Border Index by zhou.ying

Between the Lines: Borders, Territory & Space Border Index

Tomas Chen Ying Zhou

Main Title First Name Last Name + First Name Last Name

Border Index

Border Index 1

Introduction

BC Hydro Charging Station

Border Index 2

Crossing Kerrisdale

Border Index 3

Arbutus Greenway

Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

Main Title First Name Last Name + First Name Last Name

Introduction The focus for our border indexes revolves around the Arbutus Greenway in Vancouver. We analyzed the borders and territories adjacent to and along the greenway, or lack of, and their relationship with surrounding urban areas. We found multiple levels of claiming space, some conflicting, contrasting, or complimenting each other. Boundaries are defined for many reasons, and may not always be for the purpose of keeping individuals in or out.1 Sometimes, the purpose a boundary is to define a power over a space,2 which can be observed to be the case throughout the following border indexes. In Border Index 1, we explore the claiming of space in the micro scale through an electrical vehicle (EV) charging station, discovering how signage and symbols are used to regulate municipal by-laws and how electrical vehicle owners abuse the lack of law enforcement to occupy EV parking spaces. In Border Index 2, we compare the different types of fencing and signage used in a school grounds adjacent to the greenway, finding that different barriers are used for different purposes, such as surveillance, noise reduction, and designating a space for a specific activity. In Border Index 3, we examine in the macro scale Arbutus Greenway in its entirety, finding that the greenway serves as a territory while visually dividing the city along certain portions.

Storey, David. Territories: The Claiming of Space, Edition 1. London: Taylor and Francis, 2011.

Rael, Ronald. “Boundary Line Infrastructure” in Thresholds No. 40: SOCIO-, Cambridge: MIT, 2012,

75-82.

Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

BC Hydro Charging Station Tomas Chen + Ying Zhou

BC Hydro Charging Station Kerrisdale is a neighbourhood in Vancouver’s west side, and features various residential varieties, a highschool, and commercial storefronts. Notably, there is the 1905 British Columbia Electric Railway that runs through this neighbourhood along the now known Arbutus Greenway. Our site focuses on two, electric vehicle parking spots in a parking lot in close proximity to the Greenway. The power over a space can be seen through the creation of boundaries that form territory, and enforcement of this power can be communicated through the visibility of these boundaries. 1 Signage and parking space boundaries are used to regulate what types and vehicles are permitted to park in the space, and for what purpose. Although there is charging etiquitte in place, a 2019 BC Hydro report found 1/4 of electric vehicle owners surveyed have been involved in an argument at a charging station.2 As of 2020, the parking lot investigated includes signs to encourage drivers to limit their stay and increase awareness on charging etiquitte, however, there are still loopholes within the system that allow drivers to use the space longer than intended. 1

Storey, David. Territories: The Claiming of Space, Edition 1. London:

Taylor and Francis, 2011. 2

Crawford, Tiffany. “B.C. drivers bicker at EV charging stations.” Vancouver Sun, October

25, 2019. https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/b-c-drivers-bicker-at-ev-chargingstations

Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

BC Hydro Charging Station Tomas Chen + Ying Zhou

Power Over Space The plan and elevation captures a moment of time illustrating the first hand experience of our site visit. Even during this experience, the boundaries of parking space crossed as an electric vehicle is taking up more than one space. As cars are able to cross borders, it blurs the boundaries if certain moments like this occur.

300

The parking lot has undergone some changes in order to accommodate for electric vehicle charging. A portion of the original diagonal parking lines were removed and replaced with parallel parking spots. The new parking spaces are made parallel to allow electric vehicles to be plugged into the charger at a convenient angle. As a result, some parking space was lost to accommodate the electric vehicles and the charging infrastructure.

600

Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

BC Hydro Charging Station Tomas Chen + Ying Zhou

Blurry Parking Boundaries Elevation perspective shown from the street towards parking spots with the Arbutus Greenway background. The drawing illustrates the blurry lines of parking boundaries regulating space. There is a sense of uncertainty, as the electric vehicles have agency and onus over space. Regulation problems arise when user exploitation happens. Although there are parking spot lines, and 40-minute charging time limit, users are still able to find loopholes and cross boundaries without clear punishment. As this new infrastructure begins to expand, there are moments of weakness, not only in boundary lines, but also technological and regulatory systems that allow for exploitation.

