Interface: urban gathering spaces and the plus 15
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2011
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Abstract
The challenge of the modern world is not too little information, but too much of it. This Master's Degree Project looks at the design of public spaces in the context of the winter city. In particular, it focuses on the Calgary Plus 15 network, and outlines a process for improving the system. Beginning with a look at the topic of public space and using the Plus 15 system as an example of an evolving and growing form of public space, a strategy for analysis is generated. Six categories of core elements for the creation of successful public spaces are developed - forming a framework for analysis. Next, the project looks at the inter-relation between public and private spaces. The City of Calgary Land use Bylaw is examined, in order to gain an understanding of how incentives are utilised for the creation of public space. Suggested modifications to the policy are outlined, followed by a basic example of a change in design approach for Plus 15 access points, walkways, and bridges. This approach is applied to five simplified building typologies, allowing for depiction of a visual example. The completed project acts as a guidebook for providing alternate approaches to maintaining and enhancing the public space of the Plus 15 system. From a manageable method of analysis of the qualitative aspects of public space, to an example of the possibilities of a subtle shift in design approach, this project seeks to simplify the process of design and implementation of compelling urban public spaces.
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Bibliography: p. 100-109
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Citation
Brookes, W. J. (2011). Interface: urban gathering spaces and the plus 15 (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/4254