just the supplies you have on hand

Introducing positive changes does not require massive expense, nor even comprehensive planning and years of study. In fact, you can accomplish a lot with some short and sweet interventions.

This is Sadik-Khan espousing the “lighter, quicker, cheaper” approach that is the hallmark for a lot of good placemaking. In essence, this speaks to the ease with which you can get people to think differently about a space – by planting a few flowers, putting out some simple lawn chairs or a public piano, or hiring a local artist to paint a mural. These are the sorts of vehicles that lend themselves to overnight transformation.

As a plus for city governments – the cost of these projects, coupled with a can-do attitude on the part of electeds and bureacrats, is a great way to eliminate the institutional paralysis that can sometimes characterize bigger public space projects. Or put another way: you don’t need to over-think a street mural. If it really sucks, you can always paint something else.

3. Once you adapt a space, people adopt it

The short-n-sweet interventions described above can be a fantastic means to foster a sense of ownership amongst the public. One of Sadik-Khan’s best known projects involves closing Times Square to cars. The ensuing plaza space that was created was initially decorate with paint and low-cost lawn chairs.

Times Square (Photo: Mitchell Reardon)

You might think, in car-obsessed New York, that this would be a recipe for on-going complaint… and yet, after some initial hand-wringing in the lead-up, the discussion, post-closure, almost instantly moved to a debate around the colour and quality of the chairs. People had taken ownership over Times Square within a matter of hours.

Again, adapting a space isn’t that difficult. City Studio’s excellent “Keys to the Street” program began with a series of free pianos (thank you Craigslist) and a few cans of paint. For the cost of a few 2nd hand chess boards, another local placemaker we knew created games nights at the North Plaza for two summers. Easy stuff.

(A sidenote: Sadik-Khan gave a nod to the “tremendous talent” in the local arts community, encouraging their involvement in the process.)

4. There’s no shame in stealing good ideas.

This phrase is hardly the brainchild of Sadik-Khan – so it’s a bit self-reflexive in that regard. We reference it because the presentation made clear the fact that no city, even one as endlessly creative as New York, needs to feel bad about borrowing and adapting placemaking ideas that come from somewhere else. After all, why reinvent the wheel when you can utilize a good initiative that’s already been tested?

Part of the New York transformation had its roots in Copenhagen – when a group of top decision-makers visited the capital of Denmark and saw the bike-friendly city with their own eyes. This is big-scale “borrowing” – one municipality sussing out another way to approach transport infrastructure – but there’s lots more that can be done on a variety of scales. Thanks to the instantaneous nature of social media, you can see new examples popping up on a daily basis.

This idea of stealing good ideas made us wonder: why would there be there any shame in doing this? Is there a fear of being derivative? Is it the notion that our city (or any city) is so utterly unique that cool ideas from other places wouldn’t make make sense on home turf? We’ve certainly heard people make the “claim for uniqueness” in the case of local public space (our favourite variant: “a central public square in Vancouver would never work because the city is too rainy — this isn’t Europe don’t you know!”)

In our experience, such friendly adaptation doesn’t make a city any less innovative; rather the sharing of good foundational ideas – whether formulas for simple street closures, or methodologies for cycling programs – can actually lead to interesting variations, riffing, and the emergence of entirely new initiatives.

5. In God We Trust, Everyone Else Bring Data

Another great riff. This line was borrowed from Sadik-Khan’s boss, then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Bloomberg was a strong adherent of evidence-based decision-making. Not only was data a key point in launching various public space programs – but it became a major factor in ensuring that their continuity and expansion. New bike lane and rapid bus lines were monitored for a range of impacts – related to traffic flow, business, safety and more. The success of these programs – and the numbers to quantify this success – provided the impetus for forging further ahead.

Caveat emptor: Data is only as robust as the data-gathering tools, methods and analysis that are brought to bear. New York has invested heavily in its research approach, and the result stands up to scrutiny. Poorly written opinion surveys (coincidentally, like the one an East Vancouver BIA released on the same day as Sadik-Khan’s talk) don’t help anyone. Exhibit A in the cateogry of leading questions: “Do you feel that separated bike lanes will negatively impact business by decreasing customer traffic, resulting in fewer sales and ultimately potential job losses as a result.?”

That’s right, vote for bikes at your peril, you job-killing, business-destroying heathen!

