false creekGrace Chang

James FreemanMika Futz

Marlena GinocchioArianna Mao

Vince Xi

false creektable of contents 1

table of contentsREGIONAL CONTEXT MAP

NEIGHBOURHOOD MAPS

SITE PLANS & SECTIONS

History & DemographicsProgram & ActivityAccess & CirculationNatural FactorsPotential DevelopmentsPlace Hierarchy

Alder BayCharleson ParkLeg-In-Boot SquareOlympic VillageScience WorldPlaza of Nations

2

3

17

468

101214

182024262830

false creek regional context map2

Stanley Park

Downtown

Kitsilano

Olympic VillageGranville Island

Science World

Coal Harbour

Charleson Park

1:20000 SCALE

regional context map

false creekfalse creek 3 false creekMap of Seawall 3

Granvil

le Stre

et

Burrard Street

Cam

bie

Stre

et

6th Avenue

2nd Avenue

2nd Avenue

Queb

ec S

treet

Pacific Street

Pacific BoulevardPacific

Boulevard

Charleson Park

BC Place

Plaza of Nations

Science World

Leg-in-BootSquare

Granville Island

Alder Bay

SutcliffePark

Edgewater Casino

Habitat Island

OlympicVillage

Studied Seawall

Seawall

Secondary Roads

Park

Water

Building

Road

Development

1:10 000 SCALEseawall location

false creek 4 neighbourhood scale

2006 - PresentSoutheast False Creek construction takes place. Partly completed in time for the Olympics, Southeast False Creek was designed with the environment in mind.

1973 - 80sSouth False Creek is redeveloped. This part of the city was especially designed with a planning department and the residents of the community.

1984 - 86Science World and the Plaza of Nation’s is built for Expo ‘86. Both are two of a number of buildings left undemolished after the Expo.

1917Vancouver’s seawall begins construction. Different parts of the seawall is constructed and finished at varying

2009South False Creek Seawall reopens. Changes to the seawall from Science World to the Olympic Village is revealed to the public.

1979Charleson Park is built. It features a pond, waterfall, sports field and playground. The park is also a popular off-leash park.

1:10 000 SCALEhistory & demographics

false creek5neighbourhood scale

100m 200m0

Seawall

Park

Water

Building

Road

Development

Secondary Paths

South False Creek

Southeast False Creek

North False Creek

13.6% 69.8% 16.6%

65+ 20-64 0-19

Age of populationof City of Vancouver:

Legend

Families

All Ages

Seniors

Adults

Children

Activities for:

Age of Population in the City of Vancouver

65+: 13.6% 20-64: 69.8% 0-19: 16.6%

Activities for:

All Ages

Families

Seniors

Adults

Children

false creek 6 neighbourhood scale

Cycling PathwayA steady flow of cyclists and pedestrians files along the North side of False Creek. The Southward orientation of this portion of the sea wall makes it a very popular area on a crisp January afternoon.

Athlete’s PlazaA family cycles by while creative children play a game on the parking bollards. This is a common scene in the plaza at Olympic Village. Like Granville Island, this area is near a community centre and many commercial establishments.

Science WorldPeople crowd around the Tower of Baubel in front of Science World. This contraption is always crowded with tourists and citizens alike.

PlaygroundChildren happily enjoy the colourful playscape on Granville Island. This area quite busy due to its proximity to False Creek Community Centre as well as the commercial attractions on Granville Island.

Cambie BridgeTwo teenagers skateboard in the basketball court below the Cambie st Bridge. This is a good example of a space that has been adopted for a use it was not inteded for. Although it was clear at this particular time, the dry location of the court no doubt makes it attractive to skaters.

Olympic VillageA frenzy of activity errupts infront of Creekside Community and Recreation Centre. This centre is hugely popular and fills this part of the Seawall with participants and people watchers.