40 MINUTE CHARGING

LIMIT YOUR STAY

Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

BC Hydro Charging Station Tomas Chen + Ying Zhou

Instruments of Enforcement & Abuse of Power

MINUTE

CHARGING

LIMIT YOUR STAY

EXCEPT FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING

40 1

Remnants of the parking lot prior to the renovation can still be seen on the site. Fresher asphalt indicate that the ground was dug into to install the required infrastructure for the electrical vehicle charging station.

The charging station is the resource that provides incentive for an electric vehicle owner to park at this spot. The charger supports two types of charging: regular and fast charge. Despite these two modes being available and the two parking spots designated for electric vehicle charging, only one vehicle can charge at a time.

MINUTE

This sign enforces to the users of the parking lot that only electric CHARGING vehicles are permitted to park in these spaces, making visible the power electric vehicles owners have over this prescribed space.

LIMIT YOUR STAY

EXCEPT FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING

Fast charging station

Further signage is used to reinforce that only electric vehicles are permitted to use the space for charging. Municipal by-laws state that a violation can result in a fine of no less than $77 and no more than $10, 000.3 Charging etiquitte

How to charge

Cost

Membership & Activation

Fast charging station

MINUTE

BC1-00142

CHARGING Charging etiquitte

LIMIT YOUR STAY

EXCEPT FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING

Parts of the charging infrastructure such as this electrical box are also used to promote the use of electric vehicles

STATION AVAILABLE How to charge

Cost

Start session

Membership & Activation

Fast charging station

This Tesla vehicle was parked between both electric vehicle parking spots, taking up the entire territory. It is speculated that drivers do not care for whether they occupy one or both spots, as a second vehicle would not be able to charge at the same time.

Signage is also used to reinforce charging etiquette to electric vehicle owners, in an attempt to avoid abuse of the charging station and potential arguments. Charging etiquitte

In order to begin charging, drivers must start a session through an app. This app provides a virtual representation of the charging stations, letting other drivers know whether a station is available or not. The app does not limit how many times a driver can begin a session at a specific station, thus the 40 minute charging rule can be sidestepped in this manner.

How to charge

Cost

Membership & Activation

City of Vancouver. “CITY OF VANCOUVER BRITICH COLUMBIA: PARK-

ING METER BY-LAW NO. 2952.” December 10, 2020, pp. 26. https:// bylaws.vancouver.ca/2952c.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3rhqeliACDI5ACewYIibvTS-qx6RbQklR-K3Ij6B-M4s-Yvxgiapzg9PA Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

BC Hydro Charging Station Tomas Chen + Ying Zhou

Drivers in car-fuffles

Collage of Site Visit

The B.C. Hydro report states that 30% of respondents have experienced another driver unplug, or attempt to unplug their vehicle while it was charging.4 The lack of charging etiquette results in some drivers disrespecting others who are already occupying the space. As these spaces are currently limited and largely unregulated, there is potential for conflict between drivers over who can use the space.

Based on personal experience using the electric charger and interacting with other users.

Crawford, Tiffany. “B.C. drivers bicker at EV charging stations.” Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