6. Follow the people, follow the footsteps. Look where people are walking today and you can see the city of tomorrow.

And on the subject of research… this line gives a nod to the role of observational studies, both for understanding how cities are actually used (e.g. the popular spot to jaywalk that’s a couple blocks away from the crossing lights) and for identifying where change needs to take place (e.g. where this desire line gets strengthened with improved pedestrian protection measures). The big point here is that the sociology of movement (quite) often differs from the cleaner and more rational assumptions that have typically informed 20th century traffic engineering. Good cities need to acknowledge and respond to this reality. In doing so, considerable gains can be made.

Engaging local artists in plaza design (Source: Janette Sadik-Khan)

7. Plazas and bike lanes, once installed, are now part of the status quo.

It can be a struggle to implement change. Given the neurology of cognitive biases, we actually seem to be hardwired against it. And yet, one of the beneficial consequences of introducing new people-friendly infrastructure is the opportunity to change – to redefine – the status quo.

Taking the plunge with new public space infrastructure – closing streets to cars, expanding sidewalks, creating plazas – meant that the previous “everyday normal” of cars, cars, cars, was transformed. This wasn’t easy (and to be sure, there are still people that grumble at Sadik-Khan about her initiatives) — and yet, when there are obvious benefits, then it also doesn’t take long for the good stuff to define a new, more positive status quo.

In practice, what this meant in New York is that residents came out in droves when the new administration of Bill de Blasio publically mulled the idea of both reopening Times Square to cars, and removing some of the other plazas and bike lanes that had been installed. The idea was quickly (and wisely) dropped.

Burrard Bridge is an excellent Vancouver example. In 2009, there was a major outcry about the impending carmageddon that would result from replacing a car lane with one for bikes on this important bridge. Fast forward to 2015. When the City announced that a sidewalk would replace a car lane, there was barely a whisper of complaint.

Parklet on Commercial Drive (Photo: Steve Chou)

8. Just try it. You can’t argue that our [current] streets are so perfect that you can’t try anything.

This sounds a little like the advice your Mom used to give… but that’s okay, because it’s actually a really important point. It is very easy to shoot down interesting project ideas for any number of reasons: it’s been tried before, it’s too risky, we don’t do that here, the psyche or social fabric of the city will be upended, etc.

We are – as a species – extraordinarily good at saying no. Fear of change is a powerful syrup that can keep us glued in place, and some of these new ideas seem as unsavory as – well, broccoli used to be… before you realized it wouldn’t kill you.

There’s always room for improvement – especially where public space and active transportation considerations are concerned. We want – no, need – to make sure our streets are safer, friendlier and more liveable for everyone, so there is absolutely no reason that we shouldn’t be experimenting, innovating, trying pilot projects and figuring out ways to introduce change.

To us, the real question here isn’t whether or not whether to “try”, it’s how. There needs to be good dialogue between different actors and stakeholders up front, a willingness to genuinely test ideas, and an agreement to evaluate the results after giving things a fair try. This could – and should – mean additional changes, including reverting back to the former situation of the experiment’s results don’t support its continuation.

Good city planning and design is about taking those steps. No one stakeholder should be able to veto a decent experiment. Sadik-Khan noted: “no one has a patent on pavement. The public domain is the public’s domain.”

A side note on Vancouver’s long-standing summertime “experiment” – the temporary pedestrianization of the 800-block of Robson (in front of the Art Gallery). Gordon Price, in a post-talk Q&A, asked Janette Sadik-Khan about whether or not the site should be permanently closed to cars (as is being proposed at City Council this week). Sadik-Khan made a few remarks about Times Square, ending with “try it out, do it… you’ll like it!

That seems pretty reasonable to us.

Here’s a happy memory from the VPSN archives: our 2008 Valentine’s intervention on the south steps of the Art Gallery. A crew from the public space network rolled up their sleeves on the evening of February 13/14 and stamped hundreds of red, white and pink hearts onto the steps facing Robson Street. We hadn’t even finished before people were crowding around with their friends and loved ones — posing and taking pictures and helping with the endeavour.

Hard to believe that was five years ago!

Oh, and yes… it was washable paint! All gone by the time February 15 rolled around.

UPFRONT: A New Year: with new public space activities on the horizon

2013 is now just over one-month old, and already it’s off to a roaring start. February is flush with exciting public space-related events – with something to tantalize everyone’s palate. You’ll find lots of interesting things in this month’s Public Space News & Events.

