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LIBRARY The C% of Edmonton

Urban Design Group

(^monton

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

u Streets and their sidewalks, the main public places ofa city, are its most vital organs.

Think of a city and what comes to mind? Its streets.

Ifa city's streets look interesting, the city looks interesting;

if they look dull, the city looks dull. .hwc Jacobs

(1916-2006)

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URBAN DESIGN ELECTIVE

This course is specifically designed to provide participants with an introduction to urban design. "Urban Design" is one of the Planning Academy's elective courses, developed by the Urban Design Group, Planning and Development Department. The Planning Academy is a series of courses, developed by the City of Edmonton, designed to provide the public with a better understanding of the planning and development process in Edmonton. The main objectives of the course are: To help participants recognize what good urban design looks like.

•

To Illustrate the value of good urban design and the implications to our city, and To identify ways that participants can influence change towards better urban design.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS PROJECT TEAM

Ossama Elgalali, B.Arch., M.Arch., ACP, MClP, Senior Planner/Urban Designer Dnyanesh Deshpande, B.Arch., Dipl. U,D.. M, Urb.PI., Principal Planner/Urban Designer Dale Lewis, ACA, Graphic Designer ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS -

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

Kulbir Singh, B.Arch., M.PL, ACP. MClP, Director Brian Van Sickle, B,L.A., C.S.L.A., Principal Planner/Urban Designer Julie McGuire, M.Sc. PI., Planner Adrienne Hill, BA, Communications Officer LiAnne Home, Administrative Assistant

PLANNING ACADEMY Planning, Builfling and Lifing in Edmonlon

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to the Planning Academy

A. What is the Planning Academy? B. what are the Directives of the Planning Academy? C. How will you learn about planning?

9 9 9

2. Introduction to Urban Design: How we remember cities

A. Setting

B. C.

Landmarks Streets

11 11

D. E. F. G-

Development Patterns Building Forms Open Spaces History

12 13 13 14

Art and Architecture

Transportation Networks

Culture

K. The Experience

3. Factors That Shape the City's Physical Form

A. Topography

Climate

Politics

D. Economy E. Transportation

19 19

4. What is Urban Design?

Evolution of Urban Design

Key Sources of Urban Design

7. The Image of the City: Physical Form A.

Districts

B. Edges

Paths

D. E.

Nodes Landmarks

Application of the Five Basic Elements to Downtown Edmonton

,....24 24

Urban Design: Areas of Influence

A. City Scale B. Neighbourhood Scale

26 26

Street Scale

Site Scale

Ingredients of Vibrant Streets: An Experience to Remember

A-

Streetwalls i. Street Enclosure

28 28

ii.

The Scalc of the Street

iii.

Sun Penetration

iv.

Short Blocks

Reflecting Original Lot Widths

City of Edmonton Planning ancf Duve^opmont Oopnflment

3^. \

PLANNING ACADI'^MY

urban Design

Planning. liuilOing ai)Cl Living in Cdmonton

Buildings Human Scale Building Frontage Active Building Frontage Prominent Building Corners iv. Quality Architectural Details

31 31 31 32 32

Weather Protection

Spaces and Landscapes

i. ii. iii.

The Sidewalk Environment Public Art Street Trees

34 34 35

iv. Gateways V. Parks, Squares and Plazas

35 36

vi.

Intersections

vii- Traffic Calming and Pedestrian Crossings viii.Multi-modal Transportation ix. On-street Parking

37 38

Safe Places

Connections

Physical and Visual Links

ii.

Views and Vista Termination

Activity Generators

Street Life

Land Use Mix

ii. Residential Density

10. Edmonton's Urban Design Experience

A. B.

Topography Rapid Growth

Climate

Recessions

Shopping Malls

Big Box Development

G- Commitment to Better Urban Design H. Attitude toward Urban Design

48 48

11. Making Cities Livable: Urban Design Principles

Sense of Place: Unique Image or Distinctive Identity

B. CD.

Sensitive Architecture: Good Fit Land Use Mix Ease of Circulation

51 51 52

E. Active Public Spaces F. Compact City

G. H. I. J.

Livable Neighbourhoods Well Defined Street Edge Variety of Character Adaptability

12. The Benefits of Good Urban Design

City of tdrnomon Ptatjoing and Oeveiopmenl Dopafinwnl

52 53

53 54 55 55 56

L\ PLANNING ACADEMY manning. Building ana Living in Edmonlon

13. The Cost of Poor Urban Design

A. B. C. D. E.

Big Box Stores Urban Sprawl: Lack of Urban Design Loss of Heritage Building Fronts: Blank Walls Surface Parking Lots Facing the Street: Urban Areas

58 59 60 6'' 62

14. Urban Design Process

A. Analyzing the Existing Context B. Establishing a Vision C. Implementing Che Vision

63 64 65

15. Urban Design Implementation Tools

A. Legislative

B-

Administrative

C. D. E. F.

Urban Design Review Process Design Review Committee Urban Design Awards Program Design Competitions

66 66 67 67

Education

H. Community I. Funding

67 67

16. Trends in Urban Planning and Design A. 8.

Smart Growth New Urbanism: Back to the Future

68 68

C. Transit Oriented Development (TOD) D. Walkability

69 70

Sustainable Communities

17. Opportunities for Good Urban Design in Edmonton

A. Focus Edmonton - City Plan (Municipal Development Plan)

B. Area Structure Plan (ASP) C. Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) D. Edmonton Zoning Bylaw

72 72 72

E. Historic Resource Management Program

F. Urban Design Program G. Business Revitalization Zones (BRZs) H. Facade and Storefront Improvement Program

75 77

The Smart Choices Program

J. KL. M. N. O.

Fort Road Old Town Redevelopment

Downtown East Project

Downtown North Edge Implementation Edmonton Urban Design Awards 2005 Edmonton Design Committee Percent for Art Policy

81 82 83 84

Edmonton Entrance Corridors

18. The Future

19. References

City of Edmonlon Planning and Oovelopment DHpflrimrni

IS. PLANNING ACADEMY

Planning. BiiiMtng and Living in Edmonton

20. Appendices

urban Design

Appendix A: Contact Information

Appendix B: Edmonton Design Committee; Principles of Urban Design

Urbanism

Creating and enhancing the city Creating and enhancing the neighbourhood, district and corridor

ii. Creating and enhancing the block, street and building B. Design Excellence

89 90

90 91

Sustainability is an integral component of the design

ii. Integration and encouragement of public arts and culture iii. Celebrate the winter city and Edmonton's climate iv. Durable, permanent and timeless materials V, Appropriate use of innovation

91 91 92 92

Scale, Connections and Context

i. Celebrate and respect heritage ii. Exemplify neighbourliness iii. Enhance and preserve connections

92 92 93

Appendix C: Urban Design Checklist

Appendix D: Additional Resources for Urban Design

Appendix E: Internet Resources for Urban Design

21. Glossary

4 Cily of Edmonion Planning and Development Oepartment

9^.

PLANNINC. ACADEMY Planning. Building ana Living m Edmonton

List of Figures Figure 1: The setting of Vancouver by the Pacific Ocean

Figure 2: The Eiffel Tower, Paris: A national icon of France

Figure 3; The Legislature Building. Edmonton; Acity landmark

Figure 4: Steam Clock. Vancouver: A neighbourhood icon

Figure 5: Champs-ÂŁlys6es, Paris

Figure 6; Block Patterns of Rome

Figure 7: Block patterns of downtown Portland

Figure 8: Well defined street edge, Paris, France

Figure 9: Pioneer Square, Portland; Active well programmed open space

Figure 10: River Valley, Edmonton

Figure 11: Preserving the past. San Francisco

Figure 12: Hotel McDonald. Edmonton

Figure 13: Central Area. Vienna: Public art and architecture

Figure 14: Rice Howard Way, Edmonton

Figure 15; Light Rail Transit (LRT) in Portland

Figure 16; Outdoor cafes and vibrant street life is inherent to French culture

Figure 17; Outdoor Cafes, Whyte Avenue. Edmonton

Figure 18; Chinatown, Vancouver: A unique and vibrant tourist destination

Figure 19: Little Italy {95th Street), Edmonton

Figure 20: Santorino, Italy

Figure 21; Edmonton

Figure 22; Washington DC; A planned city

Figure 23: Manhattan. New York

Figure 24: Freeway. Los Angeles

Figure 25: Subway. Paris

Figure 26: Well defined and active public space, Paris, France

Figure 27: Outdoor public spaces. Roundhouse Neighbourhood and Yaletown edge. Vancouver

Figure 28: Piazza del Duomo still represents the urban centre of contemporary Milan

Figure 29: Legislature Grounds: Landmark

Figure 30: Jasper Avenue: Path

Figure 31: Warehouse Area: District

Figure 32: North Saskatchewan River: Edge

Cily of Edmonton Planning anU DevelopmAnl Ooparttnotil 5

PLANNING ACADEMY

urban Design

Planning, Building ana Living m Edmonton

Figure 33: City Hall: Node

Figure 34: Edmonton Civic Centre Design Proposal

Figure 35: Dental Sciences Building on the University of Alberta Campus

Figure 36: Jasper Avenue improvements, early 80's

Figure 37: Rice Howard Way improvements, early 80's

Figure 38: Chinatown improvements along 97 Street, 1998

Figure 39: Little Italy improvements along 95 Street, 1995

Figure 40: Fourth Street Promenade, 1999

Figure 41: Edmonton

Figure 42: Tegler Building

Figure 43: City Centre. Downtown Edmonton

Figure 44: West Edmonton Mall

Figure 45: South Edmonton Common

Figure 46: Edmonton City Hall

Figure 47: New development on Whyte Avenue, Edmonton

Figure 48: Residential above retail. Coal Harbour. Vancouver

Figure 49: SkyTrain well integrated with mixed use development, Vancouver

Figure 50: Churchill Square during summer festivals. Edmonton

Figure 51: High density developments. Coal Harbour, Vancouver

Figure 52: Riverdale neighbourhood. Edmonton

Figure 53: Well defined street edge, Central Vienna

Figure 54: Animated storefront display, Edmonton City Centre

Figure 55: Steiner Street. San Francisco

Figure 56: Fourth Street Promenade. 104th Street, Edmonton

Figure 57; Residential lofts, Phillips Building, downtown Edmonton

Figure 58; Hub Mall, University of Alberta campus, Edmonton

Figure 59: The Courtyard on Jasper Avenue, Edmonton

Figure 60: Chinatown. Edmonton

Figure 61: River Valley, Edmonton

Figure 62: Big Box Store, Downtown Edmonton

Figure 63: An attempt to incorporate urban design in big box stores, Vancouver

Figure 64: Urban Sprawl

Figure 65: Pedestrian friendly environment. Terwillegar Town, Edmonton

Figure 66: Loss of the Tegler Building, downtown Edmonton. 1983

Figure 67: Gibson Block, Edmonton

6 City ot Edmonton Planning and Dovolupment Dnpurlment

k PLANNING ACADKMY

urban Design

Planning. BuilOi'ig and Living m Edmonton

Figure 68: Blank walls, downtown Edmonton

Figure 69: A transparent storefront display, downtown Edmonton

Figure 70: Surface parking lots, downtown Edmonton

Figure 71: The surface parking lot is located behind the Courtyard on Jasper Avenue. Edmonlon

Figure 72: Capital Boulevard Project - context

Figure 73: French Quarter - proposed vision

Figure 74: Downtown North Edge, Urban Design Concept

Figure 75: Cornell, Markham, Ontario

Figure 76: Pearl District, Portland

Figure 77; Vibrant pedestrian environment, Vienna

Figure 78: Aerial view of Hammarby SjOstad, Sweden

Figure 79: Example of a DC2 Application: Urban Design Guidelines

Figure 80; Edmonton Historic Resource Management Program: Preserving the Past

Figure 81: A Vision for the French Quarter, 2003

Figure 82: Business Revitalization Zones (BRZs) in Edmonton

Figure 83: Fort Road Urban Design Plan

Figure 84; Downtown East Vision

Figure 85; Downtown North Edge Vision

Figure 86; Edmonton Urban Design Awards, 2005: Some award winning projects

Figure 87; Aurora Project: Proposed DCI in Central McDougall neighbourhood

Figure 88: "Caravel" by Isia Burns, 1992, North of City Hall

Figure 89; View from the road; artist rendering of Highway 2 corridor

Cily of Edtr>onton PIcrming and DovDlopment Oopartrrwrit 7

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Urban Design

L\ PLANNING ACADl-MY Piannmg. liuilding and living in Edmonton

INTRODUCTION TO THE PLANNING ACADEMY

A. What is the Planning Academy?

The Planning Academy is a series of courses, developed

by the City of Edmonton, designed to provide participants with a better understanding of the planning and

development process in Edmonton. Courses incorporate "real life" activities to assist participants' understanding of the material covered.

B. What are the objectives of the Planning Academy?

â&#x20AC;˘

To provide a service to the public To promote good planning

To demonstrate that the City of Edmonton must consider many points of view in the planning and development process â&#x2122;Ś

To help participants become more effective in

planning and development matters by building an understanding of planning

0. How WILL YOU LEARN ABOUT PLANNING? The City of Edmonton is offering three core, and several optional courses through the Planning Academy. Completion of the three core courses and one elective entitles participants to a Certificate of Completion, which will be presented at a City Council meeting.

