Xinyu Chen
The Link
UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, PLANNING, AND LANDSCAPE
MLA M1
EVDL 668 | LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE STUDIO II
INSTRUCTORS: MARY-ELLEN TYLER + JAMIE JOHNSON
The existing site is empty and lacks sense of place. there are some big pieces like Tom Campbell's dog park, the Calgary Zoo, Telus Spark, the Nose Creek valley, and multiple major roads around. The site is isolated and not well connected even to the community nearby, Bridgeland. If the design has to encourage people to come to the site, why not start from Bridgeland since they use the site the most? There is a big steep slop between Bridgeland and the Nose Creek valley as a barrier. Whether they are pedestrians or cyclists, people are making their own way from the top of the Nose Creek valley through the escarpment due to the low quality trail system design that has a poor wayfinding system. There are almost no points of interest. The design is set to be improving and creating opportunity for community connection and access.
After a time-distance calculation, the design location and concept is decided. Creating a cohesive walking trail system with different functions that allows people to gather around and interact with each other is an important part. The new development connects with the existing pathway, a little tiered down pocket park connects to the existing soccer field, a large community activity space with skating rink, playground, community garden, basketball fields, badminton courts, and a coffee shop.
The design enhances the connection not only between Bridgeland community and valley but also within the community itself. It improves the human activity space. It also provides a better site experience for users.