On the home front, the VPSN team held a project planning workshop for the upcoming year. We’ll be rolling out a calendar of events and activities to help enliven the city in the very near future. Among the items on our roster: more work on Robson Square, a new film fest, a city-wide public space game, and potentially, a brand new and extremely soggy design competition. We’ll be refining our full calendar of activities in the next week… and you can expect a report-out shortly thereafter. As always, we’ll be looking for the help, interest and support of public space aficionados in the city to make it all happen.

On that note, a few quick updates. We’ll be having our next volunteer orientation on Wednesday, February 6. If you’re interested in learning more about the Network, please join us! Details can be had at volunteer [at] vancouverpublicspace.ca.

And… it’s a little ways a way yet, but the VPSN will be heading to Richmond on March 28 as part of the 2013 Lulu Speaker Series. This year’s theme is Art in the City and part of our presentation will focus on sharing some examples of the best new public space activations, animations, art and design projects from around the world. Do you have any examples you think should be part of the conversation? We’re firm believers in crowd-sourcing case-studies… so if you’ve got something to share (photos, leads, ideas) please send ‘em our way: publicity [at] vancouverpublicspace.ca.

ENGAGE

Saturday, February 2 – Grandview-Woodland Parks & Public Space Dialogue / Workshop

Grandview-Woodland is one of four neighbourhoods undergoing a community planning process. As part of the work under way in this part of town, there’s an upcoming Planning through Dialogue event on Parks & Public Space.

The workshop will look at a variety of items, including greenspaces, plazas, streets & greenways, community facilities and public realm features. The event is free, but you need to register to attend. Starts at 12:30.

:: To register – Visit the Grandview-Woodland Community Plan Webpage

Saturday, February 2 – Point Grey-Cornwall Corridor Open Houses

The Point Grey Road–Cornwall Avenue Active Transportation Corridor Project aims to create a safe, convenient and comfortable connection for pedestrians and cyclists between Burrard Bridge and Jericho Beach. City staff will be available at all the open houses to discuss the project, answer questions and gather input. Event takes place 10:00am-2:00pm, Kitsilano Community Centre, 2690 Larch Street, Snowy’s Lounge.

:: More info – City of Vancouver webpage

Help transform Granville Street for 2013 – Deadline February 4

If you are a Vancouver-based not-for-profit, community, or corporate group, the City wants to hear from you! VIVA Vancouver is accepting proposals for public space activations on Granville Street (downtown) for summer 2013. The deadline is Monday 4 February 2013. Read the news release for more guidelines, application form, and more.

:: More information – vancouver.ca/viva

Other items on the horizon – Art Gallery, downtown public spaces, viaducts

No dates appear to have been set at this point, but a number of important public space-related discussions are due back at City Council in the near future. These include a discussion of the Vancouver Art Gallery’s business plan (related to their proposed move to a new site), a discussion on downtown public spaces (coming out of the City’s recently adopted Transportation 2040 Plan), and an update on the discussion around the Georgia and Dunsmuir viaducts. Stay tuned for details.

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

February 1 – Intersections

Hollywood & Vine. Haight & Ashbury. Portage & Main. Davie & Denman. Great cities are composed of great intersections. Recognizable outside of their city limits, these intersections play host to significant historical events, define the culture of a place, and are the meeting point for diverse groups of people. Launching February 2013 at the Platform Gallery, Intersections celebrates the unique attributes of seven essential cross-streets throughout Vancouver through graphic design. As of February 1, Intersections will be on exhibition at the Canada Line’s Platform Gallery, located underground at Waterfront Station.

:: Facebook Page – http://www.facebook.com/platformyvr

February 2 – Car-Free Day – Launch Celebration

Volunteers, participants, supporters, friends and family all welcome as the Car-Free crew work towards another year of bringing streets to life with community awesomeness and car-free fun. “We are always looking for new blood and ideas and planning is underway to celebrate the 9th annual Car Free Vancouver Day on June 16, 2013.”

Event takes place 8pm ‘til late at the Beaumont Studios, 316 West 5th Ave (5th and Alberta). Sorry, no minors.

:: More info – Facebook Event Page

Saturday, February 2Crow Roost Twilight Bike Ride

So many crows, where do they go? There are more than twenty thousand crows that arrive at the roost from all over the Lower Mainland! Follow the crows eastward on their daily migration to their roost beside Still Creek. Bring a snack to share if you feel like it, and maybe something warm to drink. Also remember your bike lights and warm clothes. Meet at 4:00pm, Lakewood Drive and Central Greenway. Rain date: February 9.