1:10 0000 SCALEprogram & activity

1 2 3 4 5 6

false creek7neighbourhood scale

1

2

3

4

5

6

6

Walking

Running

Roller Skating

Skateboarding

Cycling

Dog Walking

Off Leash Area

Sight seeing

Boating

Commercial

Community Garden

Picnic

Playing

School

Community Center

Activity Density

Multiuse Area

false creek 8 neighbourhood scale

Ineffective TrailsDifferent sections of the seawall cater predominantly to either cyclists or pedestrians. The width of the trail inherently affects the favoured mode of transportation.

SkytrainOur section of the seawall is in close proximity to both major skytrain lines. The Canada Line’s Olympic Village station is on the south side and the Main St-Science World station which is, serviced by the Expo and Millennium Lines is on the east side.

ParkingThe size and number of the parking lots surrounding the seawall were important contributors to the ease of access of a site and proved to be an important indicator of degree of use.

City ConnectionsThe neighborhood scale analyzed the connections between the seawall and the surrounding city. Transit stations, access points and main roads were highlighted.

Path hierarchyThe physical separation of the paths using bollards or planters allows for ease of use for both cyclists and pedestrians.

FerriesThe studied section also borders four out of the eight False Creek Ferry stops. This provides not only access to the water, but opportunities for leisure and enjoyment.

1:10 0000 SCALEaccess & circulation

1 2 3 4 5 6

false creek9neighbourhood scale

Access Points

Skytrain

Granville Ferry

Caters to Cyclists

Caters to Pedestrians

Main Access Roads

Queb

ec S

treet

Canada Line

Expo/Millenium Line

Charleson Street

Mob

erly

Road

1st Avenue

Access Points

Skytrain

False Creek Ferries

Caters to cyclists

Caters to pedestrians

Main access roads

Parking spaces

false creek 10 neighbourhood scale

1:10 000 SCALEnatural factors

Village Community GardenThe community garden at the Olympic Village offers tremendous opportunities for growing food and self-sustainability. It also increases the accessibility to garden space for people who live in the surrounding high-rises.

Residential Parkspace This residential parkspace is found between the buildings. It is open and accessible to the public, but the public does not linger in, or even enter into, the space. Despite the wide open lawn and the presence of many available seats and the lovely fountain, there is nary a soul in the space. When contrasted with the municipal park spaces, they are visually similar, but much less used.

Hinge ParkPart of the restoration habitat along with Habitat Island, the area in and around Hinge Park acts as an effective stormwater drain as well as a natural habitat for many ducks. It also offers excellent educational opportunities for learning about the natural environment, restoration and exploration.

Sutcliffe ParkA pruned, lone tree in the middle of a manicured, open lawn is the vision that unfold on the banks of Alder Bay. This is one example of the many municipal park spaces that dot the trail along the seawall.

Coopers’ ParkCoopers’ Park is an open, off-leash dog park where dogs can romp. This space provides a place for dog owners to rendezvous and spend quality time with their pets.

Habitat IslandThe island is a space containing many riparian and wetland vegetation aims to repair and restore habitat for many species. The success of the Habitat Island can be recognized by the return of the herring to spawn in 2008 and return of the herons and other waterfowl. Habitat Island also creates interesting site conditions with natural wetland vegetation as opposed to manmade lawn grass.

1 2 3 4 5 6

false creek11neighbourhood scale

1

2

3

4

5

6

6

Municipal Park - Open LawnSeawall - Our Section

Municipal Park - Covered AreasSeawall

Residential/Commercial ParkCovered River

Pre-1906 Shoreline

1906 Shoreline

1937 Shoreline

Current Shoreline

false creek 12 neighbourhood scale

The One – West First AvenueThis is one example of the rapidly developing Southeast False Creek area of mostly medium to high density residential buildings.

Plaza of Nations ProposalThe project proposes up to 2,000 apartments, 350,000 sq ftv of commercial space including a hotel and retail. It also includes a new practice arena for the Canucks which would be a public skating rink the rest of the time.

Aquilina DevelopmentsOffice use is still intended for the lower floors of this tower, and one of the new ones. The upper part and the third tower will be residential. All the 614 units will be rental.