The first course Land Use Planning: The Big Picture will provide a basic overview of land use planning.

The second course Getting a Grip on Land Use Planning will examine the "How" of land use planning in greater detail.

The third course Come Plan With Us: Using your Voice will specifically examine the role of stakeholders in greater detail.

Elective courses provide overviews of other planning disciplines, such as transportation planning, and urban

design. Participants will also examine specific tools that help facilitate the overall planning processWhile we recommend that participants complete all three core courses and at least one elective, we recognize

that some participants may not choose to do so. For this reason, each core course has been structured to stand on its own.

City of Ectmonton Planning and Oevefopmon( Departmorii

91.

PLANNING ACADHMY

Urban Design

Planning. Building ana Uv(ng in Edmonton

'M^realcity is nothing more tinin a portrait of itselj, andyet when all is said and done, its

arsenal of scenes and images arepart of a deeply niovingplan." Mark Heiprin

INTRODUCTION TO URBAN DESIGN

Cities are more than buildings, streets, open spaces and people. Cities are the centres of world civilization. They are the major hubs for the exchange of goods, services and ideas. Why cities look the way they do, how they affect us, and what we can do to make them better is the primary concern of Urban Design. Cities have individual personalities made up of unique characteristics: a beautiful

setting, history, architecture, and institutional and cultural richness. A key contributor to the overall appeal of a city is the joy and comfort one feels while visiting its special places. The essence or heart of a city is found in its streets, parks, plazas and the built form that encloses these spaces. A city may be remembered for a number of reasons:

•

Setting

•

Landmarks

•

Streets

•

Development patterns

•

Building form

•

Open spaces

•

History

•

Art and architecture

•

Transportation networks

•

Culture

•

The experience

A. Setting

Historically, North American cities were established on river banks, lakeshores or seashores that offered natural harbours on trading routes. This geographic setting makes the first impression of a city.

Figure 1: The setting of Vancouver by the Pacific Ocean and against tho mountain has influenced the character of Its urban form

10 Cily of Edmonton Planning at>d OoveFopmenl Oeparimoni

Urban Design

PLANNING ACADIL\n" Planning. Building nnci l.iving in Edrtionlon

B. Landmarks

Cities may have landmarks of various sizes and character. At a city level, a feature such as a natural escarpment, a monumental bridge or a tall cathedral may serve as

significant city landmark. At a neighbourhood level, a popular corner shop, a public art feature, a church, a small park or a heritage building may serve as a landmark.

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Figure 2: Tho Eilfel Tower, Pjns;

Figure 3. The Legislature Building,

Steam Clock. Vancouver.

Figure 4;

A national icon of France

Edmonton; A city [andmark

A neighboiirtiood icon

C. Streets

The culture of a city can be seen on the sidewalks of its streets, in cafes and shopping centres. Streets act as a platform for local festivals and processions, a place to hang out and a place to meet other people.

Figure 5.

Champs-Elysees, Paris Ttie continuous street-wall, comfortable

sidewalks and mixed use buildings add vitality to the street

City of Edmonton pinnning .ino Duvelopmenl l^irp^rlment

PLANNING ACADEMY

Urban Design

Planning. Building and Living in edmoi'ton

D. Development Patterns

Historically, cities evolved in two types. The first type is the unplanned city resulting in an irregular pattern referred to as "organic" The other type is the pre planned or designed city which resulted in a more regular geometric pattern. Most European cities have evolved over many centuries. The block pattern of Rome was established long before the invention of the motor vehicle; it is organic in nature and exhibits a wide variety of shapes and spaces.

Figure 6: Block Paucrns o' Rome

(JacoD Allan, 'Great SueGts", MIT, 1993)

In contrast, most North American cities' block patterns

are greatly influenced by motor vehicle transport.

Downtown Portland is a good example of smaller, squareshaped city blocks.

U Figure 7Block patterns of downiown Portland: Typical block size is 65m X 65m (JacoU Allan, "Great Streets', MIT. 1993)

12 D(y of Edmonton Planning .tnd Devek)poiont Dcpanmonc

<<â&#x20AC;˘1,

31.

Urban Design

PLANNING ACADEMY Planning, Buiiaing and Living in Edmonlon

E. Building Forms

DidU Know? Taipei 101, Taipei, Taiwan, is Che tallest

Tall buildings are a common sight in the downtown of many North American cities. Many European cities are defined by city blocks of 4 to 6 story buildings that create a continuous built edge along the periphery of the blocks, often with an internal courtyard. The basic form

of buildings can directly affect the quality of the public realm of our streets.

building in the world. It measures 508 meters in

height. Sears Tower, Chicago, ranks today as the third tallest

building in the world.

Flgjre 6: Well defined street edge with continuous building frontage

built to property line, Paris, Prancc

Open Spaces

Civic parks, public plazas and natural trails act as breathing spaces in the dense built environment of a city. A well-knit network of open spaces and connecting green corridors is more pedestrian friendly; and cities that preserve and develop these public spaces are more livable.

Figure 9:

Pioneer Square. Portland: Active well programmed open space

Figure 10: River Valley. Edmonton

C'ty ol Edmonton Planning ond Oevoiopnu'nt Dep^rtnii>ni

Urban Design

Pl.ANNING ACADEMY Planning. Building ana Living in Edmninon

G. History

The buildings and remnants that remind and connect us to the past are a city'sjewels. They provide a solid link to

our heritage and are the foundation for new development decisions.

iSll h

Ml IS

Figure 12: Hotot McDonald, ECmotilon Figure 11: Preserving the past, San Francisco

H. Art and Architecture

In cities such as Vienna and Paris, one can experience the integration of

contemporary art and architecture with the public realm. The inclusion of art in public spaces invigorates and inspires us.

.msv

Figure 13:

Figure 14:

Central Area. Vienna: Public an and combination ol

Rice Howard Way, Edmonton

historic as well as contemporary arctiKecture cnnctt the urban experience

14 Cny of Edmonior Planning nnd Douolopriuitit DepariniiKii

31.

Urban Design

L\ PLANNING ACADEMY Planning. Building and Living in Edmonton

DidU Know? The Paris rneiro

(subway system) has 199 km (124

Transportation Networks

Apart from their architecture and buildings, many cities are noted for their intense transportation infrastructure.

The famous freeway system of Los Angeles, the SkyTrain of Vancouver, the light rail transit (LRT) of Edmonton; and by contrast, the horse-drawn carriages of Old Montreal, all establish the style of the city. The pattern of a city's streets; whether a traditional grid or a modern curvilinear system,

has a major influence on how they are used.

miies) of tracl^ and 15 lines. There are 368 stations.

87 of these being

interchanges between lines. It is said that

from any location in downtown Paris there is a

subway station not farther than 500 meters. There are 3500 cars which

transport roughly 6 million people per day.

Figure 15:

Ligni Rail Transit (LRT) in Portland is one o( the outstanding success stories in Norlti America. It provides free transit in downtown Portland

Culture

Culture and cultures define the personality of a particular society. North American cities are a showcase of multiculturalism. The meeting of different cultures broadens our depth of experience and manifests itself in all aspects of our city life - architecture, art, festivals, and food. lUlUILIIIIIIIJJJIUBI

i^f

Figure 16; Outdoor cafes and vibrant street life is intierent to

Figure 17: OutOoor Cafes. Whytc: Avenue. Edmonton

French culture

City of Edmonton Planning ond Dovelc^nient Oepartmeiu

Urban Design

PLANNING ACADI-MY Planning. Building and Living in Edmonton

K. The Experience

All the elements discussed above combine to shape the nature and rhythm of a city - providing a unique experience for citizens and visitors. Quality architecture, emotive music, inspirational public art, great food and a variety of places to casually socialize add a special flavour to life in a city.

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TH.A IKAUlMi CO.. Uii

Figure 10: Chinatown, Vancouver: A unique and vibrant tourtst dostin^jiion

Figure 19:

Little Italy (95th Stfeet). Edmonton

16 City of EOmontan Planntt>9 and Dovolopment DopnrlnMMii

afood

Urban Design

PLANNING ACADEiMY Planning. Building and Living in Edmonion

FACTORS THAT SHAPE THE CITY'S PHYSICAL FORM

Although all cities have the same physical components such as streets, open spaces and buiidlngs, the feel of each city is unique. Streets in Toronto, Edmonton and Vancouver all follow a basic grid pattern, but each has a very distinct feel and character. Why do they look so different? Here are the key factors that shape our cities and make them unique:

The following is a list of key fundamental factors that shape our cities:

A. Topography

Historically most cities were developed along fertile river basins and often on a flat terrain. Some notable exceptions, such as Santorino in Italy, were developed on hilly terrains

giving them a distinctive feel. Either way, these geographic features play a critical role in the nature of roads and open spaces, and ultimately shape the physical form of the city.

Figure 20; Santorino, Italy

Ciiy o1 CdrT>ontoo PIdnnIng and OevtflopmÂŤnT Oeparmiotti

Urban Design

PLANNING ACADEMY Planning. BuiMmg and Living in tamonton

B. Climate

MdU Know? Portage and Main

The design of buildings, character of streetscape, choice of building materials, and the nature of the public realm are influenced by the climate. The use of overhead and

underground pedways that connect a series of buildings is very common in winter cities such as Edmonton, Calgary and Montreal-

in Winnipeg, the so-cailed "coldest intersection in the

world", is famous

for its bitterly temperatures and raw winds.

The Canadian

Encyclopedia, however, claims that

the label given to this intersection is a

Figure 21: Edmonton

myth. C. Politics

Throughout history, politics have been a major factor in

guiding the physical form of the city. Washington D.C., was initially designed by a French born American architect and urban planner, Peter L'Enfant. It is a good example of a well planned capita! city reflecting decisions taken by a series of governments in last three centuries.

r'V '

Figure 22:

Washington DC: A planned city (Kostof, Spiro, "The City Sfaped", Thames and Hudson, 1991)

18 City of Edmomort Plfinnmy and PevGiopmotu Doparimem

I3!l^

Urban Design

PLANNING ACADl'MY Planning. Building ana l iving in Edmonton

D. Economy

A booming economy of a particular place brings investments and subsequently shapes the physical form

of the city. New York City has been a center of the world's financial system since World War II and home to many of the world's most influential stock markets and financial

institutions. The desire of many business organizations to have their headquarters on the island of Manhattan

is responsible for creating a dynamic skyline dominated by skyscraper buildings.

Figure 23: Mannallfin. New YorV

E. Transportation

Freeways, expressways, overpasses and wide arterial roads dominate the landscape of many North American cities. The car based transportation infrastructure gives rise to a low density suburban pattern. On the contrary, cities with an intense public transit network are more compact and sustainable Chan car-oriented communities.

Figure 24 fresw.iy l.os Angelo^

Tigurf? 25 Subway, Parts

CÂťy of fidrnorloo Plaonmy and Devolopmpoi Oepartm4<ni

Urban Design

PLANNING ACADHiW Planning. Building ana Living in fdmonlon

WHAT IS URBAN DESIGN?

'Mpn'mtj/y task of all urbau aixhitecliire

and landmrpe dcsiffi is the plyskal definition of streets andpublic spaces asplaces of shared use."

Urban design is the art of making places for people. Urban design is the part of city planning that deals with the physical form of the city. Urban design addresses the relationship between buildings and how buildings and the spaces between them (streets, squares, parks, and other spaces which make up the public domain), are integrated and designed together over time to create an attractive, memorable

Daniel Solomon

and safe city for citizens

Urban design is not just concerned with the city's physical form. It is also responsive to individual and community needs, conscious of its environmental implications and sensitive to economic, cultural and political parameters.

Urban design is a multi-disciplinary field involving many disciplines; planning, engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, ecology, sociology, law, politics and economics.

Urban design is an integral component of the planning process. Planning policies guide the overall development of the city. Urban design guides development of special precincts, street corridors and public places. Urban design deals with such issues as site selection, height, setbacks, massing, materials and compatibility of a proposed building to its surroundings-

Figjre 26; well defined and active public space, Paris, France

Figure 27: Outdoor public spaces well integrated with surrounding development. Roundhouse NBighbourhoDd and Yaletown edge, Vancouver

20 Cily of Edmonlon Planning and Oowotopmeni Doparimenl

Urban Design

PLANNING ACADIIiMY Planning. Building and Living in Edmonton

DidU Knovr?

EVOLUTION OF URBAN DESIGN

Urban design is not new. It has been practiced since the existence of cities.

Rynek Glowny square in Poland is the largest and one of the greatest

squares in Europe.

" 'X

Ma Figure 2B: Piaiia de! Duomo, designed in laie I4tli ccniury in front of Duomo Cathedral, still represents the urDan centre of contemporary Milan

•

In the sixties, lacking the flexibility to promote and enhance the physical qualities of the public realm, the planning profession primarily focused on land use, social and community concerns.

•

The emergence of urban design as an essential discipline in the sixties was a way to express dissatisfaction against the manufactured environment produced by developers, urban planners, architects and the other

professionals involved in city buildings. •

Urban design was introduced as an

attempt to build

bridges between the various design and planning professions

•

with a focus on the

liv!':::

public realm. •

In many Canadian municipalities, urban

design is being integrated with the planning function as an effective cool in

creating better cities.