:: More info –

Sunday, February 3 – Stanley Park Ecology Society’s 25th Birthday

Join the SPES at the Stanley Park Nature House as they celebrate 25 years of environmental education, conservation and stewardship programs. Join in on free family fun activities and learn about StanleyPark wildlife from local experts and dedicated volunteers. 11am -3pm

:: More information – http://stanleyparkecology.ca/

Tuesday, February 5 – Arthur Erickson Lecture Yung Ho Chang (Atelier FCJZ, China)

Yung Ho Chang will speak about five projects that FCJZ is currently pursuing: the Ism Project, the Mat Project, the Urb Project, the Other Project, and the Media Project. In addition, he will also discuss FCJZ’s recent exhibition Material-ism at UCCA in Beijing. Takes place 6:30-8:30pm at SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts, 149 West Hastings Street.

Wednesday, February 6 – Places that Matter – China Creek Cycle Track

Join Vancouver Heritage Foundation for Places That Matter plaque presentation #49. Meet cycling veterans and hear first hand accounts of racing on the track. The China Creek cycle track was built the 1954 British Empire & Commonwealth Games. Around 1900, Chinese farmers had worked the land along the creek south of Broadway; the track stood on fill atop the creek’s ravine, used as a city garbage dump until 1946. By the 1960s the track deteriorated, but it was rebuilt in 1973 and used until 1980, when Vancouver Community College transferred its campus from 12th and Oak. Track cycling moved to the Burnaby Velodrome in 1997.

Event takes place 10:00am, China Creek Cycle Track, at VCC Broadway Campus. Meet in the 1st floor atrium off Glen and E. 7th Ave.

:: More info – Jessica Quan – Jessica@vancouverheritagefoundation.org

Thursday, February 7 – Board of Change – Greenest City 2020 “State of the Union”

It’s been a year and a half since the Greenest City Action Plan was approved by City Council. In that time 125 projects have been underway across the City transforming the place where we live, work, and play. Come and hear some highlights of what’s been accomplished so far, areas that need more work, and plans for the future. Take this opportunity to give your feedback on priorities you’d like to see, initiatives that you appreciate, and areas of improvement. Doors open at 5:00pm, Panel & Discussion: 5:30-6:30 pm; Networking: 6:30-7:00pm. Event is free for Board of Change members; $10 for non-members.

:: To register – Board of Change website

Thursday, February 7 – Retrofitting Suburbia Revisited

How can ghostboxes, dead malls, aging office parks, out-dated edge cities and blighted commercial strips be retrofitted into more sustainable places? Co-author of the award winning book, “Retrofitting Suburbia: Urban Design Solutions for Redesigning Suburbs”, Ellen Dunham-Jones will explain the drivers behind successful built suburban retrofits in North America and illustrate the three principal strategies: re-inhabitation, redevelopment and re-greening. Event takes place 7pm, SFU Surrey, Room 2600. Admission is free but registration is required.

:: To register: SFU event webpage

Thursday, February 7 – Vancouver: Our Diverse Heritage

The first Approaching the Past event in Vancouver features free public talks by Donald Luxton, conservation consultant, educator, and author, and Vanessa Campbell, educator, Squamish Nation Language Program. Takes place 6:00 to 8:00pm at the Museum of Vancouver, 1100 Chestnut Street.

:: RSVP to admin@thenhier.ca or (604) 822-6915.

Friday, February 8 (tentative) – Idle No More Flashmob

Tentative date for the next Idle No More flashmob. Scheduled for 5:30pm.

:: Details – Facebook Event Page

Tuesday, February 12 – Matt Hern: In Defence of an Urban Future

An ecological future has to be an urban future, but that vision rests on remaking our cities as something other than crass investment mechanisms populated by greed and shoppers. We have to reimagine cities as something better: compact, accretive, self-determining places full of commonality, and vibrancy. This rendition of density requires a politics that commits to participatory difference, equity, hospitality and friendship. Event takes place 7:00-9:00pm, 149 West Hastings – Djavad Mowafaghian World Art Centre – GoldcorpCenter for the Arts.

:: Registration Details – Facebook Page

Wednesday, February 13 – Bernadette Blanchon – Generating Urban Landscapes in France: A Historical Perspective Since 1945

UBC SALA lecture by Architect Bernadette Blanchon on landscape architecture during the post-war period in France. Event takes place 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Orpheum Annex, 823 Seymour Street near Robson

Wednesday, February 13 - Sex Talk in the City – Opening Reception

Be among the first to discover an innovative exhibition that explores the history of sexuality in Vancouver – from education to pleasure to politics. Explore sexuality not as science, but as part of our exciting, fascinating, thought-provoking culture. Doors open at 6:30, event starts at 7:00. Dress in red! Takes place at the Museum of Vancouver, 1100 Chestnut Street.

