Vancouver will be on center stage next month for the 2010 Olympics, and the level of urban density with its mix of parks, public transportation and walkability will let the world know what’s possible. Over the past 20 years the city has dramatically changed, with development pressures being guided by strict rules and a strong vision. The physical constraints of this island city have largely led to this unique transformation, along with the inhabitants respect and reverence for the beauty of the city’s surroundings.
The approach that Vancouver has taken is outlined in an excellent article that appeared today in the Los Angeles Times. The level of integrated design with strong mandates and public input seems to align nicely with the concept of GeoDesign. The following quote embodies the spirit of this new approach to urban planning:
“Vancouverism has got nothing to do with built form,” said Bing Thom a Vancouver architect. “It’s much deeper than that. Vancouverism is a spirit of thinking about the future, and by that I mean thinking: Whatever you do, look twice. Listen twice. Speak once.”
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