Crossing Kerrisdale Tomas Chen + Ying Zhou

Crossing Kerrisdale In “Boundary Line Infrastructure,” Rael quotes Wittgenstein: “But when one draws a boundary it may be for various kinds of reasons. If I surround an area with a fence or a line or otherwise, the purpose may be to prevent someone from getting in or out; but may also be part of a game...So if I draw a boundary line that is not yet to say what I am drawing it for.”1 In continuation of Border Index 1, Crossing Kerrisdale takes a step back to analyze zoning borders of Vancouver’s Kerrisdale neighbourhood. Throughout this investigation, we realize Wittgenstein’s words, that certain types of fences are used for many different purposes. Starting with private zones, Point Grey Secondary School, territories are clearly bounded by fences to express a sense of ownership. Artificial turf and track being in close proximity to the school allows for natural surveillance, as this space serves as the semi-private zone. Activities are planned on track and turf which bolsters the access of control and surveillance. Landscaping is tactically placed to block off sound and sightlines to certain areas into the school. Topographic grades clearly illustrate the private space of the school overlooking the semi-public and public spaces. According to Hanover Research, creation of secure school fencing may produce prison-like appearance2. These implications are apparent due to the general public’s view on Point Grey Secondary’s blockade of fencing. Across the street of the secondary school lies the public zone of the Arbutus Greenway. Sandwiched between separating vegetation and parking spaces, the Arbutus Greenway serves as the focal point of pedestrian and cyclist pathways. Despite governmental measures of bordering spaces, people still find ways to path across the street and greenway due to convenience sake. 1

Hanover Research, School Fencing: Benefits and Disadvantages, PDF File, November 2013,

https://wssca.wildapricot.org/resources/Documents/Public%20Site/Links/fencing_safety.pdf Year published. 2

Rael, Ronald. “Boundary Line Infrastructure” in Thresholds No. 40: SOCIO-, Cambridge: MIT, 2012,

75-82.

Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

Crossing Kerrisdale Tomas Chen + Ying Zhou

Site Context The Kerrisdale neighbourhood consists of high income and single family housing, lower middle income in multi story houses near commercial zones. Both lower middle and high income families are included within the school’s catchment area. Since the school is built near commercial areas, students have easy access nearby to stores. However, the school has put measures in place to restrict access from the public to their grounds.

W 41st Ave

East Blvd

West Blvd

Median Income $81k +

$61-80k

$41-60k

School Catchment 1:5000

Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

Crossing Kerrisdale Tomas Chen + Ying Zhou

Plan The school uses different types of fencing depending on how much access they wish to grant to the public, shown in the following plan and isometric.

9 10

1 7

1 1

5 4

6 7 3

7 10

Spatial Divisions Private

Semi-Public

Public

Prominent Entrance 1:1500

Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

Crossing Kerrisdale Tomas Chen + Ying Zhou

Isometric In terms of limiting access to private zones, Hanover Research indicates that reducing many pathways going in and out of private spaces should be easily monitored. For example, the main entrance has a clear view; hence, natural surveillance would occur. Contrary to this notion, the school’s entrances are actually closer to the public street and do not appear to have clear views. The alternate main entrance does have a clear view, but is farther from the commercial area rather facing the residential zone. The school incorporates signage on fences and boards as part of access regulation. In terms of mobility of the students, parents can only pick up and drop off on the parking lot closest to the track and the tennis court, which is far from the school’s main entrances. Inner parking lots in close proximity to the school are only allowed for staff. The Arbutus greenway serves as a greater contrasting zone than the private zone of the school and semi-public zone of the turf. Specifically, the greenway is a purely public area and has less constraints for access, rather offers moments of pathways going perpendicular to the greenway to let people pass by conveniently.

1:1500 Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

Crossing Kerrisdale Tomas Chen + Ying Zhou

Crossing Point Grey

s used to keep people out in more private areas

fences used for different purposes some are taller to contain sport in an area some are used to keep others out (+with signage) Signage or symbols in public areas used to control traffic flow, while signs used to keep people out in more private areas

fences used for different purposes fences used for different purposes some are taller to contain sport in an area some are taller to contain sport in an area some aresignage) used to keep others out (+with signage) some are used to keep others out (+with Signage or control symbolstraffic in public control traffic flow, while to keep Signage or symbols in public areas used to flow,areas whileused signstoused to keep people out insigns moreused private areaspeople out in more private areas

NO PICK UP

As Wittgenstein implied, a boundary line may not always be intended for control of access. In this circumstance, fencing is used to mark certain areas for a specific sport and prevent accidents from occurring. These amenities not only provide programming for students but also draw in neighbourhood residents to occupy the school grounds during the day, ensuring natural surveillance.