:: Tickets & Info – MOV Website

Thursday, February 14 – 22nd Annual Feb 14th Women’s Memorial March

March starts at noon from Carnegie (Main and Hastings) and proceeds through the Downtown Eastside, with stops to commemorate where women were last seen or found; speeches by community activists at the court house; a healing circle at OppenheimerPark around 2:30 pm; and finally a community feast at the Japanese Language Hall. Please NOTE that this year the march starts one hour earlier, at 12:00 noon.

:: More information – http://womensmemorialmarch.wordpress.com/

Sunday, February 17 – Uberdrop/Community Arts Chinese New Year

Ring in the Chinese New Year and mark the year of the water snake. Giant blue drops. Giant snake… combining forces to sending a clear message about community, water, art and unity – all at the same time.

:: More information – Community Arts Vancouver; http://www.cacv.ca/tag/water; The original Überdrop event page: http://on.fb.me/X2SizM; Chinese New Year parade: http://bit.ly/113KyGr; The Blue Drop Movement: www.bluedrops.ca

Thursday, February 21 – Mark Kingwell – Is Public Space a Public Good?

Public space is routinely seen as the cure to every imaginable urban ill, from air quality to obesity. But how much of what we call public space is really public? Mark Kingwell will consider this problem, together with its implications for the notion of urban play and the so-called ‘right to the city.’ He will conclude with some reflections on the relationship between the city and the university. Event takes place 7 pm, Goldcorp Centre for the Arts (at Woodward’s), 149 W. Hastings St. Admission is free, but reservations are required.

:: To register: SFU event webpage

Monday, February 25 – SALA Lecture with Peter Cardew

Lecture by RAIC Gold Medalist winner Peter Cardew, Peter Cardew Architects, Vancouver. Lecture free and open to the public. Event takes place 6:30-8:30pm at UBC Robson Square.

:: Details – UBC SALA Webpage

RESEARCH TIDBITS

A round-up of recent items and factoids from around the world:

Protected bikeways improve local businesses… “NYC DOT found that protected bikeways had a significant positive impact on local business strength. After the construction of a protected bicycle lane on 9th Avenue, local businesses saw a 49% increase in retail sales. In comparison, local businesses throughout Manhattan only saw a 3% increase in retail sales.” | More… 

Walk Score Ranks Canada’s Most Walkable Cities… and “Vancouver, with a Walk Score of 78, topped Canada’s most walkable cities …” | More…

[UPDATE March 16, 2019 – Walkscore has recently partnered with Redfin to produce the following resource, explaining how walkability calculations are made: https://www.redfin.ca/how-walk-score-works]

Less cars equals more money for the local economy… “If a city can reduce car ownership by 15,000 cars… $127,275,000 could stay in the local economy… “ | More…

Proximity Trumps Mobility: Smart Growth Maximizes Accessibility… [I]ncreased proximity provided by more compact and centralized development is about ten times more influential than vehicle traffic speed on the number of destinations that people can reach within a given travel time. | More…

SUPPORT THE VPSN

The Vancouver Public Space Network is an all-volunteer, community-driven enterprise that works on advocacy, education and outreach pertaining to the city’s public realm. We depend on member contributions in order to undertake our projects and activities. Looking to lend a hand? Please consider making a donation or signing up for one of our volunteer projects. Find out how you can help: info [at] vancouverpublicspace.ca

CONTACT

Vancouver Public Space Network
Box 2754 Station Terminal
349 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, BC, V6B 3X2

General info: info [at] vancouverpublicspace.ca

Newsletter & Event Submissions: newsletter [at] vancouverpublicspace.ca

Facebook: VPSN Facebook Group and VPSN Facebook Page

Flickr: VPSN group and photostream

Twitter: @vpsn

The first round of the City’s “Block 51” consultations took place on Monday and Wednesday of this week. Both events explored the future of Robson Square and the north lawn of the Art Gallery, doing it up with a program of activities that included presentations, slide shows and collaborative drawing exercises. Appropriately enough, the two evenings took place at the VAG – in a room overlooking the south end of the Gallery.

The VPSN was proud to be an event partner for these two events. If you weren’t able to make it out, the following will give you a quick run-down on what you missed.