City of b'driiontori PInnninQ and Duveiopmon; Oepartmrnii 21

Urban Design

\ PI.ANNING ACADl-NfY Plannimj. Buiiaing and Living in Edmonton

KEY SOURCES OF URBAN DESIGN

•

Camillo Sitte's "Ciiy Planning According to Artistic Principles," first published in 1889, is one of the earliest writings in the field of urban design. Sitte advocated the need of aesthetic quality for a city's public realm. He was also a strong advocate for humanizing contemporary cities.

•

The term "urban design" was first introduced in the fifties in the US.

•

Urban design replaced the term "civic design" which was commonly used prior to the sixties. Civic design addressed primarily civic buildings, streets, parks and open spaces.

•

Many current initiatives in urban

regeneration and urban design are influenced by Jane Jacob's work "The Death and Life of Great American Cities" published in 1961. She was a critic of the planning of modern American cities. Jacobs emphasized the

importance of public spaces in the design of cities and the need for "eyes on the street" to reduce crime.

•

In 1961, Kevin Lynch wrote "The Image of the City" which resulted in the formulation of the new criterion of imageability and its potential

•n-IK DEATOI

inpinfl value as a guide for building and rebuilding LirE cities. This concept is based on five basic elements: paths, districts, edges, nodes and landmarks. OF GKM

Lynch also wrote two other books, "Good City

Form" and "Site Planning." which remain equally influential for planning professionals.

•

Gordon Cullen's "Townscape", first published in 1961, had a major influence on urban designers. In his book, Cullen introduced the concept of "serial vision" which defines the urban landscape.

Lawrence Halprin's book "Cities," first published in 1963, examines the basic elements of the

cityscape such as open spaces, streets, plazas,

parks, the private living space and small gardens. The main focus of the book was to study spaces

that contribute to a city's character and the spaces where daily life activities take place. •

Edmund Bacon's book "Design of Cities/' first published in 1967, contains excellent writing on

the basics of design thinking and how space is perceived, and a good summary of design history.

Nrite: llsfer to .-Ippendis D & B.for aiidiUonal tvferences.

22 City ot EOmonion Pl.mniog and Osvelopment Dopartmcni

AMF>IUC/\N crniis .lANK jAC:OliS *«i

Urban Design

^ PLANNINC] ACADI-MY Planning. Building ana living in Eainonton

THE IMAGE OF THE CITY: PHYSICAL FORM

"Nothwii is

experieuiYd by ilselj, but always in relation to its surroundings, thesecfuenccs of etvnls leading up to it, and thememory of past experiences." Kevin Lynch

As we experience a city, each one of us constructs their own mental picture of its parts in physical relationship to

one another - creating a total and unique picture.. The following are the five basic elements, as suggested by Kevin Lynch in his book "The Image of the City", which people use to construct this mental image.

A. Districts

Areas tn a city with a common architectural style of building, similarity in building materials, landscape features, particular ethnicity and economic class may constitute a distinct district within a city. Districts represent the socio-economic character of a particular area. Among all the physical and social attributes, consistency in the design style of the public realm is most effective in creating a unique district with a strong image.

B. Edges

The termination of a character area forms an edge. Rivers, major roads or rail corridors essentially divide the city and form urban edges. The physical characteristics of an urban edge may provide a gradual transformation from one district to another. The nature and consistency of the built form and the character of natural features is critical

for an effective urban edge.

f'J'fcl:

Olyof tdmooton Planning and Oovulopm4'm D^^parlnxmc 23

k\ PLANNING ACADEm' Planning. Building and Living in Edmonton

C. Paths

Paths are major and minor routes of circulation within a city. These may be trails, walkways, streets, boulevards, transit lines

or highways. People experience the city character along the path. An appropriate hierarchy in network of the path system makes neighbourhoods and districts within a city more accessible and connected.

D. Nodes

A node is a centre of activity. A prominent street intersection, a small neighbourhood park or a public plaza may be considered a node. Generally, a node is an area that accommodates public activity and is less prominent than a city level landmark. It is an urban space

rather than a landmark building.

E. Landmarks

Prominent visual features of a city or neighbourhoods are considered landmarks. Landmarks are important

elements of urban form because they help people to orient themselves within a city. A monumental building, significant natural feature or a transportation structure such as a bridge may act as a city level landmark.

LSM^mar ts.

24 Cily of ÂŁdmonion Plfinmng ond OoveJopmcni Dftpaftmenl

Urban Design

UrOan Design

PLANNING ACADBMY Planning. Huilding and Living in Edmonton

F. Application of the Five Basic Elements to Downtown Edmonton

<01. Kw«u»

Figure 29: Logislature Grounds: landmark

Cl^3 Hal'

\Oar«K>u£it Dislf'tAj I

Jltpcr M<nu.

97 fltcnue

Albe.la

'XX^2

DislWckS

landmafk

h Figure 33: City Hall: Node

Figure 30: Jasper Avenue: Pathi

Figurs 31 Warehouse Area: DisCncI

Figure 32 North Saskatchewan River: Edge

City ofEdnionlon Planning «)nd Dovoi&pniof\t Oupor^ttft<«iu 25

L\ PLANNING ACADCMY

Urban Design

PIfinivng. Uwlding and Living in Edmonton

8. URBAN DESIGN: AREAS OF INFLUENCE Urban design addresses the physical qualities of a city at different scales; • •

City Neighbourhood

•

Street (the human scale of day-to-day life)

•

Site

A. City Scale

Large scale planning is required to determine the direction for major infrastructure investments, city image considerations, regional aesthetics, environmental stewardship, and intergovernmental efficiencies - just to name a few. A clear vision for quality development on a city-wide scale is necessary to promote urban

design initiatives. City-wide urban design considerations are factors in determining land-use mix, neighbourhood characteristics, transportation interfaces and the qualities of streets, open spaces and their connectors.

Ihe larger scalt urhan design issues areaddressed at the Munidpul Development Plan level (a 10-25jetir vision). B. Neighbourhood Scale

Each existing community has a special character depending upon its socio-economic characteristics and location within the city. Urban design input into the plan review process of these communities can build on this character by paying attention to the components that help strengthen community pride. At the neighbourhood level for new communities, urban designers can heip create a unique image for

that community. The layout of roads, trails, parks and development parcels can all be positively influenced through urban design input.

Vhe neighbouri)ood level urbun design issues may he addressed in Neighbourhood SlniclurePlans (NSP) or.Area Structure Plans (--ISP) andArea Wedevelopment Plans (AKP). C. Street Scale

A vibrant street environment is the life of a city. The nature of built form in the private realm must support the nature of the adjacent public realm and vice

versa. As the predominant modes of transport greatly affect the character of our streets, a hierarchy of street types (roles) and related design standards can help to create safer and more interesting street environments.

Streetscape Improvement Plans area common term usedfor this scale oj iirlmn design. D. Site Scale

The building form, quality of open spaces, parking, nature of circulation within a private property and their relationship to the street, all have major impacts on the quality of the adjacent street life. Emphasis on building form, architectural details, materials, colour and texture offer visual delight and contribute to the quality of the public realm.

Site development issues are addressed at the Zoning Bylaw and Development Application levels and thnughdetailed urban design guidelines.

26 Oxy of COiTionton Planning

DeveloprTrem D»panmGni

Urban Design

PLANNING ACADl-MY Planning. Building and Living in Cdrionlon

INGREDIENTS OF VIBRANT STREETS: AN EXPERIENCE TO REMEMBER

"Sfmis and their

sukwiilks, ibe main

public places of a city, an its mostintal organs. Think of a city ami what comes to mind? Us streets.

If a city's streets look interesting, the city looks interesting; if they look dull, thecity looks dull."

This section focuses on the physical quality of streets, the main public places of a city - the "human scale of day to day life" and why it is so very important to the quality of our lives.

A street is more than a linear physical space providing passage from point A to point B for pedestrians, cars,

cyclists, buses and trucks. Streets are also settings for cultural activities. They provide opportunities for people to meet, socialize, walk, shop, do business or just watch city life. Vibrant streets, in addition to fostering community pride and a sense of place, are also incubators of small businesses

which help diversify our economy. Creating vibrant streets is a vital strategy for community revitalization.

As pedestrians, what do we experience in a well-designed and vibrant street environment? There are a number of Jane Jacobs

(1916 - 2006)

key urban design concepts that contribute to the goal of creating vibrant streets, and make them an experience to emember;

Streetwalls

Buildings Spaces and Landscapes Connections

Activity Generators

Cily of Edmonlon Plrtnomg and Developmeni Oep.irimfint

PT.ANNING ACADRMY Planning. Building and Living in Edmonton

A. Streetwalls

KdU Know? The world's widest

Street Enclosure

A continuous building frontage built to the property line or consistently setback provides a sense of enclosure to the street. This enclosure is a key factor in achieving an urban character and the resulting street life.

street is located

in Buenos Aires,

Argentina.

Yonge Street.

ii.

Toronto, has

The preferred scale of a street enclosure is a 2:1 ratio of street width to building height. The scale of a typical old European street is 1:1, a contemporary North American street is 3:1. The 2:1 ratio provides adequate space for

been listed in the

Guinness Book

The Scale of the Street

of Records as the

multi-modal transportation and street enhancements

longest street in

while maintaining the desirable feeling of enclosure.

the world and is

a national historic site.

wTTTWT^TTTTTTWTT^TTTTTTTTTTW

28 {'ity of Ednionion Planning and Development Department

Urban Design

^ PLANNING ACADEMY Planning. Building and l.iving in Udmonion

iii. Sun Penetration

People gravitate to sunlit urban spaces. The impact

of shadows on the streets and open spaces should be minimized to ensure direct sun exposure. Tall buildings

with small floor plates are preferred over massive uninterrupted buildings.

iv. Short Blocks

Block lengths can affect the quality of street life. Generally speaking, the smaller the block size and the stronger the inter-block connections, the more vibrant the street life.

Shorter blocks tend to reduce vehicle speeds and walking distances which both contribute to a more pedestrian

friendly environment. It is not surprising that the most pedestrian friendly cities have shorter block lengths. The length of an urban block in North America varies between 90m to as much as 230m. The width varies from

65m to 100m. The introduction of mid-block crossings and through-block connections on longer blocks will improve pedestrian circulation.

C'ty of Edmonton Planning and Oevoioprtiont Oeparimcn; 29

ft. PLANNING ACADEMY Planning, Building ana Living m Cdrno'ilon

V. Reflecting Original Lot Widths Narrow lots that front directly onto the sidewalk can contribute to the interest and liveliness of the street

frontage. Frequent doors and windows give glimpses and numerous points of access into buildings internal spaces and are essential elements to an enjoyable

pedestrian experience. New developments should reflect the framework established by the historic lot sizes.

30 City of Edmonton Planning and Ddvolopmem Dep^rtmeni

Urban Design

PLANNINC; ACADEMY Planning, Building niut Living in Edmoninn

B. Buildings

Human Scale Building Frontage

People tend to feel safe and most comfortable in human scale spaces. A human scale building frontage, especially at the lower floors (3 to 4 storeys), provides a more pedestrian friendly edge to the street. 1 1 I

J I

ii. Active Building Frontage The building frontage along either side of the street provides an important edge. A well developed frontage contains and defines the public realm of a street.

The street frontage is generally created by private developments with varying degrees of permeability. This built edge is a major determinant of a street image and can set the character of an entire area. In order

to maintain and enhance the street environment, the

building frontage should engage the public by creating visual interest, comfort and safety.

Articulated roofline

Arciculatcd building wall I Special treacmont for corner builcJing I Emphasis on entrances Transparent ground floor

Cky ofEdmonton PlontMf^y nnd DcvQlopniÂŤtit 0"pnrtfnont 31

L\ Urban Design

L\ P].ANNING ACADEMY Planning. Building and Living in Edmonlon

iii. Prominent Building Corners Building corners should address both streets at the intersection as a special place and reinforce it as an activity area. Design elements such as entrances,

additional massing or height, awnings, signs and public art help create engaging building corners.

iv. Quality Architectural Details Incorporating quality architectural details of cornice lines, windows, entrances, lighting and signage in combination with varying colours, textures and types of materials creates visual interest on a building facade.

â&#x20AC;˘ Variation in building materials Special treatment for building corner

Transparent ground floor

32 Ciiy of Edmontort Pld/mmg dnd DevGlopment DGpartmoiK

Urban Design

^ PLANNINC^ ACADHMY

Planning. Building nnci Living m Hclmonlon

Weather Protection

Pedestrian weather protection, particularly in higher

traffic pedestrian areas, through the use of canopies, awnings and arcades is a positive addition.

Cr(y of Edax)nton Planning and Devclopnufni Deportment

FJ.ANNINCJ ACADEMY Planning, Building nnd Liwng in na/'ionton

C. Spaces and Landscapes i.

The Sidewalk Environment

Pedestrian friendly streets must have sufficient sidewalk width to accommodate expected pedestrian volumes.

The balance between providing pedestrian comfort and creating an urban ambience on sidewalks is key to creating vibrant streets. An overly wide sidewalk sprinkled

with a few pedestrians does not give an impression of an active and busy street. Pedestrian oriented lighting, trees, street furniture and

public spaces that are properly integrated with adjacent buildings contribute to an attractive, comfortable and generally safer pedestrian environment.

ii.

