Blue Space | Ideathon Challenge 2022

IdeathonChallenge

FalseCreek SouthProposal

Projectteam: EMILYHANSEN,MATISBESSETTE, KERIMPASAY,KYLEMCCARTHY

1.0Introduction

This document will cover a solution for False Creek South (FCS) in light of the current tension between increasing the housing capacity and ensuring the sustainability of publicly owned lands on the site. Our challenge is to create a highly livable dense urban space that focuses on connecting the public to the water's edge. In addition, this solution needs to supplement the existing natural features and spaces, and create ways to access and engage with the water.

2.0SiteAnalysis

2.1Thearea

The site is 55 acres and goes from Cambie bridge to Burrard Bridge. Key locations in FCS include Charleson park, Sutcliffe Park, the Spruce Harbour Marina, Heather Civic Marina, the Burrard Civic Marina, the Stamp’s Landing Ferry Dock, the Spyglass Ferry Dock, and Fisherman’s Wharf, and the FC Community center (“False creek south community profile”, 2017). There is also an elementary school in the area with a soccer field. Species such as Mussels, Seals, Herrings, and Cormorants inhabit the water of FCS (Stirling, 2022). In terms of transit access, the site contains the Olympic village station of the Canada line and has an FC ferry stop at Stamps Landing (“False Creek Ferries”, 2022). The site also contains protected bike lanes and pedestrian paths, especially along the seawall (“Cycling in Metro Vancouver”, 2017).

We have identified the delimited 8335 sqm (89719sqf) area as a potential location to build a game-changing public space (Microsoft, 2022,). This inlet is currently not utilized and is out of the way of FC boat traffic. It sits in proximity to residential units, the seawall, and the marinas (“False creek south destination walk”, 2022).

2.2Thepeople

The city of Vancouver owns 80% of the site with the rest being owned by the Squamish first nation and private actors owning the remaining areas. Of the 3203 units in FCS, 1849 are on city land and 1353 are privately owned (“False Creek South Planning”, 2018). The leases for properties on public land are set to expire in 2036-2046 at the earliest should no extension be agreed upon (Chan 2022). Statistics show the overall area, including properties not owned by the city, is home to about 5,600 residents, with 17% of the population identifying as a visible minority compared to 52% citywide. Residents also have an older median age and a higher median household income than the rest of the city: 38% of the population of FCS is between the ages of 0-44 compared to 56% in Metro Vancouver (“False creek south community profile”, 2017).

2.3Watersedge

Decades of industrial activities and the discharge of toxic heavy metals such as cadmium, mercury, and lead resulted in the contamination of the sediment. Building foundations on the seafloor is therefore out of the question. FCS is also connected by storm-sewer and sanitary-sewer systems which is problematic since, during heavy rains, raw sewage might be directly discharged into the creek (True-or-false-creek-STATION03, 2022). For this reason, swimming in the creek is not recommended. Activities on the water including Kayaking, dragon boating, and fishing are available to the public. There are several coffee stands and restaurants scattered across the water’s edge. Despite the presence of memorial benches along the water’s edge, we noticed a lack of seating and picnic tables at Charleson park.

3.0Considerations

3.1 Trends

3.1.1MacroForces

In FCS, the anticipated expiring of leases has created an environment of anticipated change, with openness for new ideas. The climate crisis is intensifying, leading to environmentalist emphasis in policy and policies to address the consequences such as rising sea levels. As Vancouver grows, density is increasing in many ways in many areas. This places more pressure on areas that are not matching this rate increase, which can both allow greater use and increase the degradation of existing areas. Finally, waterfront regenerationhasreceivedattentioninmanycitiesworldwide,withanincreaseddesirefor residentstoconnectwiththewater'sedgeinnewways.

3.1.2NewTrends

Lonelinessisincreasingglobally,withmanypeoplesocializingwithfewerpeoplelessoften, exasperated by the COVID-19 Pandemic and increasing online dependency (Ernst et al 2022.). This trend is even worse for neurodivergent and elderly individuals (Breaux et al., 2021&Heidingeretal.,2020)Inmanycitiesworldwide,theutilizationofspaceonthewater is increasing. Explaining this phenomenon, "strain and pressure on the global city infrastructure can be efficiently relieved by allowing this infrastructure to step “onto” the waterandthusbreakthiseverexistingbarrier"(Ronzatti&Lovric,2019).