Monday’s event, subtitled a “A Look Back,” started with opening remarks by Councillor Heather Deal and then featured a screening of the 1973 NFB film, Chairs for Lovers (along with popcorn!). The short film details the efforts of architect and illustrator Stanley King and his pioneering work in participatory urban design – and focuses in part on his work with Robson Square.

But the screening was more than just history, as it served as a means to introduce an older, (but just as energetic) King to the audience. King and the staff at his Co-Design firm have been responsible for some pretty cool work over the past four decades.

(A side note – the film helped to provide some context about the opportunities and challenges that the public wrestled with in helping to create a vision for Robson Square. As a way of showing that some of the discussions that are taking place today aren’t new, check out 15:35, where, standing in the midst of the massive parking lot that sat to the south of the old Law Courts, two of King’s 1973 student designers exchange the following words:

First speaker: We should close off the streets

Second speaker: They’ve done it in Seattle

Third speaker: What about all the cars? I just don’t understand what will happen to the cars…

Following the movie, a panel discussion ensued with Bing Thom, Alan Bell, Nick Milkovich – three members of Arthur Erickson’s original Robson Square design team. The trio took turns reminiscing about some of the planning and design ideas that went into the original concept. Ideas that included:

• Closing the 800-block off to vehicle traffic
• A lively sub-grade area (where today’s ice rink and UBC are) that would feature retail and transit services along side government services
• A large reflective pool on the north end instead of fountain

With the panel discussions complete, the evening switched gears yet again and King was given the floor to review the co-design process. Attendees broke into small groups, each with their own graphic facilitator. Ideas for the possible uses attached to the Block 51 spaces were explored and rendered in full colour.

You can see a few of the vignettes here:

Wednesday’s event was bannered under the heading “A Look Forward.” Councillor Andrea Reimer presented welcoming remarks and the event was MC’d by Vanessa Richards. (Those of you who rocked out at our karaoke kiosk events this past summer will remember Vanessa as our charming karaoke host).

Speakers included:

• John Atkin (who gave an overview of the changing shape of the north plaza);
• Lon Laclaire (the City’s Manager of Strategic Transportation, who presented on Olympic transportation planning and the connection with Robson);
• Jenn Sheel and Krysztina Kassay (City Engineering staff who administer the Viva Vancouver program – and who spoke on their work with the 800-block of Robson)
• Heather Forbes (VPSN Chair – who gave an overview of some of the Network’s activities on Robson Square – and the larger search for a public square in Vancouver)
• Matthew Soules and Joe Dahmen (designers who produced the 2012 Pop Rocks installation that ran along the 800-block)

The evening concluded with another round of drawing, similar to that used with Monday’s participants. And as with the first evening, there was something really cool about seeing the co-design process in action. First and best, it was an approach that energized attendees. Participants were still going strong at 10pm, and probably would have stayed longer had the option been there.

Secondly, it was largely an optimistic exercise. Perhaps it was because there were a good number of younger folks in the room, but the dialogue felt devoid of the cynicism that often colours consultations. And this isn’t to say that the various issues associated with the potential redesign of Robson and the north plaza were omitted from the conversation (they weren’t). It’s just that they weren’t the starting point for the conversation.

Not bad for a couple of greyish fall evenings: some good friendly, collaborative dialogue about two important public spaces. All said and done, the public life that was animated in the various discussions that took place looked pretty darn bright on Monday and Wednesday.

Given the subject matter, doesn’t this square nicely with the future of Block 51?

Coming up…

Next up on the Block 51 consultation program is a survey – which will be made available sometime next week.

Concept rendering of the Nordstrom store at Howe & Robson

One of the City’s worst pieces of architecture – the anti-iconic Sears Building – is about to get a serious make-over.

Speculation about the future of the site has been circulating since Sears announced that it was closing it’s doors in March of this year. Cadillac-Fairview, which owns the building, has now unveiled a series of drawings that sketch out a proposed redevelopment of the site. The plans are being undertaken, at least partially, in anticipation of another American retailer, Nordstrom, opening up shop in early 2015. Along with the anchor tenant, there will be additional office and retail space created.

The design itself, produced by local architect James Cheng, promises a more modern building – one that is far more open to the street, and which uses natural light, high-ceilings and multiple atria to create a sense of transparency and invitation. The large glass windows – if the renderings are to be believed – will help to mirror the features of other buildings in the area… something that will provide visual support to the Edwardian Art Gallery building and the Hotel Vancouver (along with and the slate of buildings it will face along Robson and Granville). 