This fence is located on the inner side of the track, to prevent soccer players from potentially kicking soccer balls out of bounds and onto the track where other users may be running or walking.

leash and

As the report on school fencing done by Hanover research described, chain-link fences are simple to install and maintains visibility, however, they are also easily breached. This shorter form of chain-link fencing is used in close proximity to the school, to ensure visibility of the school grounds. This type of fencing is also used between the track (Kerrisdale Park Running Track) and the baseball fields (Kerrisdale Park), where it has weathered due to students climbing over the fence.

Around the track and bordering portions of the school grounds that are farther from the school building and face East Blvd, taller chain-link fencing is used. From inside the school building, visibility of the father regions of the grounds may not be as clear from the interior of the school building, requiring a taller chain-link fence that is not easily climbed over.

dog ENTRY DROP-OFF

PICK UP

DO NOT BACK-UP IN SCHOOL ZONE

City of Vancouver Animal Control Bylaw 9150 MAX. FINE $2900

This sign along with the signs on [6] are located on the chain-link fences surrounding the rear parking lot entrance of the school. They are used to discourage the public from using the parking space, which has direct access to school entrances.

e eas NO PICK UP NO PICKSTOP UP STOP Pl clean up after your

OR DROP OFFOR DROP OFF ENTRY OF STUDENTS OF STUDENTS DROP-OFF PICK UP IN THIS AREA IN THIS AREA DO NOT BACK-UP IN SCHOOL ZONE

OR DROP OFF OF STUDENTS IN THIS AREA

asePICK Our School Our School UP leclean STOP PNO andupGrounds Are and Grounds Are leash and

As required by the Tobacco Control Act of British Columbia

IN THIS AREA

DO NOT BACK-UP IN SCHOOL ZONE

leash and

ENTRY DROP-OFF PICK UP

DO NOT BACK-UP

IN SCHOOL ZONE

e Our S eas up Pl clean and Gro after your dog

Tobac at all

e eas Pl clean up

leash and

after your dog

City of Vancouver Animal Control Bylaw 9150 MAX. FINE $2900

Our School and Grounds Are

Tobacco Free at all times As required by the Tobacco Control Act of British Columbia

A sign to remind dog walkers to clean up after their dogs to keep the park clean. Violating this by-law may result in a fine of up to $2900.

Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

As required by the Tobac

City of Vancouver Animal Control Bylaw 9150 MAX. FINE $2900

These signs also discourage parents or guardians of students from picking up dropping off their children from the school. The closest parking lots are on the other side of the school grounds. Students being dropped off or picked up by parents would need to walk a distance to reach the school building.

ENTRY OF STUDENTS DROP-OFF PICK UP

As required by the Tobacco Control Act of British Columbia

These signs are attached to the chain-link fences at most entrances to the school that faces East Blvd. The sign on the left states at the bottom “This site may have an anti loitering device in place.” They aim to limit access to school grounds to certain times and prevent certain individuals from using the space.

STOP OR DROP OFF

your ORafter DROP OFF dog Tobacco Free TobaccoENTRYFree OF STUDENTS DROP-OFF at all times at all times PICK UP IN THIS AREA DO NOT BACK-UP IN SCHOOL ZONE City of Vancouver Animal Control Bylaw 9150 MAX. FINE $2900

STOP NO PICK UP

Crossing Kerrisdale Tomas Chen + Ying Zhou

Crossing Point Grey and Arbutus Greenway

p people out in more private areas

These logs aid in defining the space of Kerrisdale Park, and are located behind a commercial lane. The lane being more private in nature provides a buffer zone to the park, resulting in a low-security setting.

The report conducted by Hanover Research also states that wood fencing is suitable for low-security settings. The wood fencing faces a residential street, allowing easy access to the park from the east side of the school grounds. Parts of the fence appear to have deteriorated or been destroyed.

Metal fencing borders the front property of the community centre, discouraging pedestrians from walking through its grass. It also borders the parking spaces adjacent to Kerrisdale Park.

The use of plants allows for a more pleasant view of Arbutus Greenway for bikers and pedestrians, providing noise reduction and blocking views of adjacent parking lots and busy streets.

