Is it feasible that placemaking can be at the heart of everything we build? Of course it can – and, first we need to understand its importance and why it’s so integral. When it comes to the built environment we could be hitting a home run with every project we undertake. As stewards of our […]
Places and Spaces
exploring what makes great public spaces in our cities
Small space, new reality – how small can you go?
Small space, new reality – how small can you go? I spent years living full-time in a 26-foot trailer with my husband. In this home-is-where-you-park-it lifestyle, we flourished with less space and more mobility. While I don’t need sprawling rooms, just how minimalist can a person go with their living space? Sure, compact condos and […]
Keep calm and drive on
Keep calm and drive on! Some streets are unwelcoming. The worst for me was an RV park on the Colorado River. To get to our site, we drove over 11 extra-high speed bumps (I counted) and one scary spike strip. The park wanted our patronage but obviously took the cheap n’ unimaginative route to control […]
Urban densification: fan or pan?
Urban densification: fan or pan? I have mixed feelings about growing up. I’m not talking about my emotional state or my height but about cities. Like it or not, our cities are expanding upwards. As a childfree woman with few ties besides a partner and a cactus, I can live anywhere. I’ve loved and not […]
Thinking skinny in the suburbs
When I think skinny, I think jeans and lattes. After reading an ad in Avenue Edmonton magazine, now I think houses. The ad reads: New homes in mature neighbourhoods, Skinnies by Kirkland Homes. Kudos on the marketing twist. Now skinny is considered good for more than fashion and low-fat coffee. Now skinny applies to living […]
Lighted bike signals give cyclists a head start
As more North Americans seek healthier and greener lifestyles, cycling continues to grow in popularity. But for all the upsides, there are serious risks for those on two wheels, ranging from injuries to fatalities. As a cyclist, I’ve become hyper-aware of both sides of the clichéd fence…and road. The responsibility for road safety is a […]
Rethinking Dockside Green
When first conceived, Dockside Green in Victoria, BC, Canada was a living example of a global paradigm shift in the way cities could be built. As an early adopter, the project achieved a lot of notice, winning awards and the title of one of the greenest communities in North America. However, innovation means taking risks and learning […]
Bicycle Social Enterprise: Changing Lives from Copenhagen to Mozambique
When living and studying in Sweden I was lucky enough to spend some time in Copenhagen. One of the most exciting things about the city was exploring by bicycle and the sense of exhilaration and freedom that comes from riding among the hoards of people cruising around by bike. My first stop was to rent […]
Copenhagenize Victoria, Copenhagenize Vancouver?
Those who resist the growing importance of bicycle-oriented planning often say, ‘But we’re not Copenhagen’ or ‘We’re not Amsterdam.’ Yes, that’s right, we’re not, but we sure as heck can learn from them! This past weekend, I had the opportunity to present at a geography conference at the University of Victoria, where I shared perspectives […]
Adventures in a vèlo city, part 1
Remember the introduction to Portlandia, the satirical sketch comedy about Cascadian urban life? Like Jason, I am bustling with excitement and eager to tell you about my recent adventures in a city that is leading a revolution (of sorts), one pedal at a time. Imagine when bicycling was the primary mode of transportation, when you […]