(An aside: while it’s scale is reminiscent of the existing building, the look of the new site reminds us a teesy bit of the old central library just down the street at Robson and Burrard – and most recently occupied by HMV).

Comparisons aside, the move to enhance the current Sears site is long overdue, and couldn’t come at a better time. The development offers yet another opportunity to bring new vitality to the Robson Square area – an additional boost given Council’s decision to keep the 800-block of Robson Street closed to car traffic for three more months.

One thing to think about, given that the Cadillac-Fairview design is still in a conceptual stage: could more be done with the site to enhance the adjacent Robson Square space? For example, what if, rather than occupying the entire block, the new building were reassembled — keeping the same overall floor-space but building ‘up’ part of the site in exchange for some more at-grade open-space facing the 800-block and Art Gallery.

It’s just an idea, of course, but we’d be interested in hearing whether or not there are other possibilities. The Sears building re-do is an important exercise. Lots of folks out there – judging from the comments we’ve read – are excited to see a proverbial eyesore given an overdue make-over. Let’s make sure we do the best job possible – both given the pivotal nature of the site and the important public space that sits right across the street.

The Jazz Fest: kicking-off the 2012 closure of the 800-block of Robson Street

Great news on the public space front: the popular 800-block segment of Robson Street (at the south end of the Vancouver Art Gallery) is going to remain a pedestrian-only space through to the end of the year!

The City made the announcement in a media release that went out this afternoon (see below). City staff will be using the time to consult with stakeholders about the permanent closure of the space.

The VPSN strongly supports this decision and commends Mayor and Council for this important move. The VPSN also welcomes the idea of broader consultation on this issue, as key considerations around transit routing and the impact on local business need to be accounted for in any planning for the space.

The 800-block site has proved to be an immensely popular gathering spot. Originally slated for permanent closure during the completion of the Law Courts building (in the late 1970s), the true potential of an expanded Robson Square came to the fore of discussions during the 2010 Olympics.

Since that time, two successful summertime traffic closures have yielded further positive results. Innovative seating structures have been installed (Picnurbia in 2011 and Pop Rocks in 2012), and a roster of markets, food trucks, festivals and buskers have transformed and animated the space for residents and visitors alike.

2011’s Picnurbia installation

The summer of 2012 saw Pop Rocks take over Robson

Public support for this initiative has continued to be strong. In 2011, the VPSN conducted two surveys – designed to measure public support for keeping Robson Square car-free. Over 1800 signatures were gathered in support of the expansion of Robson Square, while just over 40 indicated opposition to the move.

Take a moment to share your thoughts on this issue: consider writing a short email to Mayor Robertson (gregor.robertson@vancouver.ca), Penny Ballem (City Manager) (penny.ballem@vancouver.ca) or Peter Judd (City Engineer) (peter.judd@vancouver.ca). Voicing your support for the expansion of Robson Square will be critical to moving this project forward.

Robson St. pedestrian plaza to remain open;
City staff consulting on longer street closure

The 800 block of Robson Street, between Hornby and Howe, will remain closed to vehicles until the end of the year following another very successful summer as a popular pedestrian plaza.

City staff will continue to discuss a permanent closure of the block with key stakeholders, including the DVBIA and TransLink, before reporting to Council later this fall on a permanent closure.

“For the past two summers, and during the Olympics, this block of Robson has proven to be a hub of activity,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson. “It’s been a very popular destination for people to enjoy music, impromptu performances, creative types of outdoor seating and a place to relax and enjoy our downtown.

“We have an opportunity to create an important new public plaza in the centre of the Downtown and have a timely opportunity to consider this option.”

The recently installed Pop Rocks seating, part of the VIVA Vancouver summer streets program, will remain in place in the 800 block of Robson through September or as weather permits.

Over the past two summers, VIVA Vancouver has helped bring liveliness and fun to Robson, Granville and other locations around the city with pop-up parks, creative seating installations and local arts and culture activities.

VIVA Vancouver has facilitated the closure of Granville St., between Smithe and Hastings, to create a pedestrian and event corridor featuring special sports and dancing activities, displays, music and places for locals and visitors to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

In December 2010, Vancouver City Council directed staff to examine the creation of a public square in the 800 block of Robson St.

LINK – Gregor Robertson – Mayor of Vancouver Blog

Summer’s here and the weekend is only a few hours away. Weather aside, things are lining up nicely for some seasonal fun in the city’s public realm. Ready, set, go!