Ken Spencer Science ParkAn outdoor educational park that offers programs for school and public visitors. It is adjacent to the TDCanadaTrust Environment Trail for bikers and pedestrians, with displays and features about False Creek’s sustainability history.

Various Highrise Residential DevelopmentsOne Pacific 68 Smithe Street (left) and 47 Nelson Street (right) are two developments within the scope of our site that will further the population density of the Northeast False Creek area.

1:10 000 SCALEpotential

1 2 3 4 5

false creek13neighbourhood scale

2

1

4

3

5

FONTS:Title: Franklin Gothic Book, 20ptLegend: Franklin Gothic Book, 7pt

LINE WEIGHTS:Seawall: 2.5ptside paths: 1ptRoads & Street: 0.5pt

Areas of Potential/Underdevelopment

In Development

Future Developments

City of Vancouver Properties

Concord Pacific Lands

BC Pavilion Corporation Lands

Canadian Metropolitan Properties

Aquilini Developments

false creek 14 neighbourhood scale

1:10 0000 SCALEplace hierarchy

RestaurantPeople are drawn to bustling and energetic locations. Despite how great a public space is, if there simply isn’t access or energy, people will tend to pass by.

City MaintenanceUpkeep and maintenance is critical to the success of any public place. That is not to say pristine sites are required, there is a difference between disrepair and patina.

Habitat IslandGreen, especially, expansive lawns are rare in an urban setting. Parks encourage a connection to the environment and provide opportunities for habitat restoration.

Iconic LandmarksIconic landmarks act as wayfinders and are a means of spatially orienting oneself in a site. A memorable landmark enables immediate recognition of a given place and has the potential to become emblematic of a specific area or, on a large scale, a region, culture or ideology.

SeatingSeating, though simple, allows people to define and carve out niches of private space within the landscape. Seating, in addition to physical relief, provides opportunities for both solitude and gathering. Orientation of seating can encourage sociability, frame a view, or in the case of Olympic Village act as a path divider, stairway, playground and historical allusion.

ViewsInterest in ones surroundings is stimulated through strong aesthetics, proper framing, and establishment of secondary goals to build anticipation. However, the waterfront isn’t necessary to provide a great view. People love viewing one another as they do a sunset.

1 2 3 4 5 6

false creek15neighbourhood scale

Access

Retail

Food + Beverage

Public Art /Performance Areas

Iconic Landsmarks

Rest Areas

View

Area Upkeep

“Nature”

Energy

Sunlight

An Analysis of Factors Determining Place Hierarchy

Increased Number

Increased Magnitude

1

2

34

56

6

false creek17site scale

Granvil

le Stre

et

Burrard Street

Cam

bie

Stre

et

6th Avenue

2nd Avenue

2nd Avenue

Queb

ec S

treet

Pacific Street

Pacific BoulevardPacific

Boulevard

Charleson Park

BC Place

Plaza of Nations

Science World

Leg-in-BootSquare

Granville Island

Alder Bay

SutcliffePark

Edgewater Casino

Habitat Island

OlympicVillage

Studied Sites

Seawall

Secondary Roads

Park

Water

Building

Road

Development

1:10 000 SCALESite Locations

false creek 18 site scale

Seawall Park

Water

Building

Road

Legend

Development

Secondary Paths2

1

43

5

6

1:1000 SCALE PLAN

false creek19site scale

Programs and AcitivitiesThere is a variety of activities available to do at False Creek. The community center provides a space for gatherings, sports and recreation. There is also public space for art display.

Access to WaterfrontThe dock in Alder Bay allows for various ways to access the waterfront. The dock provides a place for canoers, kayakers and dragonboaters to launch themselves into the ocean blue.

Neighbourhood cul-de-sacsThe neighbourhood around Alder Bay is comprised of low-rise residential buildings arranged in a cul-de-sac. Certain buildings are inward facing, creating an inner courtyard for its residents and a small pocket of community.

HistoryThe history of Granville Island is rich and diverse. The Island maintains this heritage by keeping the structure of industrial buildings and celebrating its past.