Public Art

Public art adds an important dimension to our cities. Works of art enhance the livabiiity and attractiveness of public and private spaces: they help to establish a sense of place for spaces, streets and neighbourhoods. Public art may range from independent sculptures or murals to works integrated into a building's architecture or landscape design.

34 Cily of CHmoJiTon Plonring nrd Dovolopit)etit Depattiiiciil

Urban Design

PLANNING ACADl-MY Plammg, Building and living m rclmoiiton

Hi. Street Trees

The physical and psychological benefits of urban trees are numerous. They provide shade and reduce sidewalk temperatures, enclose spaces, create useable edges, improve air quality and give life to inhospitable urban spaces. Trees are the true best friends of any city.

iv. Gateways Gateways provide a sense of welcome and transition. They announce and celebrate the arrival to a special place. Gateways may be expressed by a combination of vertical elements such as clusters of trees/landscaping, banners, unique buildings, plazas or formal landmarks of

sculptures or fountains. The positioning and architectural treatment of buildings at key locations can also contribute toward emphasizing such entrances.

City of Edmonton Planning and Deveiopmeni Ooparuncnt 35

Urban Design

PLANNING ACADl'MY Planning. Building ana Living in Cclinonton

V. Parks, Squares and Plazas These public spaces are gathering places for socializing, celebrating, protesting, eryoying festivals and participating in urban life. Some are hard surfaced and others merely a green oasis. These spaces are the lungs of urban areas.

vi. Intersections

Street intersections are important urban nodes. The special treatment of corner buildings, the type of commercial use (i.e. cafes), the provision of street amenities, and distinct materials for sidewalks and

pedestrian crossings transform an intersection into a unique and vibrant activity centre.

36 Dty of EcJrrionlon Planning and Developmonl Department

13^,

Urban Design

PLANNING ACAD1':MY Planning. Owlding ana Living m Cdmoiilon

vil. Traffic Calming and Pedestrian Crossings Features such as corner sidewalk widening, landscaped islands and landscaped street medians can improve the

visual look of a street, slow down vehicular traffic and provide a refuge area for pedestrians while crossing the road. Corner sidewalk widening can also reduce the length of a pedestrian crossing.

viii. Multi-modal Transportation Streets need to be designed for ease of use by all users; balancing the space requirements of pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles

The pedestrian environment of the sidewalk and the building frontage must work together: the roadway may also need to accommodate street parking and cyclists; the number of pedestrian crossings can influence vehicular traffic movement and so on.

Ciiy nf ÂŁdmorion Planning and Dovoiopmunc Ouporimen:

3^.

Urban Design

PLANNING ACADEMY Planning, Build'ng and Living in Edmorilon

ix. On-street Parking On-street parking is a demand on most urban streets. A few positive spin-offs of on-street parking are; â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

Slowing vehicles in adjacent travel lanes. Improvement to the quality of the pedestrian environment by providing a safety buffer between pedestrians and moving vehicles.

Safe Places

Fear for our personal safety can have a major impact on our quality of life and therefore the vitality of our

city. The design of the physical environment can either support or deter crime. Public safety can be improved

through the proper design and effective use of the built environment.

The application of Crime Prevention Through Environmental

Design (CPTED) principles can improve safety of the built environment. Clear sightlines with sufficient lighting and avoiding the creation of isolated spaces make safer streets.

38 City of Cdmoniori Plonniny ancJ Developmem Deparliri(?nl

Urban Design

PI .ANNl NG AC A D BMY Planning, BwMmg and Living in Edmonton

D. Connections

Physical and Visual Links

It is largely the ability to see and move from one place to another that binds places together. Links provide

choices, and help to make places lively and safe. They can be physical or visual. Examples of physical links are streets, alleys, walkways, bikeways and open space. Visual links may include unique sidewalk surfacing, colourful signage or banners, lighting, landscaping and special street furniture.

ii. Views and Vista Termination

Views and vistas to the city skyline, natural features and established landmarks are one of the major assets lo be

protected and enhanced. A commonly used but dramatic approach to creating a memorable place is to terminate a street with a prominent building.

Cjty of E<3rt>onton Planning and Developrtium Deparimont

0^^

Urban Design

PLANNING ACADKMY Planning. Building snd Living in Eclmonion

"]/j a cit}' thestreet must he supreme. It is thefirst institution of thecity. The street is a room /^' ag'eement, a communitj room, the walls of which

E. Activity Generators i.

Street Life

People are attracted to certain streets because of their character, mix of uses, interesting activities and the

presence of other people. Generally, the more people, the more vibrant streets become. Festivals, outdoor vendors,

cafes, restaurants and street markets attract people.

belong to the donors, dedicated to thecity for common use. Its ceiling is the sf^." Louis Kahn

ii.

Land Use Mix

Accessibility to the most desirable activities of urban

life such as working, attending school, playing, dining, shopping, etc., is fundamental to the success of an

urban environment. The higher density of this mix. and

therefore close proximity of each, encourages people to walk their neighbourhoods.

Residenttial

Office Commercial

Retail Coinmcrcial

Cuy of Edmonlot\ Planning and Devdiopntont Deparrmeni

illSiE

Urban Design

is. PLANNING ACADIuMY Planning. HiiiUlingand Living in lidmonton

iii. Residential Density The presence of residential development along an urban street or within a short walking distance is a key

ingredient of a vibrant street. Sufficient residential density is required to create demand for desirable private services

such as grocery vendors, retail outlets and restaurants. A higher density is also necessary to acquire public services such as schools, doctors, dentists and health facilities.

The resulting pedestrian traffic creates positive spin-offs designed for street socializing such as outdoor cafes, street vendors and entertainers.

Residential Neighbourhood

Commercial Main Street

Neighbourhood Level Commercial

City of Cdmotnon Planning and Oovolopmcnt OuparimDnt 41

L\ PLANNINGACADl'.m' Planning, Building ana Uving in lldiiionton

10. EDMONTON'S URBAN DESIGN EXPERtENCE

•

Edmonton developed along a major river as did many other communities around the world. Aboriginals and European settlers were attracted to

the North Saskatchewan River valley as it offered transportation, shelter, fuel and food. •

The greater Edmonton area was an important gathering and staging place for Aboriginal groups such as the Cree and Biackfoot. In 1795, The

Hudson's Bay Co.'s (HBC's) Edmonton House and the North West Co.'s Fort Augustus were established locally, making this one of the oldest European settlements in Alberta. In 1802, the forts moved

to a river flat (Rossdale Flats) about 30 kilometres upstream, which was used as a camping and meeting place by the First Nations for thousands of years. The forts in various forms remained here until 1830 when the last was moved up the hill to avoid

flooding. •

As trade between the forts and First Nations

increased, forts developed basic agriculture practices and employees married locally and settled - more permanent settlement began to occur Initial settlement was in the form of squatting. Due to the

strong Metis and French influence settlement claims ran perpendicular to the river edge, this is reflected in the angled street patterns between 97 and 87 streets closer to the river edge. •

When the HBC's sold its rights to the Dominion of Canada, all land was surveyed in the grid pattern,

which subsequently influenced ail later settlement patterns- The HBC kept a large reserve of land from the river to 118"' Ave and as a result early settlement occurred to the eastern and western

boundaries. Thus the neighbourhoods between

the older Boyle/McCauley and Glenora/Westmount/ Inglewood neighbourhoods are considerably younger.

Originally, settlement occurred in the Ross Flats close to the fort, but subsequent floods pushed settlement to the top of the hill at the Jasper and Namayo

Ave junction. As this was an important trading crossroads, commercial development sprung up with residential patterns fanning out.

•

The arrival of the railways, first in Strathcona and then Edmonton, spurred new development, much of it speculative to capture the exploding settler

population. Again all development was laid out on a grid pattern, and could be further from the centres because of rail and streetcar development.

42 City or EOmonton Piannimj and Development Oopdrmieni

Urban Design

a^.

Urban Design

^ PLANNING ACADEMY Planning. Bwlcling and Living in Edmonlan

Edmonton officially became a town in 1892

DidU Know? The award winning design Coronation

Pool, designed by Architect Peter

(population 1800) and incorporated as a city in 1906 (population 8000). The period of time between settlement and extensive urban

development was much shorter in Edmonton

than other centres due to five major construction booms; the 1900's, 1912, the 1940 & 50's, the

1970's - and continues today. English architectural models were by far the most visible and widely used in early developments.

Alberta's first Planning Act and Zoning Bylaw

Hemingway, was a

(including a building code) came into effect in

Canadian centennial

1912. Subsequent provincial acts and regulations do not allow city governments to control urban

project named after the park in which

design to any meaningful degree. At this time new

it resides. The pool

fire regulations were introduced so many newer commercial buildings were clad in brick or metal

which was envisioned

rather than timber.

as an Olympic size,

A major initiative in urban design took place in

turned out to be a

Edmonton in 1915 with the Civic Centre proposal that included a New City Hall, railway stations and

foot too shallow to

permit competitions.

a large public park. This design was representative of the new City Beautiful Movement - it was never

In 1970, Coronation

realized.

received the

Massey Medal for

A major initiative of past City Councils was to acquire all river valley lands in order to protect this

Architecture, and

major landscape resource from development.

Peter was the first Albertan to receive

the prestigious award. Recently, Coronation was

renamed as the Peter

Hemingway Fitnesss and Leisure Centre

in recognition for Hemingway, who

passed away in 1995.

Figure 34:

Edrnonion Civic Ccrure

Design Proposdl By Morrel and Nicnols in 191S (Courtesy

City of Eamonton Archives)

CKy of EOtioolCMi Hinnning and Dt'vwlopmoni U*'po'frtjen;

9iL^

PI,ANNING ACADEMY Planning. Building and Living in Edmomon

The study of architecture was offered at the

IMU Know?

University of Alberta between 1914 and 1940. Cecil Burgess, a professor at the School of Architecture, was one of the most important and influential architects in early Alberta.

The Hub building ac the University of Alberta has

become possibly the largest international living centre on any campus in North America. The

building won several architectural awards

for its innovative

design. Almost the

length of three football fields, HUB was built straddling 112 Street from

89 Avenue almost

to the edge of the

river valfey. HUB has been likened to a

skyscraper turned on

Figure 35:

Denial Sciences Building on the University of AlBena Campus. Cecil Burgess, 1921

its side.

City of Edmonton Planning ano Development Doportment

Urban Design

PLANNING ACADEMY Planning. Building and Living in Edmonton

For the 60 years following WWII, Edmonton developed at a rapid pace. The birth of the suburban shopping mall changed the retail focus and various design competitions were held for

civic major interests: a new City Hall, Rossdale and Cloverdale Community Redevelopment, and

the proposed Art Gallery. Also during the 1980's and 90's, downtown development initiatives were

undertaken including Streetscape Improvement

projects like Whyte Avenue. Rice Howard Way, Jasper Avenue, a Percent for (Public) Art initiative, major festival growth and Heritage Preservation. More recently, the Smart Choices Program, the Fagade Improvement Program and a continuing Streetscape Improvement Program have been a focus.

Figure 36:

Figure 39:

Jasper Avenue

improvements, early

Little Italy improvements along

80's

95 Street, 1995

Figure 37:

Rice Howard Way improvements, early 80'5

Figure 38

Figure 40.

Chinatown

Fourth Streci

improvements along

Promenade. 1999

97 Street, 1998

City of Edmonton Pianmr^g at>tj 0<dveloprrient Doporttn*nic

01.

Urban Design

PLANNING ACADhvNrY Planning. Owkiing and Living in Edmonton

The following may also have influenced urban design in

DidU Know? The river valley parkland - the

Edmonton:

A. Topography

Edmonton is a flat city with a deep river valiey. The majority of the city has little natural drama.

largest stretch of urban parkland In North America — is

a playground for all seasons. More than

100 kilometers (62 miles) of multiuse trails, which accommodate

walking. Jogging, in line skating, cycling, and cross-country

skiing wind through a green corridor of

Figure 41: EOnioiHon

park after park B. Rapid Growth

•

Edmonton has experienced many boom and bust cycles. In past boom periods, urban design input has been viewed as a hindrance to timely development.

In bust periods, urban design has been seen as a luxury. Therefore, many opportunities to implement good urban design have been missed. •

Some of our best old buildings were sacrificed for modern buildings of questionable quality and longevity.

•

Some of our original neighbourhoods were dissected by large arterial roads.

Figure 42:

Tegier Buiidmg

46 City of Edmonton Planning and Developni^^ni 0«partment

9^.

Urban Design

L\ PLANNING ACADIlNfY

Planning. Building and l iving in t'dmonion

C. Climate

KdU Know?

Occasionally. Edmonton has severe winter weather that discourages outdoor activities and residents choose to stay indoors.

The Montreal

underground city is the largest underground network in the world. It has 32 kilometers of tunnel

covering more than 41 city blacks.

Figure 43: Cily Centre. Downtown EOmonton

D. Recessions

DidU Know?

Edmonton's boom times were often closely followed

by equally significant recessions changing the upbeat attitude of citizens. This boom bust trend created an

attitude that any development was good development.