3.2Opportunities

3.2.1ComprehensiveShifts

The development of previously unused space is a comprehensive shift towards the completedevelopmentofanarea,assigningaclearpurposetoallplots.Byfullyadopting a mentality of using plots on the water as well as land, vast amounts of space are now revealed for potential use. As well, creating new points of access and transportation can radicallyaddtohowpeoplemovetoandwithinthearea.

3.2.2IncrementalChanges

The promotion of new and better practices allows these to be utilized and perfected elsewhere. The recognition that the ideas are not inherently complete demands further growth, input, and change. Allowing large amounts of resident input assists flexibility in future use, letting the space transform to suit peoples' needs with time. This also means uses of the area need not be permanent, and will only last as long as the residents enjoy them.

4.0ProblemStatement

FCS is lacking a central usable space connected to the water. There is also a lack of seating areas in certain parts of the site. Additionally, with the completion of the Senakw development and assumed future density increases following the expiration of leases in FCS, demand for public space in the area will increase considerably. The inlet area previously mentioned is not utilized despite its strategic location near Charleson park and in the middle of FCS. Our problem statement thus became to create a more sustainable, usablespaceconnectedtothewaterinFalseCreek,inlightofincreasingon-landdensity, withenhancedinclusiveaccessforresidents,Vancouverites,andtouristsalike.

5.0VisionandObjectives

5.1 Vision

OurvisionforFalseCreekSouthisto createaninclusiveandsustainable communityspaceonthewaterthat promotesconnection.Toachievethis vision,wehavesetoutfourmain objectivesforoursolution.

5.2Objectives

Complimenttheon-landhousingdensityincreasethrough additionalusablepublicspace

As population density increases over the next few decades due to new developments within the surrounding community, new public space can help relieve stress on the existing environment. By implementing space for recreation, socialization and leisure, this new design can complement the density increase andimprovetheconnectivityofFCS.

Promoteaccessibilitythroughadiverserangeof transportationmodesforallresidentsinFCSandacross Vancouver

To ensure that the community space that is being implemented is accessible for allinthesurroundingareaandacrossVancouver,modesoftransportationareput attheforefrontofthedesign.Walkingandcyclingpathsmakeupthemajorityof transportation across the seawall. Carrying these options through multiple entrances and exit points as well as exploring new transportation options to enhancetheaccessibilityofthedevelopmentwillbeexplored.

Ensureinteractivitywithvariouslocalactivities,small businesses,andotherformsofcommunityengagement

Thisprojectsetsouttocreateaninteractivespacebuilttoreflectthecommunity. To support the locality in the area, an emphasis on collaboration with the communitycanpresentanopportunitytocreateaspacethatreflectstheculture ofthesite.Thesocialandinteractiveneedsofthecurrentandfutureresidencesof thisneighbourhoodcanbemetwithconfidencethroughpartnershipinthedesign process.AsthereisastrongconnectionamongthecommunityofFCS,itisvitalto carrytheirvoicethroughouttheproject.

Preserveecosystemfunctionandservicesbyimplementing eco-responsibleprinciples

With the current trajectory of climate change, the preservation and improvement of local ecosystems are vital to incorporate into the planning and purpose of the proposed design. An emphasis on developing a project that provides an opportunitytoimproveandcomplementtheexistingecosystemofFCSisagoalof theproject.byfollowingbestpracticeprinciplesforsustainableinfrastructure,this designcanhavetheopportunitytoprovidebenefitstotheexistingenvironment.

6.0PlanningResearch

6.1 Benefits of a public meeting space

Public meeting spaces bring many things to a neighbourhood, both from within and as a form of promotion to outside, but there are two specific areas we wish to focus on.

6.1.1Individual

A public meeting space promotes healthy behaviours and lifestyles, leading to higher well-being. Young people have a space to meet, while parents can bring theirchildrentoplay,interactwiththewater,andtalkwithotherparents.Forthe elderly, social connection and mobility is a key factor for their satisfaction; a communitymeetingareanearresidentialareasallowssuchresidentstointeract with friends and to meet new ones, thus increasing their personal well-being (Yungetal.,2017).

6.1.2Social

A space for socialization enables community ties to grow and strengthen, potentially leading to greater levels of social cohesion and community awareness. This can help ensure members of the community who are struggling receive adequate social support. As well, community initiatives and projects can be more easily started and run with a reliable community centre. Issues in the community also have a space to be promoted, bettering the chances they are addressed.

6.2 Floating Structures

6.2.1Materials

Previously, floating structures have primarily been built with concrete. However, new research has provided alternative materials that are cheaper and more sustainable (Penning-Roswell, 2019). Notable and durable examples include wood, composites, plastics,treatedbamboo,andglass(Ronzatti&Lovric,2019).Oneformofuseisathinlayer ofconcretesurroundingfloatingfoam(Penning-Roswell,2019).

