Canadian Parking Association’s Post

We are honoured to be among the winners of the 2024 National Urban Design Awards for the Downsview Framework Plan, working with Henning Larsen, KPMB Architects, and SLA for Northcrest Developments and Canada Lands Company / Société Immobilière du Canada. The honour is bestowed by RAIC - IRAC Canadian Institute of Planners Canadian Society of Landscape Architects. Jury comments: Converting one of the largest contiguous spaces in Toronto into a nature-first community is ambitious. The 520-acre brownfield area comes with a strong history of an airport and requires a thoughtful re-integration of the city fabric across the lands. An ambitious goal that has been crafted by input from citizens, it is an example of how sustainable development can occur. Big ideas and aspirations are well bundled into this master plan with a strong focus on nature in the city. The plan focuses on six fundamental principles: nature, equity, accessibility, people, sustainable development, and transit proximity.  The framework plan demonstrates good analysis of the site and its context. The plan aims to incorporate sustainable principles, connect to its surroundings, integrate public transit into its design, and create walkable communities. This project is a demonstration of how a once-negative industrial site can be transformed into a valuable resource for future generations and should be used as an example for other municipalities. https://lnkd.in/gsXrbjXt

Was interviewed last week by Cloe L. for a Canada's National Observer piece on the climate mitigating benefits of point access blocks/single stair buildings. 'Most of the world builds multi-family housing with what are called “point access blocks,” explains Michael Eliason, founder of Seattle-based #architecture think tank Larch Lab. Instead of building #apartments around two staircases (which is the norm in .Canada and the United States), compact buildings are constructed with just one staircase. He points to walk-up buildings, rife with character and community, in places like Berlin, Mexico City and Tokyo. “The way we build housing in the U.S. and in Canada as well, where we typically have at least two stairs, a corridor separating them, and then units on either side...is a little bit of an anomaly,” he explained.' Great to see Ravi Kahlon and Conrad Speckert discuss their leadership on the subject in Canada. The movement for more livable, climate adaptive, and family-friendly #multifamilyhousing continues to grow. I believe this is also the first publication to reference my forthcoming Island Press book, 'Building for People.' 💪 #citiesforpeople #climateurbanism #betterbuildings #multifamily #stadtplanung #livablecities https://lnkd.in/gmmhUC9T

Thanks Brian Waters for inviting Adam Fothergill and I to give our thoughts on the topic of Permitted Development and Designing for Future Re-use at the London Planning & Development Forum last week! It was a fantastic panel and super interesting hearing the conversations around design codes from Colin Wilson, Ben Derbyshire PPRIBA FRSA HonAIA and Andy von Bradsky (summary: codes and AAPs should be high level, strategic and capture urban design aspirations) and the new City Plan from Gudrun Andrews (making the City a destination 7 days of the week, as well as development plans and how views of landmarks have shaped the tall building policy). Look out for more detail in the next edition of Planning in London!! Short synopsis of our thoughts on PD / future of conversion 👇 We talked about how turning unused office spaces into residential buildings is reshaping our urban landscapes, boosted by revised permitted development rules removing space and vacancy limits. This trend aligns with sustainable development goals and addresses high vacancy rates in high streets and low office occupancy in London. While navigating these rules can be complex, PD may offer quicker planning and construction processes and lower embodied energy. This led us to the conclusion that designing future buildings to be more adaptable from the outset would help increase reuse potential, creating environmentally, socially, and economically responsible urban environments for the future. #architecture #future #livingsectors #retrofitfirst #permitteddevelopment #PD #conversion #coliving #laterliving #residential

The Secretary of State has approved plans for the next phase of a mixed-use regeneration scheme at Cambridge North, on the derelict former railway sidings land next to Cambridge North Railway Station and Guided Busway Interchange. The development is being brought forward by the Chesterton Partnership, a venture comprising Network Rail Property, DB Cargo (UK) Limited, and development partner Brookgate. Since 2020, ACME has been developing the masterplan on this complex public brownfield site surrounded by a varied tapestry of development. It is a truly mixed-use residential-led development with life sciences at the heart of its identity. The scheme will deliver 425 mixed-tenure new homes and 5,000 sqm of flexible ground floor space for cafes, shops, bars, and community spaces. New public realm and green spaces will enliven an accessible new urban neighbourhood as a gateway from Cambridge North Station to the wider North East Cambridge area. The scheme will also deliver 53,700 sqm of commercial space, including provision for new laboratories and offices. The integration of landscaping will preserve the existing identity of the site in the Cam River Valley and its identity as a new urban quarter belonging to Cambridge. The scheme provides extensive green spaces and material improvements to biodiversity. It also responds to the climate change challenge with energy—and water-efficient buildings and by encouraging the shift to more sustainable means of transport. New, accessible public spaces, such as Chesterton Gardens at the heart of the residential quarter and a new civic space, Chesterton Square, will provide social spaces for all. A ‘wild park’ of planting, with a pond habitat, will be a green, biodiverse space for visitors as well as those who live and work at Cambridge North to enjoy. The proposals will see a significant net gain in biodiversity of over 80% and will involve planting in excess of 340 new trees and providing landscape areas on building roofs. Make Architects is designing One Cambridge Square and the lab buildings at 1-3 Station Row, while ACME is designing One Chesterton Square, Two Milton Avenue, a Mobility hub, a lab building and the Residential Quarter. Click the link to find out more about the Cambridge North Masterplan: https://lnkd.in/eYSjibV9 #cambridge #cambridgenorth #masterplan #lifesciences #residential #mixeduse #regeneration #architecture