West Edmonton

Mall occupies an area of 5.3 million

E. Shopping Malls

square feet (493.000

The development and spread of the retail shopping mall concept in the 60's. 70's and 80's throughout the city had a major negative impact on our downtown.

sq meters), the equivalent to 104 football fields and

(he equivalent of 21 downtown city blocks. This could

encompass, for

example, an area in downtown stretching from 109 Street to 102 Street to the

East and from Jasper Avenue to 104 Avenue to the North. hiourc 44: Wubl ECmonton Mail

City of EdtrioniDO I'inri/iinc) ond D6V()iopnient Oepnfiment 47

L\ LV PLANNING ACADEMY Planning, Building and Living m Edmonton

F. Big Box Development

Recently, Edmonton is experiencing a new trend - the development of big box retail outlets primarily accessed by roads. This new trend has significant impact on our infrastructure, existing neighbourhoods, commercial streets and downtown.

Figure 45. Soutn Edmonton Common

G. Commitment to Better Urban Design

â&#x20AC;˘

In Che past, our city has been very cautious about supporting city investment in improvements to the public realm. To date, most street enhancement

projects have been implemented only after adjacent private property owners have agreed to share a significant portion of the cost. Attitudes are changing and alternative processes are being considered. Edmonton is on the cusp of another major economic surge and it is our chance to become a true metropolis. To do so. we must acknowledge the need to improve the quality of private development and to increase the quantity and the quality of public spaces. This can be greatly assisted through quality urban design. â&#x20AC;˘

The quality of development in a community is a reflection of the community's standards and

expectations. In the past five years, our community and City Council have been demanding quality

urban design. With the creation of the Edmonton Design Committee to review urban design projects, the adoption of the Smart Choices Program, the

organization of more design competitions and much awaited urban design initiatives, the urban design scenario in Edmonton is gaining support.

48 City of Edmonton Planning and Oovoioptnonl Duparimeot

Urban Design

UrDan Design

PLANNINCi ACADENH' PlaiMMng, BuMmg and Living m E(Jnwi\lon

H. Attitude toward Urban Design â&#x20AC;˘

For reasons already mentioned, the quality of development within Edmonton, whether private or public, has not been able to keep up to the pace

of our rapid periods of economic growth. Due to this, Edmonton has not achieved the development

standards of comparable cities.

â&#x20AC;˘

Edmonton has preferred to expand horizontally rather than vertically. Development densities are low making travel distances great. Most of us rely on our cars as the primary mode of transportation to do just about everything.

Cily of EcJmntiion Piannirig end Devoloprnoni Oopftftmoni 49

PLANNING ACADIiMY Planniny. Building and Living m EeJinonton

DidU Know?

11. MAKING CITIES LIVABLE: URBAN DESIGN PRINCIPLES

The following is a list of key urban design principles that contribute towards quality urban environment:

Zurich is the world's

most livable city

according to a global quality of living

A. Sense of Place: Unique Image or Distinctive Identity

City image plays a significant role in attracting economic

a consultant in 2006.

activity and tourism. It is imperative to protect and enhance major elements in our urban environment that contribute to the overall image of the city; vistas, views,

It is closely followed

skylines, landmarks, natural areas, heritage resources,

survey conducted by

by Geneva and

art and architecture.

Vancouver. A high quality index was measured mainly by

safety and stability.

Figure 46: Edmonton Cily Hall

50 City of Edmonton PlAnmng anO Oovolopmenc Oopofxmeol

Urban Design

ft PLANNING ACADEMY Planning. BwlOing anct Living in Edmonton

B. Sensitive Architecture: Good Fit Architecture thai is sensitive to its surrounding context

with respect to scale, form, massing, style, material and

colour, strengthens the identity of neighbourhoods. Fitting buildings together and creating attractive spaces between them is an important function of urban design.

lil m

Figure 47: New development on

Whyte Avenue. Edmonion

C. Land Use Mix

Mixing land uses is a vital part of planning for pedestrians, transit and vehicle access. A diverse land

use mix contributes to creating livable and healthy communities.

IE Figure 48: Residential above rciail. Coal HarDour, Vancouver

Olyof Edmonton pianntng andDwwIopmRnt Oepartmeni 51

Urban Design

PLANNING ACADRMY Planning. Building and Living in Edmonton

D. Ease of Circulation

The integration of public transit, automobiles, bicycles, parking and pedestrians into Che physical design of neighbourhoods, and the city as a whole, is critical for creating a vibrant and sustainable city.

Figure 49: Sky Train well integrated with miÂťed use tJevelopmenl, Vancouver

E. Active Public Spaces

DidU Know?

Providing high quality public spaces and creating

opportunities for social interaction is one of the significant ingredients for creating a livable city.

The Edmonton

Fringe is Oie

largest arts event in Western Canada

and the largest alternative theatre event in North America.

Figure 50: Clurchill Square during summer feslii/als, Edrronton Edmonton is the

2007 Cultural

Capital of Canada.

52 City of Edmorton Planning

Dcvelopmenl Depwrtmeni

Urban Design

PI.ANNING ACADEMY Planning, Building and Living in SOmonton

F. Compact City

Controlling urban sprawl and focusing our resources on

existing infrastructure leads to a more compact city. Higher density and the concentration of activities create active streets and public spaces that encourage social interaction.

Figure 51: High density developments, Coai Hartx5ijr, Vancouver

G. Livable Neighbourhoods

Preserving and enhancing the desirable qualities of existing neighbourhoods creates livable, walkable and safe communities.

Figure 5Z RiverdalG neigr^bourhood. Eflmonton

Cuy of Edtnonton Planning on<J DevRlopmeni DoportmofU

PLANNINC; ACADEMY Planning. BuUamg and Living in Edmonton

H. Well Defined Street Edge

Well defined street edges with attractive and continuous human scale frontages enhance the pedestrian environment and contribute to the vitality and life of the street.

lONL

Figure 53: Well defined street edge, Central Vienna

Figure 54: Animated sloretront display,

EOmonton City Centre

54 Ciiy of Edmonton Planning otid DovelopmÂŤni Oepartmont

Urban Design

PLANNING ACADRMY Planning. Builcting and l iving in Edmonton

Variety of Character

A diversity of urban form, densities, building types, public spaces, transport modes and activities increases choices for residents. Places with strong identities create diverse and rich environments for people to er^oy.

Figure 55: Stciner Street. San Francisco

Adaptability

Supporting flexible and adaptable places, buildings, spaces and transport networks enables a city to cope

with ever-changing demands. Urban design constantly evolves to reflect economic, political, technical and cultural pressures. Figure 56 Fourw Street Promenade. lO^lh Street, Edmonton

Figure 57: Residential lofts. Pniliips

Building, downtown EdmoiHon

I Cfiy of Eflmonion Planning ond Dnvc'lupmont Ocpoaini fif

31^ PJ.ANNING /\CADJiMY

Urban Design

Plannimj. Building and l iving m Edmoritan

12. The Benefits of Good Urban Design â&#x20AC;˘

â&#x20AC;˘

A good quality physical environment makes our cities more lively, convenient and enjoyable. It also makes cities more attractive for private investment and promotes long-term economic growth.

Beautiful streetscapes and well designed parks and plazas help to establish a strong pedestrian orientation and a memorable identity that brings people back to the inner city. Good quality public spaces provide benefits to a city far beyond the nearby redevelopment they promote. If a city's public environment is memorable, it is seen as a source of pride for residents and a great place to visit for tourists. Vibrant public spaces bring people together for positive social interactions.

Good urban design promotes the creation of a safer environment. The proper design and effective use of the built environment can lead to a reduction in fear and of crime.

Active public spaces where art is successfully

integrated with the public realm enhances the profile and livability of our cities. â&#x20AC;˘

In recent years, more and more Canadian cities are recognizing the value of good urban design. Communities are realizing the vital importance of quality urban environment, not only for the livability and comfort of their citizens, but also as a basic

economic imperative. In summary, urban design is important for the following four reasons:

Social: by providing the means to build happier, safer and more productive communities. Economic: by increasing opportunities for attracting investment.

Cultural: by reinforcing cultural identities and increasing opportunities for cultural expression.

Ecological: by creating more efficient environments sensitive to the natural environment-

Urban Design is a Sound Investment in all of the above.

It is HOT a luxury!

56 Cily of Edmootofi Planning and Dovclopment 0<%ponrii>>ni

Urban Dosign

PLANNING ACADEMY Planning, (iailding ana Livinij in Edmonton

Figure 5B; Social Benefits

Hub Miill. University ol Alberta campus. Edmonton

Figure 59: Economic Benefits

The Courtyard on Jasper Avenue. Edmonton

figure 60.

Figure 61:

Cultural Benefits

Ecological Benefits

Chinatown. Edmonton

River Valley. Edmonton

City of Edmonton PInntiiny and DevuiopniunT Oop.irtment 57

Urban Design

PLANNING ACADEMY Plannii'cj. Oiiilding ond Living in Udmonto"

13. THE COST OF POOR URBAN DESIGN

Cities are three dimensional entities and without a good foundation in urban design the built environment suffers. Likewise, the preservation of our historic resources is necessary for building the future.

A. Big Box Stores

•

Recently, most Canadian cities have experienced a growth in the number of big box stores. In the

late 90s, giant power centres began to spread in

the fringe areas of our cities without any significant attention to urban design. Since then, debates have taken place among the supporters of big box stores, affected communities and the supporters of inner city revitalization about alternatives to such massive development projects.

The cost - A negative impact on small scale retailers on established commercial streets, ac^acent communities, downtown, city infrastructures

(roadways and utilities) and the environment (air quality). Many big box stores are also not pedestrian friendly or aesthetically pleasing.

UGLY BETT 1> thur«<CB

CHytv

Figure 62: Big Bo* Store, Downtown Edmomon

Figure 63. Active and ongaging building corner, an attempt to

incorporalo urban design m big bOK stores, Vancouver

City of Edmonton P(^inn^ng ana Devolopmoni Depaftm«»fU

•y

131,

Urban Design

PLANNING ACAD7iMY Pisnning. Building And Living in Edmanion

B. Urban Sprawl

Suburban areas featuring low density, segregated

land uses are expanding rapidly in Edmonton and other North American cities. Sprawl expands the functional boundaries of our cities - sometimes well

beyond what the city can sustain. â&#x20AC;˘

The cost - Reduced inner city and downtown revitalization, lack of transportation choices,

infrastructure and energy costs as well as quality of life impacts (air quality, commuting time, physical inactivity).

Figufc 64: UrDan Sprawl

fiQLTG 65: PoCesirian friendly environment, an attempt to mcorporate urban flosign in suburban flevelopment. Terwillegar Town. Edmonton

City of EcJmonton Planrtny ,-iiitJ Onvolopmen: Dcparlinonl

Urban Design

Lv PLANNING ACADEiW Planning. Building and Living in Edmonton

C. Loss OF Heritage "Preservation and

Under development pressure, significant heritage

renewal oj historic buildings, districts, and landscape affirm the continuity and emlution of urban society."

buildings and structures are sometimes lost and replaced with modern ones.

•

The cost - Loss of significant resources, loss of identity and character of areas, and a less varied and interesting built landscape and form.

•

The loss of heritage resources in Edmonton led to political pressure to develop policies and regulations to prevent further unrestrained demolition.

Ken Greenberg

•

r«du Know?

The benefit - Preservation of landmark buildings and character areas, adaptive reuse of resources and materials, regeneration possibilities and

tourism potential. This makes a more interesting built landscape and form, and supports sustainable growth.

Quebec Ci^ is the otdest city in North America. Quebec's Old Town was declared a World

Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985 as the "Historic District

of Old Quebec".

Figure 66 Loss of the Tegler Builfling, aownlown Edmonton. 1983

-s

Figure 67: GIDson BiocK. d good example of preservation

of significant tieritage resources in Edmonton

60 Ciiy of Edmomon Plaoriny and D<!volopmom Oepartment

^ K

Urban Design

Pl.ANNlNCJ ACADI'.MY Planning, Building ,ina Living in ndmonlon

D. Building Fronts: Blank Walls

Streets are neglected and degraded by buildings that turn their backs to them. This has been increasingly

observed in the downtown areas of many North American cities.

â&#x20AC;˘

The cost - Lack of visual interest for pedestrians, an absence of street life and a reduced quality of life in the city.

Figure 68. Blank Willis locing

street discourags street aciivKy. downtown Edmonton

.. .-cv.',

Figuri! 69.

A transparent storefront display animates tlie street corner, downtown Edmonton

City of Edmonton Planning and Developmont OepaKriioni 61

PLANNING ACADEMY Planning, Building and Living in Ednionton

E. Surface Parking Lots Facing the Street

â&#x20AC;˘

A welcoming pedestrian environment relies heavily on a continuous street edge. Surface parking lots facing the street tend to break the continuity of street frontage.

â&#x20AC;˘

The cost - Impact on street life, sidewalk disruptions and lack of visual interest to the pedestrian.

Figure 70: Surface parking lou facing the street break

the continuity of the street frontage, downtown Edmonton

Figure 71: The surfacc parking lot is located behind the building which faces (he street.

with an active and er^gaging

frontage, the Courtyard on Jasper Avenue. Edmonton

62 City of Edmonton Planning and Development Deportmeni

Urban Design

PLANNING ACADEMY Planning, Building and living tn Edmonton

14. URBAN DESIGN PROCESS The urban design process involves the following steps: A. Analyzing the Existing Context This could include: urban form historical evolution

•

building character

•

building massing

•

street layout

•

size and shapes of city bocks location and character of open spaces

These studies are needed to understand the character of

existing areas and help decision makers to understand

the factors that influence the nature of proposed new developments or rehabilitation of existing areas.

