How can "flexible architecture" make a better Vancouver?
Posted on September 4, 2008
FREE LECTURE
A City Built for Change:
How can "flexible architecture" make a better Vancouver?
A Special Presentation by Professor Robert Kronenburg, Liverpool School of Architecture
Thursday September 18 - 6:30 pm
H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, 1100 Chestnut St., Vancouver
How our city responds to shifts in societal, economic and environmental issues is the basis of "A City Built for Change", the central focus of the Vancouver City Planning Commission's (VCPC) 2008 program. During the course of the year, three unique events have been developed to engage a broad group of stakeholders in discussion, and this input is being incorporated into the VCPC's draft "Change Charter", which will be presented to City Council.
An Adaptability Ideas Forum is the third and final event of the series, taking place September 18 and 19, 2008. Highlighting this session is a presentation by Professor Robert Kronenburg, author of Flexible: Architecture That Responds to Change. Professor Kronenburg will open this 2-day exploration of adaptability with a lecture on flexible architecture and city building.
Chair of Architecture at the University of Liverpool, Robert Kronenburg has written in several journals such as the Architects' Journal, Building Design, and Fabrics Architecture and contributed to the World Encyclopedia of Vernacular Architecture. His recent books include Flexible: Architecture that Responds to Change and Portable Architecture: Design and Technology.
The Adaptability Ideas Forum was developed by the VCPC to challenge an existing pattern of resilience to change in Vancouver. The Commission believes that creating an adaptable, resilient city is not just about densifying, but also about having a quality, multi-purpose public realm and buildings, neighbourhood flexibility and the ability to integrate environmental technologies over time. According to VCPC Chair Alan Boniface, Kronenburg is a perfect choice to stimulate deeper discussion on these important themes. "Vancouver is already leading edge in the sustainable development field, advocating for walkable, transit-oriented communities and environmental technologies as a few examples. But we would like to see the boundaries pushed for new ideas, ensuring that future policy in this area is truly progressive and as informed as possible."
Following the opening night presentation, two additional invitation-only events will take place on Friday, September 19, intended to further broaden the discussion on A City Built for Change.
- Urban Adaptability Youth Challenge In an adjudicated competition, four teams of Vancouver youth will be presented with design challenges to adapt urban spaces in response to drivers of change.
- Urban Adaptability Workshop A hands-on exploration through an adaptability lens by community leaders and planners on major theme areas including neighbourhood street networks, neighbourhood centres, single-family neighbourhoods, and gathering places.
Seating is limited for the September 18th presentation. Please reserve a space at jeannie_bates@telus.net
The Vancouver City Planning Commission
The Commission assists City Council in an advisory capacity regarding issues affecting long-range planning of the City including, but not limited to, development, governance, transportation, and the public realm. Recent priorities have included detailed explorations of city adaptability, amenity mapping, and policy related to accessible housing.
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VCPC Newswire
- A City Built for Change: VCPC retrospective of 2007-2008 term
- Cities Planning for Change: Keltie Craig looking at public realm that adapts
- Future Choices: City Planning Commission mulls its future role
- Adaptable Buildings: slide presentation by VCPC intern R.J. McCulloch
- » Newswire Archive
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- What Will Save the Suburbs? Allison Arieff, NYTimes.com
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