🌳Furnitubes International Ltd we manufacture our products here in the UK at our 🏭factory in #kent. 🌳 ⚙️We believe #madeinbritain holds significance for landscape architects for various reasons. Firstly, it supports local craftsmanship and expertise, enabling architects to collaborate closely with skilled manufacturers. This collaboration ensures high-quality solutions, tailored to the unique needs of British landscapes🏞️. Secondly, it promotes sustainability by reducing carbon emissions associated with transportation, aligning with the principles of environmentally conscious design. Additionally, it fosters a sense of community and pride in supporting national businesses. Ultimately, emphasising “Made in Britain” enhances the authenticity, sustainability, and cultural richness of landscape architecture projects in the UK.👩🏽🏭 #landscapearchitect #publicrealm #streetfurniture #rooftopgarden #landscaping #innovation #britishmanufacturing #sustainability #reducecarbonfootprint #landscapedesign #community #nationalpride #collaboration

Since the terrain is in severe decline, we've decided to work the entrances to the office and residential areas. The non-standard of this facility is that the entrance to the office space is on one street, and the entrance to the residential section is on the floor below on the side street. 25 residential units 1 duplex business unit 38 parking lots #bauprojekt #innovation #design #architecture #urbanisme #creativity #projectmanagement

British Columbia is on the brink of a significant building code update that could reshape urban development. Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon announced on July 4, 2024, the plans to allow single-exit stairways (SES) in buildings up to six storeys, based on a report from engineering firm Jensen Hughes. This change promises to enhance safety, design flexibility, and environmental sustainability. Traditionally, the law has only permitted one staircase for buildings less than two or three storeys tall in the province and much of North America and required at least two exit stairways for buildings over three storeys tall. SES buildings optimize space by wrapping units around a central staircase, allowing for more natural light and better ventilation, creating more spacious and comfortable living areas even in smaller lots. These buildings can also reduce their carbon footprint and improve airflow, contributing to more sustainable urban development and aligning with eco-friendly construction practices. Additionally, SES buildings allow for more units on less land, providing larger, family-friendly units in urban areas and helping to meet the demand for affordable housing. Vancouver-based architect Bryn Davidson, a long-time advocate for SES, expressed his excitement about this development. Davidson, co-owner and lead designer at LaneFab Design, highlighted the potential of SES to transform both the form and function of multi-family housing. He noted that this change could offer a new design choice in North America. The proposed changes to B.C.'s building code are expected to be introduced in the fall of this year, following further engagement and consultation. This move reflects an evolving approach to building regulations, driven by technological advancements and the need for sustainable development. At WeConstruX, we are excited about the possibilities that SES buildings bring to the future of construction and urban living. We support this initiative and look forward to seeing how these changes will shape the landscape of B.C. and beyond. Stay tuned for more updates on this and other groundbreaking developments. Source: Single-exit stairways should be allowed in more BC buildings: housing minister (City News Canada) #WeConstruX #UrbanDevelopment #SingleExit #Stairways #Vancouver #SustainableCity #SustainableConstruction #GreenBuilding #UrbanDevelopment #ConstructionSolutions

Perched atop the iconic One High Line buildings in NYC, two state-of-the-art single jib Building Maintenance Units (BMUs) stand ready to redefine urban upkeep. These engineering marvels, designed for both efficiency and safety, ensure that the stunning glass facades of One High Line remain pristine, reflecting the city's ever-changing skyline. Not only do they represent the pinnacle of building maintenance technology, but they also underscore the commitment to architectural excellence and sustainability that One High Line embodies. With these BMUs, the buildings seamlessly integrate form, function, and the future of urban living. BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group Tishman Speyer Suffolk Construction Gio Savinovich Karen Montero Christer Hogne Leila Marie Savinovich Jonathan Savinovich Juan Portelles Christopher Baquero Gondolas in Design SL, GinD hugo donoso Carlos Flores Gil de Vergara #OneHighLine #UrbanInnovation #BuildingMaintenance #ArchitecturalExcellence #SustainableDesign

Tripling the population of Manchester City Centre could bring a 'real buzz to the city'. I'm sure it would. Great for business! Construction of super towers taking place everywhere, refurbishments and extension to existing buildings all enable this attraction and growth to a great city. How will mobile networks perform, catering for 3 times more people? Particularly in buildings! Does the commercial and inner city residential buildings begin to suffer? Developers may be sensible to consider future proofing so there is dedicated coverage and capacity in their buildings https://lnkd.in/evwCv2Cn