Grant MaeEwan

College

CAPITAL

- : ;NorQuest . '

SOIAEVAftD

Colioge Strectcar /Multluso

Corridor

^ Corona ^ . Station ^

CAPITAL BOULEVARD Grandln Station

-J...

Govemmant Centre

TransR Centre

Atborta

Leglslatu

Figure 72' Capital Bouluvard Project - Context

City of Edftioritofi Planning and Oevtilopttiuni Dcpanniom

.v PLANNING ACADEMY I'lanning, Building and l.ivtr'g m Edmonton

B. Establishing a Vision The vision could reflect the local character or introduce new forms-

â&#x20AC;˘

The vision is developed by a team of professionals in consultation with the community, politicians, and government and non-government representatives. The visioning process can include meetings, interviews, open houses, design workshops and charrettes.

Figure 73: French Ouafter - Proposed Vision

64 City of EcJmoniofi Planning and Dovfiloptnont Deparrmont

Urban Design

PLANNING ACADliMY Planning, BiiiKling nnd Living in Edmonton

C. Implementing the Vision master plans concept plans

urban design plans massing studies

urban design guidelines microclimate studies 3D model

detailed design drawings and capital budget

planning policies/regulations to support the vision community/council approval viable economic climate and market condition

comprehensive urban design framework

Figure 74

Downtown North Edge. Urban Design Concept

C'ly of Ednionion Pi.inding andOevolopinont Dppnrtmi-fii 65

PLANNING ACADRMY Planning. Building and Living in Edmonton

15. URBAN DESIGN IMPLEMENTATION TOOLS

In order to implemont good urban design, a variety of tools are required:

A. Legislative

The implementation of urban design depends largely on Municipal strategies, policies, regulations and guidelines. B. Administrative

As the responsibility of influencing urban design quality relies primarily on municipal government agencies, it is necessary that these agencies endorse a comprehensive urban design framework. This framework must be supported by elected officials. •

The implementation of a successful urban design framework depends on the available resources within municipal government agencies, their urban design qualifications and skills.

A coordinated approach by all participants in the city building process is critical for improving the quality of urban design. •

In order to set higher standards for the development industries, municipal government agencies must commit to good urban design practices and lead by example through civic projects.

C. Urban Design Review Process

•

Urban design review is a process of evaluating development proposals to ensure they meet a community's design policies. The review process recognizes the impacts of any new development in the overall context rather than considering them individually.

Urban design review is one of the most common and practical tools used to improve the quality of developments and to ensure that potential impacts are considered. An effective urban design review process Judges each

project on its merit. Zoning regulations do not necessarily have the flexibility that the urban design review process has.

D. Design Review Committee In addition to an internal urban design review process within

municipal government agencies, an external design review body can help to influence the quality of urban design.

66 Ci»y o1 Ecl/tionion Pfonning and Dewetopmeni Depot ttnunt

Urban Design

PLANNING ACADl•:^^l' Planning. Building aiKl Living m Edaionto'i

E. Urban Design Awards Program An urban design awards program helps to promote

good design. Such programs recognize individuals, organizations, firms and projects that contribute to the quality of life in cities.

F. Design Competitions

Design competitions promote the exploration of creative ideas.

G. Education

•

Raising public and private sector awareness of quality urban design through training courses.

•

Promoting quality urban design to the development industry and various professional associations.

Promoting an urban design culture among the staff of municipal government agencies.

H. Community

The community's role in championing good urban design is critical. The community can demand quality urban design through their participation in community engagement forums, i.e. public hearings, meetings with developers, design charrettes. open houses and workshops.

Funding

Urban design projects may be funded through the following sources: The municipal public sector The private sector (developers)

Three orders of government Public/private partnership Fundraising Private donations Grants

Local improvement bylaws

Cily of Edrnonion Plonning and Oov^lopfnenc D<»pt)Kmeni 67

PI.ANNINC5 ACADIZMY Planning, Building snd Living in ^(Jmonlon

16. TRENDS IN URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN

The following trends/approaches in urban planning provide excellent opportunities for the incorporation and implementation of innovative quality urban design:

A. Smart Growth The smart growth concept refers to a new approach to effectively manage growing population demands, urban lifestyle pressure, escalating transportation needs and critical health and environmental requirements. Smart growth recognizes that growth will occur and proactively guides the direction and nature of strategic urban development and conservation within a community.

B. New Urbanism: Back to the Future

New Urbanism evolved from a small group of architects, planners and developers that began reviving traditional design and development patterns for municipalities. New Urbanism is a planning and design philosophy that emphasizes the importance of creating compact, mixeduse, pedestrian friendly environments where people can

live, work and play. The key principles of New Urbanism include:

•

Creating environments easily accessible by foot, bike, car and transit.

•

Creating welcoming environments for diverse populations by catering to the needs of residents from different socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.

•

Incorporating architectural and landscape design features that celebrate local heritage, ecological and climatic conditions.

Figure 75*

Markham, Ocuofio

68 City ot Edmontofi Planning and Duvelopmool Ooportmeni

Urban Design

Urban Desigrj

PLANNING ACADEMY Planning, Building and Living in EdnioiHon

C. Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Transit Oriented Development refers to mixed use. walkable. and location efficient developments with

sufficient density to support transit service. Within these TOD concentrations there is a mix of amenities within

walking distance to satisfy daily needs, convenient and attractive access to and from transit stations, and a

reduction in the amount of free parking to encourage transit use.

Figure 76

Pearl District. Portland

Cay of Eflmor^ton JMotming and Oewlopmeoi Dcparitnnnf 69

Urban Design

L\ PLANNING ACADEMY Planning. Butiamg and Living in Edmoinon

D. Walkability

Automobile friendly planning, dispersed development patterns, the separation of land and uses, and the focus

on large scale developments have eliminated the key elements of walkable communities.

Since the seventies, communities have been demanding more attention to the quality of the pedestrian environment.

People want well designed urban environments with comfortable, interesting and safe streets. The key ingredients of walkable communities include: •

A mix of land uses / integration of activities

•

Sufficient density to support local services Pedestrian oriented building frontages

•

Links between neighbourhoods

•

Close access to public transit

•

On-street parking

•

Public art

•

Attractive and comfortable sidewalks (trees and street furniture)

•

Quality lighting of the pedestrian environment

77' Vibrani pedestrian ^nvironmutH, Vu;nna

70 City of tdrnonion Planning anO Development O-'p^fimefil

Urban Design

PLANNING ACADEMY Planning. Bii'Idir'g and Living m Edmonton

E. Sustainable Communities

Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Sustainable communities refers to development that maintains or enhances economic opportunity and

community well-being while protecting and restoring the natural environment upon which people and economies depend.

Sustainable development at a community level can be achieved through various initiatives: •

Transit oriented development (TOD), Promoting use of public transit and renewable fuel sources,

• •

Establishing district heating or cooling systems, Use of alternative on-site methods for solid waste

treatment and storm water management,

• •

Promoting alternative energy sources such as solar panels, wind energy and biogas Use of green roofs as well as green building principles to reduce energy consumption in buildings.

'Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design' (LEED) is the common measurement system to assess the sustainability index of various projects.

Figure 78: Aerial view of Hommarby SjOstaO. Sweden Courtesy hti|>://www.cabe,org.uk/derauitaspi?eontentitemici«i318ftasp€ctidsii

City of EOoiomon Plariti^n^ and Dovotopment Depfjriment 71

Urban Design

is. PLANNING ACADliAH'

Planning, Budding and Living m Fdmonion

17. OPPORTUNITIES FOR GOOD URBAN DESIGN IN EDMONTON

The following is a list of the city's current strategies, policies, regulations, programs, projects and initiatives with opportunities for good urban design:

A. Focus Edmonton —City Plan (Municipal Development Plan)

FOCUSEDMONTON city plan With today's rapid growth, how can Edmonton build promising communities for tomorrow? The City of Edmonton is preparing a city-wide long-range plan that will address this and other related questions.

City Plan will be a land use plan that sets Edmonton's direction for future land development and redevelopment decisions-

B. Area Structure Plan (ASP) ASP is a statutory plan that establishes the general planning framework for future subdivision and development of an area of undeveloped land.

C. Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) ARP is a statutory plan that identifies planning goals and objectives of residents, owners and business people in an

existing area. It is a basic community planning document that deals with zoning, traffic, parks, social issues, etc.

D. Edmonton Zoning Bylaw

The following regulations, as contained in the Edmonton Zoning Bylaw, provide opportunities for better urban design: (DC2) Site Specific Development Control Provisions •

•

(DCI) Direct Development Control Provisions

Overlays such as Pedestrian Commercial Shopping Street and Mature Neighbourhood Overlays

•

72 Dly

Special Areas General Provisions

Edmonion Planning and Devclopmeni D*»f>artmenl

Urban Design

PLANNING ACADIiMY Planning, Building and Living in Edmonton

FigurD 79: Example of a DC2

Application: Urban Design GuidellnQS

3. BuildingRelationship to the Street

The following design considerations will apply.

i) The existing mail structure will be redesigned lo allow street-oriented access to shops and services.

Century Park• animated teioil fronioge

ii) Buildings shouldaddress the sidewalk with entries,/ards. porches,architectural features and aaivicies that help create safe,pleasant walking environments.

iii) Largerbuildings with long street fronts should be designed with detail and articulation to create an attractive streetscape.

iv) Design commercial development along 23 Avenue to create an inviungstreet presence with building focadcs feeing the street. v) Avoid blankwalls b/ wrapping active retail or residential uses around above-grade parking structures to maintaman aaive and attractive streetscape. as shown in Figure 2. vi) High rise buildings will be carefully integrated with ground-oriented stacked rowhousing to provide an Inviting and animated streetscape. _ >

n-m

ir.s

rt.sic

jiS.ttol

urvn

Sr .

1 ~

mweieiw

-yri

t i

figure 2 • Section iJvough Mews CENTURY PARK 1 DC2APPUCATION A J-

M I H

! *

City otEdmonton Ranmng and ODvelopfT>«nt Depdrmi«;tu 73

PJ.ANNING ACADEMY Planning. Building and Living in Udmonlon

E. Historic Resource Management Program

The City of Edmonton Planning and Development Department designed the Historic Resource

Management Program to identify, facilitate and manage the conservation of Edmonton's historic

resources for the benefit of city residents. The program is committed to the preservation of these historical resources to maintain an

awareness of our past and to enhance our

environment for the future. City Council allocates S700.000 per year for providing incentives.

Figure 80: Edtnonion Historic Resourco Management Progrom. Preserving ihc pasi

74 Diy of Edmonton J'tanning oncJ Oovelopmeni Oupanmom

Urban Design

PLANNIN'G ACADI'.Nri' Planning, Building and Living in COfionton

F. Urban Design Program

The Urban Design Program is based on Council's direction as contained in Plan Edmonton, the Zoning Bylaw, and in

many approved Area Redevelopmenl Plan Bylaws such as the Capital City Downtown Plan, the Boyle Street

McCauley and the Old Strathcona Plans. The primary objective of the program is to improve the physical quality of Edmonton through the development and implementation of policies, guidelines, urban design plans and streetscape improvement projects that reflect good urban design principles. The program is managed by the Urban Design Group of the Planning and Development Department. Depending upon priorities. City Council provides capital budget funds to implement urban design projects.

cm&

Figgru 81 A vision for the French Quarter. 2003

-rrtna

City ofEdrrinnion Pl^ooing andDovolopmoru OepdMrnmil 75

a^.

Urban Design

P3.ANNING ACADEMY

Planning. Building and Living In Edmonton

G. Business Revitalization Zones (BRZs) The City of Edmonton has 11 BRZs. A 6RZ is an

association of business owners, enabled and regulated by the Municipal Government Act of Alberta, that officially work together to promote and improve the economic

vitality of a specific geographic area. The establishment of a BRZ provides a unique opportunity for businesses to promote their mutual goals of creating safe, attractive and interesting commercial places. With the support of the City of Edmonton in organizing, financing and implementing these goals, an effective BRZ results in physical improvements and economic development of the business district. The City of Edmonton's Urban Design Group provides urban design assistance to all BRZs including the development and implementation of streetscape improvement projects.

127 Avo

YeilowtieadGra!!

V HlowhoadXTreil

Jasp« A ^.-._98Ave

124

Ale*

Zone

3* Pf-~Y 07 smt »r4 ik/M

Isrm

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Figure 82; Business Revitalization Zones

(6RZ5) in Edmonton

Edmonton

76 CHy olEdmonton Planning and Dcvolopment Dopanmont

UrOan Design

PI.ANNING ACADEMY Planning. Building and Living in Edmonton

H. Faqade and Storefront Improvement Program 'aoade

provement ogram

This program provides grants to encourage commercial building owners within Business Revitalization Zones (BRZs) to invest in

facade renovations and storefront upgrades.

The upgrades and renovations create a more interesting, appealing environment on the street, and attract people and business to the area. City Council allocates $500,000 per year as grants.