A portion of the greenway with vegetation not fully grown.

Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

Crossing Kerrisdale Tomas Chen + Ying Zhou

Section The school uses terrain to its advantage by using the highest grade ground that overlooks semi-public and public space. Areas of the lower ground, labelled semi-public, have several layers of physical boundaries, with more main entrances that are more controlled. As the topography of the land elevates, so does the privacy levels for the school providing purely private entrances inside. Public and semi-public are all on the lower ground relative to the school.

In addition to the section cut, four perspective drawings help illustrate the experience of such spaces between zones.

1:1000

Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

Crossing Kerrisdale Tomas Chen + Ying Zhou

Perspective Drawings Specific moments captured before and on the Arbutus Greenway, illustrating perspectives of passageways progressing across the pathway.

Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

Arbutus Greenway Tomas Chen + + Kyuchan Lee + Ying Zhou

Arbutus Greenway The Arbutus Greenway has had many parties involved through the century. It first existed as the Arbutus Corridor railway, constructed by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), to connect Vancouver to Stevenson, a town to the south known for its fishing and canning industry.1 In addition to constructing this railway, the CPR also influenced the development of all neighbourhoods that the Arbutus Corridor runs through. When railway use began declining in the 1950s, there began an interest in a new territory, as residents begin to occupy the green spaces adjacent to the rails. In 2016, the City of Vancouver purchased the corridor from the CPR and transformed it into the Arbutus greenway.1 The City of Vancouver released a design proposal in 2018 that seeks to enhance the greenway, connect Vancouver, and foster a sense of community. By examining the design proposal and the greenway’s history, we discover the importance of the greenway as a territory, edge or district. As Lynch describes in The Image of a City, “many edges are are uniting seams, rather than isolating barriers.”2 In some cases, the greenway appears as a visual divider between neighbourhoods, while in most cases, the greenway facilitates interaction between residents and acts as a passageway to navigate the city. Additionally, the design proposal divides the spaces along the greenway into different thematic zones. This is similar to Lynch’s description of the district, where each zone has a common characteristic.2 Thematic zones are influenced by nodes: “Nodes are the strategic foci into which the observer can enter, typically either junction of paths, or concentrations of some characteristic.” We examine how the design proposal would positively and negatively affect the space if realized. We also see the difference between city residents organically occupying the space compared to the city’s plan for a curated landscape, and remants of the railway.

Vancouver heritage foundation. “Arbutus Corridor .” Vancouver Heritage Foundation, January 27, 2020. https://www.placesthatmatter.ca/location/arbutus-corridor/.

Lynch, Kevin. The Image of a City. Cambridge: The Technology Press & Harvard University Press. Cambridge, 1960.

Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

Arbutus Greenway Tomas Chen + + Kyuchan Lee + Ying Zhou

Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

Arbutus Greenway Tomas Chen + + Kyuchan Lee + Ying Zhou

Destruction of community gardens

Contested territory

Commuting route for cyclists and pedestrians

Spaces for gathering and public amenities (to be constructed)

Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

Arbutus Greenway Tomas Chen + + Kyuchan Lee + Ying Zhou

Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

Arbutus Greenway Tomas Chen + + Kyuchan Lee + Ying Zhou

Zone 1 & Zone 6 The design proposal would result in the rearranging of the community gardens. In the case of zone 6, some of the gardens will be permanently removed and replaced with a designed landscape and a community kiosk. It takes into consideration the importance of the community gardens to the residents of Vancouver as a gathering space for the community.

Zone 1 - The Harvest Table

Zone 6 - Garden Path

3 2

Current Condition

Design Proposal

Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

Arbutus Greenway Tomas Chen + + Kyuchan Lee + Ying Zhou

City Farmer Community Garden City Farmer's Iron Gate was made by the artist, Davide Pan in the summer of 2016. The new iron gate protecting the compost garden was created using the old railway remnants, such as spikes left behind by the crews who took up the old track.

