Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Progress

I’m still continuing this investigation while on summer break. I’ve be harassing as many people as possible about this project, trying to glean whatever information I can and solicit whatever help I can utilize. So far I have been encouraged to take a different approach and borrowed precious literature (thanks David), I have had a most enthralling lunch with an engineer who had amazing insight and helped me to look at things differently (thanks John). I have also been given a most intriguing challenge that really has the creative juices flowing (thank-you Paul). The support I have been getting is overwhelming, it is appreciated and I am in awe.

I recently have purchased the book “Perfurbia” and it has really opened my eyes. The idea of making simple changes, no two houses should look into each other, and other uncomplicated modifications to urban design, is refreshing and thought provoking.

I have also requested the help of local Real Estate Agents to run my ideas by, after all one of my objectives is to revolutionize urban design but still to make it affordable and desirable. (Go big or go home) Who would know the market better than those who sell it (thanks Bev & Byron). Their knowledge and wisdom have been invaluable to me.

In a short amount of time, I will be posting further and more insightful information on Coving.

No comments:

Before Coving

Before Coving
This image is from Rick Harrison Site Design Studio 2006 Newsletter

After Coving

After Coving
This image is from Rick Harrison Site Design Studio 2006 Newsletter

Planning Outline

Project: Finding the best method for designing and planning undulating, hilly areas like Pine Valley in Kamloops.

There are 3 methods to examine:
• Coving
• Conventional or grid method
• Clustering

Method:
To determine and improve upon conventional methods of urban planning for Kamloops.

1. Brief History of each method
2. Where have they been used successfully and not
3. Pros and Cons for each method
4. Overall Physiological Effects
5. Community Interaction
6. Safer
7. Visually Pleasing
8. Restrictions
9. Efficient Use of Land
10. Plan for Future Growth
11. Neighbourhood Identity- Will this be unique?
12. Context: How does the development respond to its surroundings?
13. Connections: How well connected is the new neighbourhood?
14. Inclusivity: How easily can people use and access the development?
15. Variety: How does the development promote a good mix of activities?
16. Efficiency: How does the development make appropriate use of resources, including land?
17. Distinctiveness: How do the proposals create a sense of place?
18. Layout: How does the proposal create people friendly streets and spaces?
19. Public Realm: How safe, secure and enjoyable are the public areas?
20. Adaptability: How will the buildings cope with change?
21. Privacy and Amenity: How does the scheme provide a decent standard of amenity?
22. Parking: How will the parking be secure and attractive?
23. Detailed Design: How well thought through is the building and landscape design?

Special Problem:
Kamloops is expanding. One of the biggest challenges is to effectively and efficiently utilize the land but also make it pleasing and unique.

Also:
What makes coving cool? Why should we look at this type of planning? Just look at up the hill to the area above Hugh Allen Dr. Here we see failure of urban design not only were there several problems with the development of the area i.e. the condemnation of several homes due to the fact insufficient research of the land was done to determine the effect of water run off from the above development on areas further down but also its just plain ugly and not at all unique.

Coving can change this. This blog is an exploration on how this can be done and steps through this process.