6.2.2Viability

Floating structures are best suited for coastal zone areas not exposed to the full force of thesea:thisdescriptionsuitsFCS(Penning-Roswell,2019).Aswell,atleast1.5mofwateris necessaryforthestructuretoriseandfall.

6.2.3Sustainability

Withthestructurelocatedontopofthewater,therewouldnotbeextensivedisturbanceto the environment below. One study indicates these structures lower the oxygen level just below them, but the levels even out afterward (Foka, 2014). One solution was utilized by the plastic park in Rotterdam, addressing it by creating space for plant life to live on the bottomofthestructures.

6.3InspirationalProjects

6.3.1'PlasticPark'

A 'plastic park' in Rotterdam built with recycled plastic functions as a refuge for people, fish, and birdswithhighlysustainableaims.WhileFalseCreek is not so polluted to make the plastic-gathering function of these structures practical, the methods for sustainability and habitat development are applicableanduseful(Hickman,2018)

6.3.2'Parkipelago'

The first of a 'parkipelago' in Copenhagen, Denmark. Planned additions include a sauna island, a garden, a cabin, and a fish market. This projects aims are noteworthy, in the creation of a new public space, while the design is one we hope to draw elements from with its simplicity and function ("Discover Parkipelagos",n.d).

6.3.3'RosaBonheur'

Aspartofoneofmanyfloatingprojectsinparis,theRosaBonheurisaFloatingcommunity center. One of the limitations of these projects is their construction and transportation to their final site, which we hope to alleviate thorough a more open, less resource intensive design(Ronzatti&Lovric,2019).

7.0Solution

BlueSpace

Blue Space is a public gathering space that floats on the water, and complements the surroundings by promoting environmental development. An innovative and easily accessible public space on the water to reduce land pressure and encourage community connectivityinanenvironmentallypositiveway.Herearewaysthespacecanbeimagined

7.1Improvecommunity connectednessandwelfare

7.1.1Moregatheringspace

Benches and picnic tables will be placed throughout the space, to address the lack of places to stop along the seawall and increase the opportunities for local residentstogatherandconnect.

7.1.2Kayaklaunch

Akayaklaunchwillbeinstalledwhichwill connectthecommunitytothewaterand increasethewelfareofresidents.Alocker to store kayaks will also be added for residents to make it easier to undertake theseactivities.

7.1.3Opportunitiesforlocal businesses

Businesses such as cafe’s are cornerstones for local gathering, increasing socialisation within the community. This is replicated through mobile carts and stalls. It would also alleviate demand for commercial space ashoreandboostthelocaleconomy.

7.1.4InputandFlexibility

Opportunitiesforresidentstoengageandchangethespaceafterconstructionis completecanbeensured,allowingthespaceto developalongsidethecommunity.

7.2Environmental sustainability

7.2.1Nonegativeimpacton localmarineecosystems

As the park is floating, the seabed is not disrupted unlike water infrastructure usingpilings,anda2018falsecreekstudy of Sea Village found that the floating homeshadnoimpactontheseabedand marinelife.

7.2.3Netzeroconstruction

By using locally sourced materials such as concrete from granville island, bc lumber,aswellasrecycledseaplasticfor the artificial turf, the soace is environmentally sound and does not contributeexcess.

7.2.2Habitatregeneration

Thefloatingstructureprovidessubstrate for marine life to develop on as well as protection from wave energy. Eelgrass planted on the seabed and herring nets will increase marine populations. The undersides of the structure can be engineered to be hospitable for plant growth and fish reproduction. This ensures the beauty of false creek is preserved for residents to enjoy for a longtime.

7.2.4Long-termsustainability

The space will be adaptable to climate change and future sea-level rise as the floating nature of the platform allows it to fall and rise with the water. This ensures a long term space for residents to come together even with potential floodsinthefuture.

7.3Accessibilityand Density

7.3.1Aquabusconnection

Anaquabusconnectionincreasesaccessibility fromdowntownVancouverandtherestoffalse creek,whilstreducingcurrentpressuresonlocal transportation,whichwouldonlyescalatewith futurehousingdensityincreases.

7.3.2Reducedlandpressure

Bybuildingadditionalspaceonthewater,the futureincreaseindensityandmovementof peoplealongFCSisaddressed,withouttaking awayfromscarcelandashorewhichcanbe developedintoaffordablehousing.

