Public spaces are in their very nature democratic, so the process by which we design them must be equally egalitarian. Through fun, participatory consultation methods, we ask the right questions of the right people. More importantly, we listen attentively to the communities we serve, then meaningfully integrate the heard voices into the spaces we create.
With Sun Hop Park, we created the signature bendy straw trellis as a nod to the former Palm Dairy Milk Bar which occupied the site until 1989. The eye-catching red structure reveals a story unearthed through our iterative process. We’re exhaustive in our efforts to create something distinctive and delightful for every project and at all scales: from master plans to pocket parks, civic spaces to private residences, streetscapes to green roofs. Our approach always instills a high level of agility, integrity, and whimsy.
View case studyThe redevelopment of the šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square (formerly the Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza) was an opportunity to create the premier public gathering space for a bustling downtown core. Adored by visitors and residents alike, šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square has transformed into a rich social hub perfect for meeting, gathering, demonstrating, or simply people watching. It is our responsibility as designers of urban spaces to ensure the resulting concepts are intentional, flexible, and allow for the diverse nature of social interaction to unfold.
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