EcoEUFORIA (Economic Evaluation of Using Urban Form to Increase Activity)
Independent Research
Funding: Canadian Institutes of Health Research
In collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Kinesiology
In progress

The goal of this three year project is to determine the economic implications of improving urban form to support physical activity. Several aspects will be studied: activity patterns of residents will be determined by survey, measures of walkability and other parameters of urban form will be documented and analyzed through mapping and fieldwork (including reconnaissance on foot/bicycle of all 230 Calgary neighbourhoods), and the costs of modifying various aspects of the urban form will be calculated. This research will establish the cost of retrofitting and improving Calgary’s neighbourhoods and will have implications for public health.

This innovative project is a comprehensive approach to providing an open space plan for a large central Alberta county. Over the course of several years, the Urban Lab, in collaboration with Dillon Consulting, completed a multi-phase planning document. This work consisted of a physical inventory of all County-owned open spaces, consultation with residents, documentation of cultural landscapes, and assessment of issues and opportunities. Various project zones were identified for more detailed study, and comprehensive plans for specific inter-related projects and paths were developed. This project involved the development of a comprehensive database for the County, design of a working typology of open spaces, various graphic tools for illustrating the project areas, development of policies  and implementation strategies.

Urban Form and Social Connectivity: what is the relationship?
Client: The Urban Alliance - City of Calgary
In progress

This project aims to understand the relationship between urban form and social connectivity. Fourteen Calgary neighbourhoods representing different eras of development were analyzed in terms of various morphological and qualitative attributes, and several measures of social connectivity were analyzed by surveys and interviews. This research will contribute to the understanding of what makes “good” neighbourhood form that supports social connectivity.

Medicine River Valley Area Structure Plan
Client: Red Deer County
2008

The Medicine River Valley is under growing pressure for conversion from traditional large parcel agriculture to small parcel specialty agriculture, hobby farm uses, and the increasing demand for country residential development. This innovative plan provided a coordinated approach to preservation and encouragement of agricultural uses, the conservation of natural capital, the development of compatible recreational and tourism uses, and the associated development of well-sited rural residential neighbourhoods.

The Calgary Project
Independent Research
Funding: ENMAX Power and University of Calgary
2006

This comprehensive study of Calgary urban form and process is the result of over five years of research and includes analysis at the scale of the city, neighbourhood and street. It emphasizes the importance of a high quality public realm. Recipient of CSLA National Honour Award 2007

Springbrook and Gasoline Alley Area Structure Plan
Client: Red Deer County
2007

This project looks at innovative approaches to the planning and development of high quality, sustainable townscapes and landscapes in Red Deer County. The design process is based upon a comprehensive analysis of the region’s landscape called ‘townscape analysis’, which helps us to set out principles and guidelines for development in the area. The project included development of neighbourhood plans and streetscape guidelines.

Pine Lake Area Structure Plan
Client: Red Deer County
In progress

Pine Lake is a popular destination in central Alberta. There is an increasing demand for recreational and seasonal properties in the area which require additional land and necessitate an up-to-date land use plan. The project approach applied an ecological-environmental planning process identifying areas suitable for development and providing a structure for future growth that would be sustainable and in keeping with the area’s character.

Mustard Seed: homeless shelter and public realm improvements
Client: Mustard Seed Ministry and People + Place Initiative, University of Calgary
2008

In May 2004, as a result of discussions initiated by the Victoria Crossing BRZ with various organizations and agencies, a project dealing with the urban revitalization of the Centre Street South area and Mustard Seed expansion and public space developments was developed. The Urban Lab developed conceptual plans to address the spatial and functional needs of the Mustard Seed, and improve the streetscape and public spaces of the adjacent streets and lanes. This project began as a pro bono contract fulfilling the Urban Lab’s role as a community outreach group of the University of Calgary. It later expanded through the People+Place Initiative to include precedent research with colleagues from the Faculty of Social Work, resulting in a book publication (forthcoming).

University of Calgary Campus Analysis and Planning
Client: Campus Infrastructure, University of Calgary
2005

Throughout the University of Calgary’s brief history, both the academic mission and the physical campus have evolved in response to changing needs, values and opportunities. A series of academic plans with the supporting campus plans have directed campus development. The most recent campus plan is the Campus Community Plan (2001). It was prepared in response to the academic direction at the time and many of the principles and conceptual directions are no longer relevant or current. This project has been a collaboration with Campus Infrastructure in developing a tridimensional virtual model of the campus and an analysis to lay the ground for the development of a future Campus Master Plan.

Sense of Place: a series of events celebrating Alberta’s Centennial
Client: Nickle Arts Museum, University of Calgary
National Honor Award - Canadian Society of Landscape Architects
Place Planning Award - Environmental Design Research Association
2005

As a means of celebrating the centennial of the Province of Alberta a series of events and exhibitions was conceived. Working with The Nickle Arts Museum, the Urban Lab took a lead role in design of the exhibition, editing and graphic design of two publications, and a series of excursions into the cultural landscapes of Alberta.

Joffre Bridge Sustainable Development Analysis
Client: Red Deer County
2005

This project arose in response to development pressure in the area. The purpose of the sustainable development analysis was to identify areas where development was suitable and what form should it take. The Townscape Analysis methodology was employed which consists of understanding various ‘layers’ including environment, cultural heritage, existing land use and infrastructure.

Varsity Courts Family Housing
Client: Residence Services, University of Calgary
2005

This project required an integrated approach to understanding issues related to Varsity Courts as well as to a general campus major entry, and also to the interface with the City of Calgary public realm. It involved consideration of enclosure, safety and privacy, sound attenuation, entries (campus and Varsity Courts) and general site planning and landscape design related to the western edges of Varsity Courts.

Town of High River Open Space Plan
Client: Town of High River
Regional Merit Award – Canadian Society of Landscape Architects
2003

This project was commissioned by the Town of High River in response to a proposal put forward by the High River Green Space Committee, a volunteer group concerned with preserving and improving the quantity and quality of public open space in this town, located 30 minutes south of Calgary. This innovative Open Space Plan considers streets, parks and other public spaces as the infrastructure of the public realm, and builds on the relationship between the town and its river.

Cliff Bungalow - Mission Townscape and Process
Client: Cliff Bungalow-Mission Community Association
Funding: Calgary Foundation Neighbourhood Grants Program
National Merit Award and Regional Honour Award - Canadian Society of
Landscape Architects
2001

This community design project arose in response to the City’s interest in searching for an alternative to the Area Redevelopment Plan process currently utilized in planning established communities. This project illustrates a comprehensive methodology for documenting and analyzing the neighbourhood, and provides a set of tools for residents, planners, developers, architects and others involved in the community development process. It is not a fixed and final ‘plan’, but is a working document that will evolve with the community.

Calgary Cultural District - A Framework for the Future
Client: Calgary Cultural District Partnership
Regional Citation Award - Canadian Society of Landscape Architects
2000

This urban design project introduced district identification measures and structural changes to strengthen the image and function of the Cultural District as a distinct neighbourhood within which the best of Calgary’s public life and cultural expression can be found. The project proposed strategies and interventions at various scales from the downtown to the street. A particular challenge was to develop a common framework for the diverse interests of the client group, and the unanimous positive response to the document indicates its success.