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The Cunard Block Public Space Design l Public Meeting
CUNARD SITE: A COLLABORATIVE DESIGN WORKSHOP WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT - SHAPE LIFE AT THE EDGE The Cunard site is currently a parking lot at the south end of Lower Water Street on the Halifax waterfront. Beginning next year, it will be developed into stunning new mixeduse architecture and public space.
harness investment from the private sector and use it to build communal wealth, which are the public spaces they create. They have continued to do so since its inception in the mid-seventies.
The Waterfront Development Corporation invited the public to a conversation about the future use and design of the Cunard site. The purpose of the evening was to:
Colin then introduced, Andy Fillmore, Vice President of Planning and Design. Andy shared that Waterfront Development has approximately half a billion dollars in design and construction lined up in the next 10 years. It has a role in making Halifax one of the great mid-size cities in the world. However, he explained, they need help from the public to make sure they do the best possible job.
share content around the existing direction of the project gather public input regarding the future use and design WELCOME Colin MacLean, President and CEO of Waterfront Development, welcomed the group and thanked them for attending. He gave an overview of the Waterfront Development’s role to convene conversations about public space on the waterfront. Colin explained how Waterfront Development tries to find smart ways to Waterfront Development
Andy noted the parameters of what could and could not be influenced. He explained we are not here to discuss the building but the outdoor open space adjacent to it. He also acknowledged that some residents may be upset that they are losing views in adjacent condo buildings but asked them to see possibilities in the green space they could gain from the current parking lot.
Waterfront Development then introduced their new engagement banner: Shape Life at the Edge. Andy spoke about how this engagement will set the tone and direction for future engagements. He invited the public to come out and share ideas when they see this message in the future.
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VISION The Landscape Architect, Trevor McIntyre from IBI Group was introduced. Trevor shared some inspiring images of public space design from around the world including Toronto and New York. The landscape architect framed the conversation under the eight categories listed on this page. FRAMING the CONVERSATION Tim Merry, Lead Facilitator from Myrgan Inc. then framed how the rest of the evening would be organized. Brianna Miller and LaMeia Reddick, co- facilitators, shared some reminders on how to have a productive conversation They included: how you show up influences results, be kind, listen to learn, speak from experience, stay on topic, bring your passion but don’t think it is the whole picture. Brianna and LaMeia then asked the audience to discuss at their tables:
What has been your best experience of Public Space and how can we bring that to our waterfront?
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We heard in response: Active Space for winter and summer Green space Relaxed space with tables, keep it simple Retain visual aspect Marine Science, to engage the public Entertainment Diverse Serving Space Way down to the water, tidal pool Trevor McIntyre, landscape architect then introduced specific themes gathered earlier in the year from stakeholder feedback. They included:
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ESCAPE: Passive recreation, waling, strolling, people watching socializing LEARN: History and interpretation, site, people and culture, ocean and tides, marine life ENTERTAIN: Art and Culture, music, film, installations, flash events busking SAVOUR: Food and drink, picnicking food tasting, food trucks, wine tasting WATCH: People watch, nature watch, storm watch, sunrise and sunsets
ACTIVATE: Recreation, running, roller blading, tai chi, yoga, Pilates
EXPERIENCE: The value of place making, a memorable space that one wants to return to
RIDE: Cycling and cycle facilities, including I HEART bikes, and seguay rides
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SLIDES ONLINE
Trevor shared different images of how these themes appear on different waterfronts around the world.
NOCTURNE - Saturday, October 19th On Saturday October, 19, the Waterfront Development participated in Nocturne: Art at Night on the Cunard Site lot which is currently a parking lot. The proposed building was outlined in lights and the public was invited to imagine what the space could be and what would make it a destination for them. People had fun sharing their ideas on chalkboards and pop up boxes, while some shared them on large pavement canvases outlined in chalk.. CLICK HERE TO WATCH A VIDEO OF THE EVENT ONLINE. Waterfront Development
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Myrgan Inc. and Waterfront Development staff then hosted eight conversations with the above themes at tables exploring the question: How would you use the waterfront space? The public was invited to attend two sessions each. We heard in response: ACTIVATE
RIDE
Simple area Zen garden tranquil Escape Partial space for peaceful area, “get away from it all” Relax and contemplate Tai Chi Soft Surfaces Barefoot Foot friendly Touch the water, cool off Sand, fun for kids Underwater walk Elevation Changes Sprinkler Park Kayak rentals Safe water access, : ie Kayak Good Lighting Outdoor gyms, accessible, an option for those who can’t afford other options Seniors using the public spaces for activity; dancing , badminton, exercise Family friendly use for all ages Engaging for all( terrain and structures) Animal friendly Multipurpose space / facility Ensuring the space can be used in a multitude of ways Multiuse Accessible Dynamic Good for all seasons
Connect clearly to cycling possibilities around all HRM Design for future not today Safety: sharing lanes, lighting Better lighting Bike trails that connect to Peggy’s Cove, bigger vision Access space between Cunard and NSP
Lighting Needs to be well lit and feel safe Lighting, ambient, eyes on the boardwalk to make it feel safe Nature and green, part of landscaping Trees Public Space at Bishop’s does not feel “public” Needs to have an element of mystery
