Blockscape is a parklet concept designed to increase community engagement with public spaces in Vancouver
the problem
Within Vancouver there is a disconnect between people and public spaces. Public spaces should be great locations to socialize, spend time and strengthen communities, however, in Vancouver this is not the case. The public spaces that do exist are often badly designed and hidden from view.
Robson Square's interesting design features are hidden from view and therefore unused by the public.
The square outside of the Vancouver Public Library is missing seating or any other feature that might engage people as they pass through.
The opportunity exists to create visible and well-designed spaces, motivating people to explore and create experiences within them.
Vancouver is perceived as a cold and unfriendly city. I found that the best way to get the public to engage with each other was to introduce an element of play.
Ideation & Exploration
A parklet repurposes parallel parking spots into spaces for pedestrians. They serve as extensions of the sidewalk and provide a solution to the need for increased open spaces in urban areas. Parklets provide amenities such as seating, bike parking, green spaces and art to the public. The goal of parklets is to replace cars with people.
Typical Block Design
Parklet Layout Design
Final Prototype construction
final design
Blockscape provides an engaging space for Vancouverites to sit, relax and socialize in high- traffic pedestrian corridors. Local Douglas Fir and acrylic are used to form modular blocks that illuminate at night. These blocks, arranged randomly, represent the Vancouver cityscape and promote various playful uses beyond seating. Blockscape plays on the idea of Vancouver being every city as it is often masked and disguised by the huge film industry as New York, Boston or any city except Vancouver. Blockscape embodies this identity ambiguity through abstraction.
