Pedestrianization Models
The focus of Downtown For the People’s vision should not be on punishing motor vehicles but on enhancing the quality of life of Vancouverites by opening up the Downtown area’s streets for better uses. We have outlined below some common ways the existing street network could be transformed in order to make Downtown Vancouver a healthier, safer and more vibrant place to visit and live.
Different forms accomplish different purposes and are best suited for different streets. No model is mutually exclusive, and a specific street's eventual design will likely be a mixture of several of these models. Having this model is, however, useful when getting people to imagine how what is currently tarmac could be better used.
The various proposed models are listed in order of increasing activity.
Urban Rainforest
Main focus: Relaxation
The Urban Rainforest serves as an escape from the bustle of the city, a place for citizens to relax and breathe. To serve their purpose, these places should have abundant vegetation, plenty of seating and possibly water features.
Activity Alley
Main focus: Physical Activity, Play
Activity Alleys provide additional spaces where both adults and kids can play. Possibilities include playgrounds, outdoor sports areas as well as outdoor gyms. These should be located in areas underserved by existing parks.
Dining Piazza
Main Focus: Eating, Socializing
Dining Piazzas are large areas where people can dine and socialize outdoors while taking in the surrounding city. Several restaurants and bars will share patio space in an expansive pedestrian space. These areas generally have moderate pedestrian traffic.
Entertainment Esplanade
Main Focus: Entertain, Stimulate
Entertainment Esplanades are located within entertainment districts or near theatre venues. The goal is to stimulate the senses of those who come by. These areas can have performance stages, busking areas and interactive furniture. Care should be taken that these areas have uses that keep the area active at all hours.
Shopping Promenade
Main Focus: Shopping, Strolling
As the name would suggest, the main purpose of the Shopping Promenade is shopping. It is usually already a street with a high level of pedestrian traffic where the most popular chain stores congregate. Pedestrianizing these streets and creating a Shopping Promenade allows shoppers to have a more pleasant experience as they make their purchases.
Street Market
Main Focus: Shopping
Like the Shopping Promenade, the main focus of the Street Market is shopping. However, the street market has booths and small vendors in the street, giving it much more the feel of an outdoor mall, usually with denser pedestrian traffic.