A few quick updates about some upcoming activities that you may be interested in:

• Robson Square Summer Plaza – Update on the 800-block!
• Starting July 5 – Lunch Meet! Long Table Action on Abbot Street
• Transportation Plan – Public Space Ideas
• Grandview-Woodland Community Plan
• St. George Street Rainway – Street Mural Painting

Robson Square Summer Plaza – Jazzing up the 800-block is just the beginning!

For the second year in a row, the 800-block of Robson Street, between Hornby and Howe, will be closed to through traffic. Like the Granville Street pedestrian mall around the corner, the expanded Robson Square will play host to a variety of street level activities through to Labour Day.

The closure begins tomorrow, June 23, and coincides with the Jazz Fest (check out their schedule for an awesome selection of free shows at this site and elsewhere). A few weeks hence the installation of Pop Rocks – a very cool outdoor seating installation – will take place. And if that wasn’t enough, look for other fun activities – including VPSN-led laser graffiti, speakers’ corner and public karaoke installations – to animate the space over the coming months.

As many of you know, the VPSN is quite supportive of the expansion of Robson Square. Our survey last summer saw an overwhelming number of people support the creation of a larger public gathering area in this space… and the current closure gives us yet another opportunity to see how the space supports public life in the city.

That being said, we know that there are a lot of different opinions on the space… and we want to hear your side of things too. To this end, we’ll be doing some evaluation work throughout the summer.

Please take a moment to let us know what you think of the expanded space. Send your photos, ideas, thoughts, concerns and ideas our way – we want to hear from you!

:: Feedback – robsonsquare [at] vancouverpublicspace.ca

Starting July 5 – Lunch Meet! Long Table Action on Abbott Street

And speaking of street closures… can we invite you to lunch in July? LUNCH MEET is a new City-sponsored initiative that we’re running every Thursday of the month. The 300-block of Abbott Street will be transformed into a place for people, with a long table and music provided by local artists. Grab a bite to eat from a local business, food cart or bring your own lunch and meet a neighbour, friend or work colleague.

The event kicks off on July 5th and we’re looking for a team of volunteers to help with event-related activities. Most volunteer tasks are 1 hour in duration, and would take place from 10:30 am to 2pm.

:: Lend a hand – contact adam [at] vancouverpublicspace [dot] ca

Transportation 2040 Plan – Public Space Ideas

The City is in the process of updating their Transportation Plan. The new policy document, called Transportation 2040, will provide a vision for the next 30 years and guide transportation decision-making for the next 15 years.

The draft document has been released, and the City is looking for feedback on a range of ideas – everything from improvements to pedestrian areas, bike lanes, public transport and more. This is a great opportunity to weigh on a number of important ideas.

Among other things, there’s a chance to have your say on a few aspects specifically focused on public space. Including a series of strategies and actions around

• Enabling and encouraging creative uses of the street; and
• Creating public plazas and gathering spaces throughout the city.

You can read more on these and other ideas on the City’s webpage (see below). There’s also a survey you can complete in order to share your feedback.

Stay tuned for a VPSN event on these items as well. We’ve got a small event in the works right now and will be announcing details shortly.

:: City of Vancouver Transportation 2040 webpage

:: VPSN Transportation 2040 Activities – Info – quinn [at] vancouverpublicspace [dot] ca

Grandview-Woodland Community Plan

Are you a resident of the Grandview-Woodland neighbourhood? Like to hang out on the Drive? Work in the hood?

Anyone interested in the future of G-W is invited to lend their voice to the Community Plan work that’s going on in the neighbourhood right now. There’s a Community Questionnaire and photo contest that is running through to the end of next week. Among the themes of planning work – public space (including parks, streetscapes and more).

:: City of Vancouver Grandview-Woodland Community Plan webpage

St. George Street Rainway – Street Mural Painting

The St. George Street Rainway Committee, the False Creek Watershed Society, the City of Vancouver Viva program and the Mount Pleasant Elementary School have partnered to create a street mural painting party and you are invited!

The community was consulted on the creation of this mural at various events and by door-to-door surveys (see a sample of this beautiful mural on the right!). Preliminary design work will happen on the 27th and on the 28th in the morning. Please join us on June 28 from 3:00 – 8:00 PM to paint the mural. The party will go from 6:00 – 8:00! Location: St.George Street, between E. 7^th and E 8^th Ave

:: More info – Shahirastgeorgerainway [at] gmail.com or City