EnvironmentThe environment around Alder Bay is very manicured. The lawns are very well kept and the gardens are pruned and trimmed. There are many wide open lawns for children to play in.

The Seats that Could BeThis seating area never has people in it. No one ever sits there, despite the proliferation of seating and a terrific view. There is much potential for this space to be transformed and become a much beloved area in the region.

alder bay1:250 SCALE SECTION

1 2 3 4 5 6

false creek 20 site scale

1

4

5

2

3

4

5

Grass Bowl

Pond

Waterfall

Sportsfield

Playground

Seawall Access

Laurel Street Access

Residential Access

1

False Creek

False CreekElementary

School

6th Avenue and Laurel Streetcharleson park

false creek21site scale

2

3

0 20m 40m

Residential

Seawall

Grass

Concrete Covering

Trees

Water

Secondary Paths

Road

Building

Stormwater Drain

Access Points

Scale 1:1000

sect

ion

cut

false creek 22 site scale

Laurel Street AccessDue to the buffer created between 6th Avenue and Charleson Park, an overhead bridge creates access to the park from Laurel Street. This connects the park and the seawall to the rest of the city.

Residential AccessThe residential buildings on the east side of Charleson Park also have direct access to the park. The neighbourhood follows a dendritic street system that creates very private nodes.

Seawall AccessCharleson Park is directly adjacent to the seawall and access is available throughout the whole stretch of the park. The park creates a space of pause and activity away from the seawall.

charleson park

false creek23site scale

2 3 4 51

Scale 1:2500 25m 50m

PondThis artificial pond has become a natural habitat for all sorts of birds. The pond does not drain into False Creek on the surface. There is potential for creation of a more natural stormwater drainage system here.

Grass BowlThis large area of Charleson Park is designated as an off-leash area. The flat open field accomodates all sorts of activity.

PlaygroundFalse Creek Elementary School uses Charleson Park as its own playground. This area is geared towards the younger population.

WaterfallLike the pond, the waterfall is artificially constructed. The water flows from an underground river and surfaces near the Laurel Street access and flows down the steep terrain in the form of a waterfall and eventually flows into the pond.

SportsfieldThis area allows for all sorts of activities. Dogs are prohibited in this area.

false creek 24 site scale

The Context:

Leg-in-Boot Square is adjacent to the biking paths at water’s edge. It is situated at the corner of the boundary.

The square is formed between clusters of medium density residential complexes and small businesses on three sides.

It can be accessed on the open side by the seawall path from the north. A passageway from the South also connects to the square.

false creek25site scale

section cut

1:250

leg-in-boot squareThe red bricks embedded in the cobblestone floor give it a centralized feel. The line from the fountain to the water’s edge marks a sightline past the highrises of downtown to the Lions Mountain. The emanating rays from the center mark the orientation of Vancouver’s street grid.

olympic village

Habitat Island has successfully created herring spawning sites in the environmentally degraded bay. This area also provides educational opportunities and the furthering of environmental studies.

One of the few sites along the path which are sympathetic to multiple user groups. They pathway is large enough for cyclists and pedestrians alike with ambiguous seating and planters which serve as dividers and play equipment.

The Salt Building, one of several heritage buildings in the area, is placed prominently within the site as a reminder of Olympic Village’s industrial origins. The use of reclaimed and recycled material throughout the Village is mirrored in the rustic architecture.

Olympic Village provides engagement with the waterfront on a number of levels. In addition to private viewpoints, granite blocks descend into the bay, a bridge suspends viewers over a private inlet and roughly hewn stepping stones take visitors to Habitat Island

Nearby bus routes, a rapid transit stop and the false creek ferry make for an easily accessible site.

Hinge park references the area’s industrial past through material use while encouraging nature play, self-driven exploration of the environment.

false creek27site scale

Separation of PathsThis section of the seawall is most effective at separating the cycling and pedestrian paths. By using differences in elevation to separate the two, people using either mode of transportation can enjoy the space comfortably.

false creek 28 site scale

!

