Building a Great Public Space 8th & Columbia

By Jonathan Cote URB 610

There are a number of elements that contribute to making a particular location a great public space. Place making involves integrating the functions and uses of a location with the elements and features of the public spaces that connect them. The intersection of 8 th and Columbia in New Westminster is in the process of a significant transformation. The coming years will witness the constructions of a new civic center, office tower and retail complex. Although the critical mass of these functions is important it will be how these functions are connected by the public spaces that will determine how successful in terms of place making the area will become. The intersection of 8th and Columbia has a tremendous opportunity to become one of the most interesting and dynamic places in the region. As the site is developed over the coming years, attention should be given to the public spaces that will play an important role in the success of the site.

Historic Images of the Site

The Site Today

Hyack Square The renovations completed to Hyack Square in 2009 played a significant role in deterring some of the nuisance behaviour that was occurring on that site before the renovations. There is now a greater feeling of safety and comfort in the plaza which is now starting to attract more positive interactions. The renovations however, have fallen short of creating a vibrant and lively public space. The site is currently dominated with concrete which makes the space appear very gray and lifeless. There are a number of things that can be done to improve the space, most of which would not be prohibitively expensive or difficult to accomplish. 1. Add more trees to Hyack Square: The addition of trees to a plaza can make a public space more comfortable as it allows people to have the option to sit in the sun or the shade. Currently the Square feels very hard and cold; the addition of trees would soften the landscape and bring more natural elements into the space. 2. Add moveable tables and chairs to the site: Although there are a number of locations to sit at Hyack Square there would be some benefit to adding moveable tables and chairs. The work of William Whyte in New York has shown that people can be very selective on where they decide to sit. Providing people with moveable seat allows individuals choice and flexibility. A number of plazas in New York have successfully implemented such seating with minimal maintenance issues. This type of seating would also provide individuals more comfortable locations to eat a meal.

3. Use different paving materials to create a pathway through the site: One of the biggest complaints that has been received about the re-design of Hyack Square is the concrete surface. Building a pathway with different paving materials that picks up on the natural pedestrian pathways would add some texture and colour to the site. This pathway could also provide some fun to a very well used pedestrian corridor. 4. Find a way to tell the story of the site: Although the intersection of 8th and Columbia has played a significant role in the City, there is nothing currently at the site that explains the history of the intersection. Public Art or signage should be installed at the site that represents things like, Chinatown, Wait for me Daddy or the Interurban streetcar. 5. Enhance the water play feature: An important element of the redesign of Hyack Square was the inclusion of a water play structure. This was added to attract young families and provide a whimsical element to the square. Unfortunately the water element has not lived up to expectations and most people are unaware the feature even exists. Given that the infrastructure is already in place on the site it would beneficial to explore options to improve this feature. Successful examples of urban water play structures usually include a constant flow of water. This could also serve to improve the aesthetic quality of the site and mitigate some of the noise issues. 6. Add way finding element to the site: The intersection of 8th and Columbia is the gateway to New Westminsters downtown neighbourhood. There are a number of points of interest near the site which may be difficult to locate (particularly on the river) for someone not familiar with the area. During the site visits two individuals were witnessed asking for directions from the hot dog vendor. Many public spaces have

found unique and creative ways to integrate way finding in their public spaces. Columbia Street Columbia Street between Begbie and 8th Street has a tremendous opportunity to become much more than just a roadway. This block should become fully integrated as part of the public spaces on the site. The design of the new civic center is being developed to allow people to naturally flow out onto the street. Opportunities exist to create connections between the public spaces in the area. 1. Create an elevated roadway that seamlessly connects with the sidewalk: The development of an elevated roadway would greatly enhance the pedestrian character of the site. It would act as a traffic calming feature and communicate to motorists they are entering a more urban environment. It would also greatly enhance the public gatherings potentials for the site. If the streets were closed down functions could seamlessly connect between the public open spaces and the civic facility. 2. Use different paving materials along the block: The change in texture of the road surface would provide a visual signal for both motorists and pedestrians that this space is a pedestrian oriented area. It would complement the public open spaces and further improve the aesthetics of the streetscape.

Inspirations for the future