How does a neighbourhood that is intersected by a number of arterial roads tie itself together to create a livable, walkable community? Are arterials just a necessary evil that have to be tolerated, … [Read more...] about What an arterial means to neighbourhoods and pedestrians
Reimagining Oaklands: a preview
The Places Project will be exploring the green spaces of Oaklands neighbourhood in Victoria, BC, on Sunday April 14. A week before the event, we did a preview walk, scouting the area. It's an … [Read more...] about Reimagining Oaklands: a preview
Exploring walkability in Burnside Gorge community of Greater Victoria
Walkability is the focus for the first event of The Places Project on Saturday, March 23, 2013 in the Greater Victoria neighbourhood of Burnside Gorge. What factors contribute to a walkable … [Read more...] about Exploring walkability in Burnside Gorge community of Greater Victoria
An appreciation for colonial plazas
Spanish colonial power in the Americas from the 15th to 19th centuries destroyed dozens of rich societies and decimated some of the world's most sophisticated cities. However, one fortunate … [Read more...] about An appreciation for colonial plazas
A street comes alive
Does your city need more weddings? I’m not talking social engineering here. But wouldn’t your town be livened up if more wedding parties took to the streets, literally? It’s a common experience … [Read more...] about A street comes alive
Striding unfamiliar streets
When we step into new places we step with feet shaped by our familiar spaces and places. Our eyes, at first, see only variations on the scenes of our homeland. I step out of our rented casa in … [Read more...] about Striding unfamiliar streets
New features for a new year
We are pleased with the growth of our urban ideas blog since it was launched about six months ago. The content is growing and we are attracting an engaging group of 'urban explorers' as both … [Read more...] about New features for a new year
A good sign that should be unnecessary
On a run recently, I passed a narrow residential street featuring a traffic sign that was welcomed - but should be unnecessary. Of course, one can make the case that most or all traffic signs … [Read more...] about A good sign that should be unnecessary
Engineering students make cycling a priority
It's great to see young engineers starting to look at urban streets as places where pedestrians and cyclists are a good thing, rather than a dangerous inconvenience. Recently, a group of Engineering … [Read more...] about Engineering students make cycling a priority
Shared lessons and trends from Iceland to Victoria
Who is facing similar challenges to ours? What can we learn from their experience? In a global economy, the motivation to share ideas across continents continues to grow. Strategic … [Read more...] about Shared lessons and trends from Iceland to Victoria