Expo/Millenium Line

False Creek Ferries

Sight Seeing

Cycling

Pedestrian

Parkspace

Attracton

Proximity to TransitThe Science World site is well connected to local and rapid transit; this connection is integral to the site’s success.

Expo ‘86 & Science WorldThe Telus World of Science is one of Vancouver’s main attractions. It originally was built as Expo Centre, the main entrance for Expo ’86 and has since become one of the city’s iconic buildings. It is the most popular destination on the scope of our site.

ParkspaceWith large expanses of green lawn, the parkspace bordering Science World provides a place for play, enjoyment and relaxation.

Waterfront ViewsThis site contains the only part of the False Creek seawall that overhangs the water. While this renders the water inaccessible it provides the opportunity for spectacular views.

Access to WaterWithin 100 meters of the site is a False Creek Ferry stop and docks for canoe-users. These compensate for the lack of water access surrounding Science world.

science world

1 2 3 4 5 6

!

!

85m

1

2

34

5

6

6

Main Street - Science World Station

false creek29site scale

False Creek FerriesSeawall Plaza

PLAZA OF NATIONS SECTION: 1:250 SCALE

The Amphitheatre sits empty on a chilly Saturday afternoon. This emptyness is characteristic of this site. Only when special events are scheduled does this site transform.

The foo dogs at the entrance of the Edgewater Casino greet the establishment’s patrons. This Casino has a large influence on the character of the site and is responsible for most of the traffic here.

A group of people arrive on one of the False Creek Ferries that frequently arrive and depart from the dock at Plaza of Nations. These little boats move people to a number of locations along False Creek such as Granville Island and Olympic Village.

The sound of the water funelling through the cracks in this tidal fountain accentuates the view of False Creek and Habitat Island beyond. This small viewing space is framed by the trees on one side, the casino on the other and the flag poles behind.

People paddle past the Plaza of Nations and admire the city skyline beyond. The small patch of trees stands out juxtaposed against the forest of concrete surrounding it. These trees create a wonderfly quiet and peaceful space that is unitque in this part of the city.

The many flag poles at Plaza of Nations stand naked, creating a fascinating field condition. Framed between the rows is one of the most recent residential developments in Vancouver. This is the beginning of a lot of development planned and will eventually completely chage the Plaza of Nations.

plaza of nations

false creek 30 site scale

N

Scale - 1:500

Edgewater Casino

Plaza of Nations Marina

BLVD 22 NightclubGossip Nightclub

False Creek Ferries

The Plaza of Nations is a rem-nant from Expo ‘86. The remaining buildings are now occupied by two night clubs and a casino. These busi-nesses give this area a distinctly di�er-ent feel from the rest of the Seawall. Daytime activities are primarily limited to cyclists commuting along the Sea-wall and a few degenerate gamblers smoking in front of the casino. The site is much busier durring evening hours, especially on the weekends when the night clubs draw large crowds. Despite being in a state of subtle disrepair, the amphitheatre centred in the plaza is still utilized for special events. Durring such times, this site is transformed into a frenzy of activity remeniscent of the expo. Although this site has many personalities it is primarily a quiet place. The small patch of trees on the South West corner of the site is unique along the North bank of False Creek. These trees create a private space with a natural bank and access to the water.

1m .5m 0m

1m.5m0m

False Creek FerriesSeawall Plaza

SITE PLAN - 1:1000 SCALEThe Plaza of Nations is a remnant from

Expo ‘86. The remaining buildings are now occupied by two night clubs and a casino.

These businesses give this area a distinctly different feel from the rest of the Seawall. Daytime activities are primarily limited to cyclists commuting along the Seawall and a few degenerate gamblers smoking in front of the casino.

The site is much busier during evening hours, especially on the weekends when the night clubs draw large crowds. Despite being in a state of subtle disrepair, the amphitheatre centred in the plaza is still utilized for special events. During such times, this site is transformed into a frenzy of activity remeniscent of the expo.

Although this site has many personalities it is primarily a quiet place. The small patch of trees on the South West corner of the site is unique along the North bank of False Creek. These trees create a private space with a natural bank and access to the water.

false creek31site scale