Cypress Community Garden The Cypress Community Garden is a grassroots initative that is located along the Arbutus Greenway, Kitsilano neighbourhood. Seen as an urban greenspace, the community garden is an integral inclusive space allowing visitors to experience and use the space however they would like. Speciﬁcally, this garden provides the community social and educational spaces that serve as catalysts of uniting people together. Since the mid 1990s, Cypress Community gardeners have been maintaining this block-long garden that was bothered by the train tracks irght of way of the CP Rail.

Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

Arbutus Greenway Tomas Chen + + Kyuchan Lee + Ying Zhou

Railroad Remnants South of Arbutus Greenway

Electrical Control Box for Train

Start of Arbutus Greenway North

End of Arbutus Greenway South

Railroad Crossing Remnants Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

Arbutus Greenway Tomas Chen + + Kyuchan Lee + Ying Zhou

Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

Arbutus Greenway Tomas Chen + + Kyuchan Lee + Ying Zhou

This portion of the greenway is a visual divider between the Shaughnessy and Arbutus Ridge neighbourhoods. While both neighbourhoods developed under the influence of the CPR, Shaughnessy was developed with the intention of attracting upper-class citizens of Vancouver.3 As such, the effects of these intentions can be seen in the urban fabric as well as the demographics. Additionally, most of Shaughnessy has the zoning designation of "First Shaughnessy", which aims to protect the architectural heritage of the neighbourhood.

Shaughnessy

Housing Average Price: $3.49M Highest Listing: $4.99M Lowest Listing: $848K

Housing Average Price: $5.66M Highest Listing: $13.8M Lowest Listing: $3.2M

id sR

bu Ar

Zones 3 and 4 are currently the spaces that are least developed by Vancouver residents; it is undefined or "unclaimed" territory. The design proposal seeks to curate this space, putting an emphasis on scenic views. Overall, this change would not encourage community interaction as strongly as other spaces along the greenway do.

Arbutus Ridge

e hn

Zone 3 The Ridge

Zone 4 Woodland Bend E

Median total income 143155 76480

Rate of unaffordable housing 50.70% 65.75%

Zoning

First Shaughnessy One-Family Dwelling

Visible minorities 34.20%

Comprehensive Development

43.50% 3

City of Vancouver. “Shaughnessy”. City of Vancouver. Accessed April 19, 2021. https://vancouver.ca/news-calendar/shaughnessy.aspx Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

Arbutus Greenway Tomas Chen + + Kyuchan Lee + Ying Zhou

Zone 3

Current Condition

Design Proposal

Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

Arbutus Greenway Tomas Chen + + Kyuchan Lee + Ying Zhou

Zone 4

Current Condition 7

Sperling Substation Design Proposal

Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

Arbutus Greenway Tomas Chen + + Kyuchan Lee + Ying Zhou

Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

Arbutus Greenway Tomas Chen + + Kyuchan Lee + Ying Zhou

8 10

Current Condition 11

9 G

Zoning Commercial One-Family Dwelling Multi-Family Dwelling Comprehensive Development

Design Proposal

This section of the greenway both visually divides and connects the Kerrisdale neighbourhood. While commercial zones fall adjacent to the greenway, most multi-family zoning is located to the west. The design proposal seeks to enhance Kerrisdale as a retail and civic hub, encouraging interaction through introducing gathering areas and a coffee kiosk along the greenway. The design proposal conflicts with the parking space that is currently along the greenway. It would replace these spaces, limiting the number of vehicles that can occupy the area and discouraging the use of cars. At the same time, an electric vehicle charging station installed in one of these parking lots has recently been upgraded to include a second charging port. It will be interesting to see how the greenway evolves in this space, as the charging station will either need to be removed, or the design will need to accommodate the existence of the charging station.

Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

Arbutus Greenway Tomas Chen + + Kyuchan Lee + Ying Zhou

Solar Panels along Electric Valley

Kerrisdale Bus Stop with Railroad Remnants

Electric Vehicle Sign

Railway Wheel Remnant

EV Charging Spot

Sign "Private Property" Vandalized

Bench with Past Train Wheels Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

ARC465 Between the Lines: Borders, Territory & Space Winter 2021 - Daniels Faculty