Before

After

Cliy of Edtnonton Planning and Duveiopnmnc DÂŤparcniont

9^^

PLANNING ACADEMY

Planning. Building and Living in Edmonton

I. The Smart Choices Program

SmartChoices for developing our community

The Smart Choices Program is Edmonton's name for the smart growth trend in urban planning. The program represents significant change in the city's vision of growth and redevelopment. It was approved by City Council in 2004 and is composed of 8 initiatives: Neighbourhood Reinvestment Residential Infill

Transit Oriented Development Walkability Urban Design Redevelopment of Older Commercial and Industrial Lands

Planning Education and Public Consultation Municipal Growth Scenario The Smart Choices Program applies to older/mature

neighbourhoods and new suburban areas. It has two main objectives:

To move the city toward a more fiscally and environmentally sustainable future

â&#x20AC;˘

To improve the quality of life and development in Edmonton

78 Ciiy of CcSmootofi Plannirtg and Devolopmoni Oopanm^fU

Urban Design

31.

Urban Design

l \ planning ACADI'MY Planning, Building ana Living in namonton

Fort Road Old Town Redevelopment

The Fort Road Old Town Master Plan is a City-led initiative to create a new transit-oriented urban village next CO the Belvedere LRT station. The primary goal is to

revitalize a site approximately 21 hectares in the historic Fort Road Town while accommodating the increase of

vehicular traffic on Fort Road. In doing so, the project will enhance commercial activity and encourage high density residential housing within a short walking distance of the Belvedere LRT Station,

figure 83: Fort RoacJ Urban Design Plan

Oty of Edmonion

and Deve(opmuÂŤU Dep^sfimcnj

Urban Design

PLANNING ACADEMY Planning, Building and Living in Edmonton

K. Downtown East Project

In 2007, City Council approved a report outlining a vision for the revitalization of Edmonion's Downtown East area.

Downtown East will be a vibrant, healthy community comprised of four quarters, each with its own character,

activities and feel, all structured around a unique linear

park system that provides a defining element for the community.

'h£ v.VAr;IfCS

DisMcls ol Special C^aracler

THE CITY OF EDMONTON

Die

*(iuaiien'

oie

AMzlv

ipedol onc3 tfifincl chtvoels Downiown Eoii. The biXtfng ll-pM ond heigWj. ano open jpoeei would cot«r to eoch0uoft«r'surdqu9 chcTDCiar,

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FIVE CORNERS QUARTER

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Figure 04. Downtown East Vision

downtown.^:(ig'U'

80 Cuy of EUntonton Planning dt>4 Oevelopmont Oepantnent

f^ J

Urban Design

:v PLANNING acadi:my Planning, Building and Living in Edmonton

L. Downtown North Edge Implementation

The Downtown North Edge area is bounded by 105 Avenue to 107 Avenue and from 101 Street to 117 Street. It is contained

in the Central McDougall/Queen Mary Area Redevelopment

Plan (Bylaw #116648 as amended). The Urban Design Plan was developed in 2004 and incorporated in the ARP and the Zoning Bylaw in 2005. The significant features of the Urban Design Plan are: conversion of industrial area to residential and commercial uses, significantly higher densities (up to 15 stories), acquiring land for park through redevelopment

levy, roadway reduction (2 lanes from 4 lanes) and wider sidewalks. Other features of the plan are multi-use trail, LRT station, active storefronts, building and design principles, transit oriented development, safety and security, and designing for a winter city. 105 Avenue streetscape plans have been approved by City Council and construction is scheduled to begin in 2008.

Figure 85: Downtown North Edge Vision

HM Surttced Utt-use

ftMAny

Trtf

PMng

ant

PopotedLRT

imsgraed

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SUMtM

24.4 mwÂŤ9

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City of EdmontOTi Pi,inning and Doveropmertt Depar:fTi(;ni 81

Urban Design

planning; academy Planning, BuMing and Living in Eclmonlon

M. Edmonton Urban Design Awards 2005 In 2005, the City of Edmonton participated in the urban design awards program organized by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC).

The City of Edmonton and the RAIC believe it is important to promote public and private awareness of the role of urban

design. For this reason, an Urban Design Awards program has been established to recognize individuals, organizations,

firms and projects that have contributed to the quality of life in Edmonton, Figure 86:

Edmonton Urban Design AwartJs, 2005 - Some award

winning projects

Racipient: Cdrlyid & Associt^les Cwona LRT Station Intrances

Recipient: DuD ArcniIecIsUd.

Sclntonlon Oly Ha" i* 'TfTHUlty*

Recipient; Dub Arcniiccis Ltd.

Scvenin Strcci lolls

Recipient: Coiios Evamy Iranians Am Barts

Recipient: Dub Archilocts ltd

S/Wv 6uilOir)garvJ B/cncry

Recipient: li(Nin Design Group Cily of EflmcsiUon Ptonmng &

Dovolopment Dupanmcnt 70^ Street

82 City of Edtnooton Plonnmg and Dew^lopmsnt Ocpartmont

TOftXSAlTA AfftS BAEfo

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L\ PLANNING ACADI^NH' Planning, Building and Living in Cclmonron

N. Edmonton Design Committee

In 2005, City Council approved, through a bylaw, the establishment of the Edmonton Design Committee (EDC). The mandate of the commiccee is to provide impartial and

professional advice to the City of Edmonton on both civic and private projects.

The EDC reviews presentations from both civic departments and the public in regards to Major Developmenc Applications, and Public Projects within a

predetermined downtown and surrounding neighbourhood geographic area.

Figure 87: Aurora Project: Proposed DCI in Cenlral McOougail neighbourriood

Ciiy of ÂŁdrTX)n:on Plarnrng arc* Oevelopmeni Dup.irfmQni

't, PLANNING ACADI'MY Planning, Building and Living in L'dmonlon

O. Percent for Art Policy

Public Projects with a budget of over one million dollars allocate one per cent (to a maximum of $100,000) to the

purchase or commission of art to be displayed as part of the building site, park or structure.

The purpose of the policy is to increase the livability and attractiveness of Edmonton, increase public awareness and appreciation of the arts, and stimulate the growth of arts and arts related business within the city.

Figure 88: 'Caravel' by Isia Burns. 1992. North of City Hali

84 City o( EUmonion Plonning and Dovolopment Department

Urban Design

PLANNINCj acadrmy PlanniiHj, Building and Living m Edmonton

P. Edmonton Entrance Corridors

Over the years CityCouncil has passed several resolutions to improve the appearance of entrance corridors to the City of Edmonton. Consultants prepared design guidelines for Highway 2. Yellowhead East and West End corridors. The purpose of these guidelines is to develop attractive and functional corridors that create a sense of arrival to

our Capital City. Major improvements have already been

implemented along Highway 2 corridor and Gateway Boulevard approaching the Old Strathcona area. This year the City of Edmonton is hosting a national design competition for two entrance features along Yellowhead East and West End corridors.

Vs. jomimBuntKi

Figure 89 View from tho road; Artist

renOenng of Higtiway 2 corridor

City of Edmomon Ptannrng and OovelopmÂŤm DepartmArii 85

PLANNING ACADEMY Planning. Building and Living in Ed't'omon

18. THE FUTURE

•

Edmonton is experiencing its most intense period of development not only in inner city and the suburbs but also in road and LRT infrastructures

•

The design and quality of Edmonton's built environment is key to its future prosperity and to securing good quality of life

•

Edmonton's population is set to grow from 741,000 to one million in 20 years

•

Edmonton needs to accommodate this growth within its existing boundaries through higher

densities and intensification in line with new public transportation policies - leading to a high quality compact city •

Good urban design is more than just creating a visually appealing environment, it plays a fundamental role in planning and creating places that foster strong local business

•

Increased attention to urban design is essential to achieve a more compact, dense and sustainable city without sacrificing livability

•

Increased attention to urban design is vital if Edmonton is truly to become the "world class" city to which its leaders and citizens aspire

Good urban design is crucial to a better quality of life.

It is NOT a luxury!

86 Ciiy of Edmonton Ploiimng and Developmont Oeportnient

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L\ PLANNINC5 ACADEMY

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19. REFERENCES

Bryfogle, R. Charles and Krucgcr, Ralph, eels. 1971. Urban Problems. Toroiiio: Hoii, Riiiehari, and \N''inston.

Burgess, Cccil Scott. 2005. Anhiiecture, towH planning and cnmmunity; selected wrilings andpublic talksbj Cecil Bur^ss. 1909-1946. lid. by Donald G. VCethercll. University" of Alberta Press. Cuilen, Gordon. 1973. Tomsivpe. Great Britain: Architectural Press.

Halprin, Liiwrencc. 19'72. Cities. Cambridge; MIT Press. Harvard Design Magazine. 2006. "The origins and evoliition of urban design". Spring/Summer, 2006.

Jacobs, Allan B. 1993. GreatSlrtils. Boston: M.I.T. Pre-ss.

Jacobs,Jane. 1961. The Death andLife of Great American Cities. New 'I'ork: \'iiitage Books. Kostof, Spiro. 1999. The CityShape. London: 'niames and Hudson Ltd.

Leighton, Douglas. 1995. Charter of iIk New Vrhanism. Altitude Publishing Canada Ltd. Lynch, Kevin. 1971. Tlx imaffof theCit}'. MIT i'ress.

Shirvani, i laniid. 1981. Urban Design lieview. Washington, DC: .AP.V Planners Press.

Shirvani, ! lamid. 1985, The Urban Design Process. New^ork: \'an Nostrand Rcinhold Coinpanv.

Taylor, I.isa. ed. 1982. Cities: 7VÂŤ Forces ThaiShape Them. New \'ork: llizzoli.

City or Ecmonton Pldnnmg andOcveJopment Qoporonetn 87

PLANNING ACADF-iVfY

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Planning, Building and Lii/ing in Edmonton

20. APPENDICES

Appendix A: Contact Information

Want to know about...

Business Revitalization Zones (BRZs)

496-6005

Capital City Downtown Plan

496-6064

Downtown East Project

496-6118

Downtown North Edge implementation

496-2407

Edmonton Design Committee

496-6279

Edmonton Entrance Corridors

496-6108

Facade and Storefront Improvement Program

496-6196

Focus Edmonton - City Plan

944-0421

Fort Road Olde Town Redevelopment

986-6261

Historic Resource Management Program

496-6123

The Smart Choices Program

496-6127

Urban Design Program

496-6108

Urban Design

PLANNING ACADKMY f'larinmg, Riiilding and Living in Eclnmiinn

Appendix B;

Edmonton Design Committee: Principles of Urban Design Aspirations

The Edmon/ofj Design Committee (ILDC) is commiHed to working wilh proponents presenting tljeir designs to the committee. IFe regard iIk process asa collabonitive one in which we hope to work togetherfor the bettemmit of the design and the City of E'.dmonton as a whole.

Tijefollowing Principles of Urban Design express the aspirations of the V.DC. It is ourhope that we willengage in a collaborative process with proponents thatgenerates evocative discussions and leads to exemplary iirl)an design. These principles should not he interpreted as a "checklist". Rather, the 17.DC members mill look to the applicant to explain how the project hasaddressed relevant principles and the bestpractices oj contemporary urban design. There are three overarching principles that the Committee considers to be essential to achievinggood urban design. Bach overarching principle contains sicpporting principles that are elaborated through cjuestions intended tostimulate discussion andguide proponent presentations. Some questions may not be applicable to a particularproject, llxploration oj a project may reveal other questions not contained in this document. As a result of this uncertainty and collaborative pmcess, we envision a dynamic, cnative and delightful new urban landscape. A. Urbanism

Strive to create and restore the existing urban fabric within the metropolitan region, create real communities and diverse districts, conserve the natural environment

and respect Edmonton's built legacy.

Creating and enhancing the city

•

Is new development integrated with the broader existing city pattern?

•

Does this project respect historical boundaries, patterns and precedents?

•

Does this project support or enhance the city's alternative transportation framework?

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Creating and enhancing the neighbourhood, district and corridor Does this project contribute to creating a neighbourhood that is diverse, compact, pedestrian-friendly and mixed-use? Does this project create opportunities for daily living activities within walking distance?

Does this project contribute to creating a broad range of housing types? Does this project embed civic, cultural or commercial uses within the neighbourhood or

district (avoids creating remote, single-use complexes)? Does this project respect or use conservation areas or open space to define and link different neighbourhoods or districts? How do the landscape and amenities enhance the project and the community?

i. Creating and enhancing the block, street and building What elements does the project design exhibit that contribute to a positive human experience?

How does the project respect "human scale", encourage activity and engage the passer-by at street level?

How does this project enhance the physical definition of streets and public spaces as places of shared use?

Are there window openings and diversity of uses to encourage active edges? How does this project provide its inhabitants with a clear sense of time, weather and location?

How are "quiet spaces" integrated into the project? How does the project encourage a safe environment?

How is the project designed for both day and

night?

If the project is a civic building or public gathering space, how does it reinforce the community identity?

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^ Pl.ANNTNC; ACADRMY Planning, Building uncl Liv(ng in Udmonlon

B. Design Excellence

Exemplify design excellence by incorporating, translating and Interpreting all three design principles to the greatest extent possible, consistent with best contemporary practices.

Sustainabiiity is an integral component of the design Has the economic, social and environmental

sustainabiiity of the project been considered?

Has a recognized standard sustainabiiity evaluation tool been used?

Have air, water and energy conservation and

quality strategies been incorporated?

ii.

Integration and encouragement of public arts and culture

•

How does the design intend to embrace and

incorporate the arts, such as visual and performing

arts, into its design? •

How do the design and the project contribute to Edmonton's cultural fabric?

