EVERGREEN COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT URBAN DESIGN PLAN
Victoria BC
BC Housing, the Provincial agency in charge of non-profit housing development, envisioned the redevelopment of a spent 7 acre urban social-housing site, to become an accessible, socially and physically resilient, mainly residential area, for a diversity of people of all ages and backgrounds, which is well connected to, and forms an integral part of the local neighbourhood and the city at large.
It is not presumed that urban design can be a sole determinant of human behavior, nor that the form of a city is responsible for the sociocultural success or failure of a neighbourhood, district or city. It is a valid premise however, that good urban design and architecture can make a setting for positive human experience and can contribute to the safety, orientation, beauty, comfort and enjoyment of the city and thereby reduce stresses of urban life.
To guide the design process, principles were established based on this premise:
Experientially successful urban design is achieved with good urban places that are made through regionally adapted, site-specific, mixed-use, plans that support people by offering comfort, convenience, utility and delight.
These ten principles were then used to generate designs to shape the mix, density, spatial qualities, functionality, and public experience of not only future residents and users of Evergreen, but also contribute to the shape, texture and experience of people in the district.
Humanistic design of all elements, structures and spaces
Accommodate diverse and inclusive social and cultural mix
Scaled block, street, building and site designs
Organized and legible orientation of buildings and spaces
Resilient and ecologically integrated infrastructure
Connected networks of public open spaces
Curated street-level functions and activities
Walkable, diverse and beautiful public realm
Universal accessibility and complete mobility
Micro-climate- responsive design of outdoor settings