ESCAPE
ENTERTAIN
Waterfront Development
Relax in a crowd, safe yet anonymous… “Illusion” to lose yourself in the space A place to get lost A place for inspiration Look over the water to escape Meditation and Inspiration Exercise – Escape You do not need isolation to escape Noon hour escape for lunch breaks Organic spaces and seating Informal seating in a crowd or alone Seating should have flexible choices, backs, backless Long wall, informal seating Has to work as an “ office”, a place to meet and discuss things Wi-Fi, classes in the “Quad” Wi-Fi space for work Land forms to make it fun but good for kids Need trees for shade and to define space Safety
Series of multi-cultural events with design elements such as stage with bands, gazebo for ethnic dancing groups Buskers , different levels of the festival Music on the waterfront Family events, jazz festival music Develop year round programs, especially for winter time Family, kid friendly space, waterslides History, acting dramatization Tress for shade Seating Seating, flow of people Lighting around the site for safety issues Safety issues when sharing the boardwalk Boats, boat in cinema, water side access, water related events Limited users for boat in cinema Visiting boats, economic impact Wi-Fi
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LEARN Signage Innovative ways of sharing knowledge and history Sail boat options to go to islands Stories, story corner Lookouts Floating glass docks Underwater Web cam Want to learn special things about Halifax history Make history interactive, connecting to the present Interactive because of language barriers So many different ways of sharing knowledge Our harbour is unique, discover this More info about Dartmouth Ocean theme Students from Dalhousie learning about the ocean Interactive history in the making Interactive things that connect to mobile, interactive stations that promote history Teach people about the sea and natural environment Life size animals living in the water Sculptures Big pathways, marine mammal obstacle course, life size to touch, walk underneath Learning about animals living in the water Tours, aquarium , tide pool History of facts in the sidewalk Good for all seasons SAVOUR Seasonality, how to extend seasons?, winter activity Paris Outdoor cafes University of Wisconsin, lakeside patios, can walk into the water via steps Outdoor heaters, extend season In winter offer hot food Beer, drink, eats Cafes with old refurbished pianos Community garden – supply local restaurants Community Garden, access by all nearby, such as apartment dwellers, include kids
Waterfront Development
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Community involvement, greenhouses for winter Licensing for liquor a problem but patios add vibrancy Non commercial No food trucks Don’t replicate what is already here, ie: more kiosks Lots of seating lots of shade, quiet Shelter from rain and sun could be an architectural structure Tons of boardwalk but needs trees Waterfront lacks a nice green space Festivals should be dynamic, not repetitive and not everyday Showcase different ethnic groups each time, learn more about different cultures Cultural festivities; what kind of food Ferry service to McNab’s and George’s We can fish in the harbor and eat it “depuration”, filtering system for seafood, combines learning and food WATCH Reflection Space; shade, trees and seating Different elevations, provides change from flat perspective Elevated area for different perspective, theater , performance space Too busy at times, commercial, be able to crowd escape Balance of hard and soft scope Reflect with coffee Destination tranquil, read, quiet space Seating, newspapers, mellow, Sand Shade Shade in summer, sunshine in winter Trees, art creating shade Backstage to the waterfront, sculpture, art Aesthetic art Abstract art from local scenery Blend the ugly Movable site formation to capture different scenes or elements, 360 vista View planes are important Viewing platforms, raised or longer Transportation connect How to block sound from Lower water, reroute trucks, sound barriers
H A L I F A X
EXPERIENCE Sense of Belonging, for people from different social, economic and cultural backgrounds Opportunities to connect – to people and nature Unique Experience – should be distinct and completely new Connect to our identity as Nova Scotians, Halifax and the history of the harbor Connecting to people, social interaction Connecting to nature, reality in nature, view of fish Connected to NS and Halifax harbor, invites you in, different things History, connect to history, the design could be symbolic Safe space for kids, for use, feeling of security, feel at ease day and night Safe space, well lit, welcoming, children, nighttime feel safe Respectful of tenants A place for activities, entertainment, relaxation, leisure, amphitheater Small amphitheater, place for performers, naturally formed Animation on the edge, sitting on the edge Refresh yourself, combine with observatory activities Seasonal use and activities, (ponds) skating Fun space , events using life, active Unique as possible, something different, (unexpected things, spontaneity) Glass view in to the ocean / harbor Good views of harbor and its activity, shore A positive space Welcoming Trees, green space and active space Memorable, image to take away, activities
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MOVING FORWARD Andy Fillmore closed the evening by thanking everyone and laying out the next steps of the design process. Information gathered from earlier stakeholder meetings, Nocturne, the online survey and the Cunard engagement will be reviewed. The final designs will go before HRM Council in early January. At that time the public will be invited to give feedback on the designs before development.
NOCTURNE VIDEO:
https://my-waterfront.ca/development/cunard-block-conceptual-design/
VIDEO OF THE EVENT:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/cunard-public-space-public-engagement
http://www.slideshare.net/mandolin37/trevor-8-themes-23-oct13
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT’S SLIDES:
VIEW THIS DOCUMENT ONLINE IN HIGH RES: http://issuu.com/myrgan/docs/cunard_high_res WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT:
http://www.mywaterfront.ca