•

Does the design treat architecture as art?

iii. Celebrate the winter city and Edmonton's climate

Does the design interpret and embrace Edmonton's four season climate?

How is the design adaptable to constantly changing weather patterns? How is protection from the elements built into the design? How does the design address indoor and outdoor connectivity during extreme weather conditions? How does the design celebrate the extended daylight hours in Edmonton in the summer and the minimal daylight hours in the winter? Does the design provide public and private outdoor spaces?

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L\ PLANNTNCj acadi;my Planning. Building and Living in Edimnion

iv. Durable, permanent and timeless materials

•

What materials have been selected and how do they fit with the climate and the urban environment?

• •

How are the materials appropriate to the project? How does the choice of materials contribute to

longevity of the project?

•

How are workmanship and craftsmanship addressed in this project?

V. Appropriate use of innovation •

How has innovation been incorporated into the design?

•

How is this project different from comparable projects?

•

Does this project address or challenge current development policy?

C. Scale, Connections and Context Demonstrate appropriate scale, integration of design elements and fit within the context of the precinct.

Celebrate and respect heritage How does the project respect, contribute or renew the memory or heritage of buildings, districts and landscapes? If the project does not respect and contribute to the heritage of the area, why not?

i. Exemplify neighbourliness: celebrate, engage and enhance the unique context of location

What are the unique features of the precinct that the

design is celebrating and building upon? How does the project contribute to the surrounding neighbourhood? How does the visual impact of the project relate to

its surroundings? Does the design provide clarity and consistency of form and detail?

Is the signage compatible with the building and surrounding community? How does this project deal with the roofscapes that it creates?

92 Diy of EdmofUon PIfinning and Oovolopmoni Dopflfltnom

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Urban Design

planning; acadhmv Planning, Btiilding and Living in Edmonion

iii. Enhance and preserve connections •

Are there clear and multiple points of arrival Co the development?

•

How does the project address orientation to key destinations in the community?

•

How does the project encourage and support non-motorized modes of transportation including

pedestrian circulation? •

How does the project connect with or incorporate public transit?

•

How does the project incorporate vehicles and parking?

•

How does this project contribute to or discourage the movement (or views) of plants and animals

and their activity at the edges of development? •

How does the project preserve or establish connections with significant landmarks, public spaces and the river valley?

•

How does the project respect the coherence of the current urban structure in the area (hierarchy of streets, green spaces and local daily activity patterns)?

•

How does this project holistically connect the ecology between the surrounding community and

this design?

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Appendix C: Urban Design Checklist Notes

Sense of Place Does this space have its own unique character? Arc there any landmarks? (natural or manmade)

Are there any unifying features that create an identity?

Sensitive Architecture/Good Fit Does the mass, scale and design of the buildings create unity?

Do the buildings strengthen neighbourhood identity? Do the buildings create an attractive and active interface with the public street? Land Use Mix Is there a variety of land use activity in this area, providing opportunities to live, work,

shop, relax, play and learn? Do you think that the mix of land uses in this area will result in activity during the day and evening? Ease of Circulation

Does this area give people a balance of transportation options (walk, bus, bike, drive) to travel within the area and beyond? Docs this area provide connections between major activity nodes? Is it easy to find your way around this area, on foot or in your car?

Active Public Spaces (including Streets) Does this area provide pleasant and attractive spaces for people to interact, socialize and observe?

Are there people using these areas? Arc these spaces conveniently located, encouraging people to use them as they go about their daily activities? Arc these spaces visible, observable and safe?

Compact City Does the design and density of this area cofitribute to the effective and efficient use of services within the area?

Is there wasted space or underutilized space?

Liveable Neighbourhoods Can people of all acje groups be somewhat independent within the neighbourhood? (Are basic services accessible on fool, or using transit?)

Is the neighbourhood pleasant and safe to walk in?

Well Defined Street Edge Can you tell where public street ends andprivate property begins? Do the buildings define a consistent edge along the street, both horizontally and vertically? Is there a sense of occupancy on the street with windows, doors and private amenity space? Do other features such as trees, awnings or unique fencing provide a consistent edge

along the street?

Variety of Character Does this area provide diversity in building form and architecture? streetscape design and function? size and type of amenity spaces?

Adaptibility Does this area have flexible building spaces, public spaces, and street space to accommodate a variety of users and activity?

Would it bo easy to change the use or focus of any of these spaces to different lifestyle phases, changes in market or technology?

94 C>ty of Cdmonion Pianniog arw OeveSopmeni Oop^fimeoi

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PLANNING ACADI'AIY Planning. Building ana living in Edivonian

Appendix D:

Additional Resources for Urban Design

•

Jonathan Barnett's book "Urban Design as a Public Policy." published in 1974, explains his experiments in New York. The book discusses policies such as

density bonus system which acts as an effective incentive for urban design improvements in the city.

•

Christopher Alexander's book "Pattern Language," first published in 1977, is admired not only by design

professionals, but has influenced disciplines such as system engineering and to a certain extent medicine. Pattern language describes various patterns and overall structure evident in urban systems that are often forgotten by designers while caking critical design decisions.

•

Among more contemporary authors, Peter Calthorpe's "The Next American Metropolis." published in 1993, throws light on New Urbanism principals-

•

"Great Streets" (1993) and "The Boulevard Book"

(2002), both by Allan Jacobs, provide good reference

material for great streets all over the world. Both books emphasize physical aspects of the streets such as scale of the built form, nature of sidewalks,

median, trees and street furniture. Well illustrated

plans, sections, elevations and sketches of streets make them an essential part of any urban designer's bookshelf.

•

Some of the other books that are worthy of

honourable mention include Ian Mcharg's "Design with Nature", Spiro Kostof's "City Shaped and City Assembled", Andre Duany et al.'s "Suburban Nation". The following are few additional resources for Urban Design by the City of Edmonton, Planning and Development Department: Design Guide for a Safer City, 1995 Design Guidelines Manual - Downtown Edmonton, 1999

Downtown Gateway Program, 2000 Ribbon of Steel - Multi-Use Corridor Concept

Development Study, 2000 Highway 2 Corridor Design Guidelines, 2000

Yellowhoad Corridor East Design Guidelines, 2003

The French Quarter Vision, 2003

West End Corridor Urban Design Guideline, 2005

C'ty of Ednwnton Planning dnfl Devolopment Department 95

is. PLANNING ACADEMY Planning, Building and Living in Edmonton

Appendix E:

Internet Resources for Urban Design

Resource for Urban Design Information RUDI

http://www.rudi.net

The Urban Design Group

www.udg.org.uk

The UDAL Network

www.udal.org.uk

Urban Forum Online

http://www.urbanforum.org.uk

Urban Planet

www.urbanplanet.org

Urban Design Network

http://urbandesign.rtpi.org.uk

Urban Winds

http://hjem.get2net.dk/gronlund/home.html

Urban Design Research Institute

www.udri.org

96 City of Edmoniod Planning and Development 0ÂŤp'">fUtiom

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L\ PI.ANNINC> ACADi'MY Planning, BuMing and Living in lidnionton

21. GLOSSARY

Building Height - The height determined by creating a line parallel to grade along each building elevation and separated vertically from grade by the maximum

allowable height for the Land Use District. Such line may be exceeded only by: â&#x20AC;˘

part of the building, on no more than one building elevation

â&#x20AC;˘

ancillary structures (i.e. elevator housing or chimney)

Built Form - The layout (structure and setting on a site), density (height, storeys and mass) and appearance (materials and details) of a development.

Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) - A group of business people who administer funds, collected through a special business tax, to improve the area and jointly promote their businesses.

Charrette -

A design exercise where community members, planners, architects, designers and/or artists work together to develop a visual solution for a planning problem or concept.

City Administration/Government - The Planning and Development Department is charged with the responsibility of implementing the City's planning, development and service policies. They work in concert with other civic departments to alert City Council of the need to review, improve and approve new policy items.

Other civic departments such as Transportation and

Streets, Asset Management and Public Works, Community Services and Corporate Services work with the Planning and Development Department to ensure effective review of plans and development proposals. Other agencies

that contribute to the development process are: EPCOR (Power Distribution and Water), ATCO Gas, TELUS

Communications, Shaw Cable, Capital Health and the Province of Alberta's review boards.

City Council - City Council is comprised of the Mayor and 12 City Councillors. Council makes all decisions on

land use applications within the City.

Community Plan - A non-statutory plan for a residential community that provides a framework for outline plans and land use amendments.

City of EdrT>onton Planning on0 Development Depafinte'U

PLANN1NC5 ACADi-MY Planning. Building and Living in Edmonton

Community League - An organization of persons with an elected executive representing a geographically defined community within the city of Edmonton, incorporated under the Societies Act of the Province of Alberta to

provide facilities, programming and services without reference to race, colour, religion, creed, ethnic origin

or political affiliation.

Consultants - Those persons or companies hired to represent interests of land owners through the Planning

Process. These are often specialists in planning and development, surveying, architecture or engineering.

Context - The setting or surroundings of a site or area including traffic, use, built form, landscaping, etc.

Density - The number of dwellings units per acre or hectare (residential). The ratio of floor space or building area to the site area (commercial).

Developers - Often companies that own or represent owners of !arge areas of land with the intent of

developing. Developers often define and pursue land use through development applications with the end use to be built by builders.

Development Authority - Officials of The City of Edmonton Planning and Development Department charged with the responsibility of administering the

Land Use Bylaw as well as deciding upon applications for Development Permits and issuing Enforcement Orders.

Development Design Guidelines â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Design suggestions that supplement the rules of the Land Use Bylaw. The most often used is "Low Density Residential Housing Guidelines for Established Communities."

Gridiron - Arrangement of town streets in a rectangular pattern.

Guidelines - See Development Design Guidelines

Heritage Site - See Historical Resource

Hierarchy - System of grades of status or authority ranked one above the other.

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PI.ANNINC^ ACADluMY Planning. Oiiilclingano Living in Ednionion

Historical Resource - A site or buifding designated Co be of historical significance by the Historical Sites and Monuments Board of Canada or the Government of Alberta.

Infill - Development that occurs on a vacant site after completion of the initial development of the area.

Infrastructure - The foundation and facilities that are

needed to service communities (i.e. roads, utilities).

Inner City - Communities identified in the Land Use Bylaw that are subject to special rules (i.e. parking requirements).

Landscaped Area - That portion of a site that must be landscaped.

Landscaping - The change and enhancement of a site by: •

soft landscaping consisting of vegetation such as

trees, shrubs, hedges, grass and ground cover; •

hard landscaping consisting of non-vegetation material such as brick, stone, concrete, tile and

wood, excluding monolithic concrete and asphalt; and/or;

•

architectural elements consisting of wing walls,

sculptures and the like

Mass - The combined effect of the arrangement, size and shape of a building or group of buildings on a site and its visual impact in relation to adjacent buildings. Also called bulk.

Municipal Development Plan (MDP) - The senior strategic planning document guiding growth and

development in Edmonton. It has policies relating to transportation, housing, economic activity, recreation, environment and social issues. It also provides the strategic framework for more detailed and specific plans, policies and programs.

Municipality -

Town or district having self-

government.

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is. PLANNINC] ACADi'.MY Planning. BiiiUling.virl UvirKi in Cdnionton

Natural Area - Land that has unusual or representative biological, physical or historical components and has kept or re-established a natural character. It need not be completely undisturbed.

Overlay - Additional development regulations laid over specific areas of the Zoning Map, which overrides or adds

to the development regulations of the underlying Zone.

Planning Act - The former provincial legislation (prior to 1995) that set out the procedures, types of arguments that can (and cannot) be considered on planning decisions and the rules that govern various planning processes.

Replaced by the Municipal Government Act, Part 17, Planning and Development.

Planning Tools - Provide direction on land use.

Policy Planning - Policy oriented plans adopted by Edmonton (and other municipalities) and includes the Municipal Development Plan, Area Structure Plans, other statutory plans and some non-statutory plans.

Private Sector - Private businesses.

Property Line - A legal boundary of an area of land.

Public/Community - Any person or group of people living or working in the City of Edmonton. The right of the public to participate in the Planning Process is secured through the Municipal Government Act (MGA).

Regulations â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Rules governing land development, i.e. Zoning Bylaw.

Road Right-of-Way - The land used for the roadway, including the sidewalk and boulevard.

Section - A drawing showing a vertical slice through a building or a piece of land that is a mile by a mile in size.

Site Plan - "Birds-eye" drawings of the land on which an application is being made. The sice plan should include Che yards, existing trees, proposed buildings, etc.

100

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PLANNINC^ ACADICMY Planning. Building ,tn(] Living in Edmonton

Stakeholders -

One who has a share or an interest.

Statutory Plan - A plan that is required by the Municipal Government Act, Part 17, Planning and Development, passed by bylaw which must be adhered to by subordinate plans and planning approvals. These plans can only be changed by amending the bylaw.

Streetscape - All the elements that make up the physical environment of a street and define its character. This

includes trees, building type, style, setback, etc.

Zoning Bylaw - The bylaw that establishes procedures to process and decide upon land use and development

applications and divides the city into land use districts. It sets out rules that affect how each piece of land in the city may be used and developed, it also includes the actual zoning maps.

C'ly of Edmonton Planning .in<j O^veloprnont Deparimrrji

101