7.3.3Lowconstructioncost

Throughtheuseofcheapmaterials,asdetailed prior,andthelackofbuildingsonthespace,cost isminimized.Withsimilarprojectssuchasin Busancostingroughly$10,000persquaremetre, thespacewouldcost~$3Million.Thisalsomakes iteasilyreplicableandscalableinotherregions too(Bendix,2022).

8.0Conclusion

Our vision was to create an inclusive and sustainable community space on the water that promotes connection. The project addresses future pressures on land use by utilizing space on the water to allow for more building opportunities ashore. Through an Aquabus connection and multiple ways onto the park, Blue Space is accessible to all people and promotes interaction between all residents of FCS and the surrounding community. This is accomplished by implementing mixed uses including local businesses, a kayak launch andnumerousbenchesandtables.Ontopofthat,thelocalecosystem will benefit through increased marine life diversity and populations. This ensures that the space will complement the natural setting of false creek whilst residents will be able to enjoy and engage with the waterforalongtimetocome.

8.0References

Breaux, R. et al. (2021). Prospective impact of Covid‐19 on mental health functioning in adolescents with and without ADHD: Protective role of emotion regulation abilities. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 62(9), 1132–1139. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13382

Chan, K. (2022, August 20). Urbanized. City of Vancouver offers to renew 669 strata leasehold homes in False Creek South. Retrieved from https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/false-creek-south-strata-leasehold-renewal-offer

Cycling in Metro Vancouver. TransLink. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.translink.ca/rider-guide/bike-and-ride-on-transit/cycling-in-metrovancouver

Dock locations. False Creek Ferries. (2022, May 2). Retrieved from https://granvilleislandferries.bc.ca/dock-locations/

Ernst, M. et al.. (2022). Loneliness before and during the covid-19 pandemic: A systematic review with meta-analysis. American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/wjx5v

False creek south community profile PDF file. Docslib. (2017). Retrieved from https://docslib.org/doc/1641847/false-creek-south-community-profile-pdf-file

False creek south provisional vision statement and guiding planning ... (n.d.). Retrieved from https://gw.vancouver.ca/files/cov/false-creek-south-provisional-vision-statementand-guiding-planning-principles.pdf

Foka, E. (2014). Water quality impact of floating houses: A study of the effect on dissolved oxygen levels, Delft University of Technology.

Heidinger, T., & Richter, L. (2020). The effect of covid-19 on loneliness in the elderly. an empirical comparison of pre-and peri-pandemic loneliness in community-dwelling elderly. Frontiers in Psychology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.585308

Hickman, M. (2018, September 7). Floating park built from recycled plastic waste debuts in the Netherlands. Treehugger. Retrieved November 30, 2022, from https://www.treehugger.com/floating-park-built-recycled-plastic-waste-debutsnetherlands-4868507

How much does a floating platform cost? Hiseadock. (2020, October 25). Retrieved from https://www.hiseadock.com/how-much-does-a-floating-platform-cost/

Microsoft. (n.d.). Bing. Retrieved from https://www.bing.com/maps/ Penning-Rowsell, E. (2019) Floating architecture in the landscape: climate change adaptation ideas, opportunities and challenges, Landscape Research, 45:4, 395-411.

Ronzatti, R. & Lovric, P. (2019) Floating Infrastructure Large Scale Public Spaces on Water. In Wang C, Lim, S., Tay, Z. (eds) WCFS2019. Lecture Note in Civil Engineering, vol 41. Springer, Singapore.

SPRINGER. (2020). WCFS2019: Proceedings of the World Conference on Floating Solutions.

Stirling, M. (2022, April 1). The wild residents of False Creek. Fraser Riverkeeper. Retrieved from https://www.fraserriverkeeper.ca/the_wild_residents_of_false_creek#:~:text=Next%20time %20you%E2%80%99re%20out%20walking%20along%20the%20Seawall,favourite%2C%2 0is%20the%20harbour%20seal.%20A%20harbour%20seal.

Supertravelr. (2022, May 31). Discover Parkipelagos: Denmark's Floating Public Spaces. Retrieved from https://supertravelr.com/en/trip/denmark/discover-parkipelagosdenmarks-floating-public-spaces-A3A39CE0CC/

Vancouver, C. of. (n.d.). False creek south destination walk. False Creek South | City of Vancouver. Retrieved from https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/false-creeksouth.aspx

Yung, E. Ho, W., & Chan, E. (2017). Elderly satisfaction with planning and design of public parks in high density old districts: An ordered logit model. Landscape and Urban Planning, vol 165.