Backyard Block Party: Sharing the Interstital Space

Oct 1

Reimagining underutilized spaces to support local businesses and bring communities together.

By: Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd.

A bustling summer patio season along one of Calgary’s main commercial avenues was interrupted by road construction in 2017, overwhelming the area with jackhammer noise and cement trucks. Patrons of the various bars and restaurants along 17th Avenue were unable to enjoy the vibrant streetscape and pedestrian parade. With a small but energetic team of volunteers, Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd (Kasian) and local organizations like the 17th Avenue BRZ and the City of Calgary turned a disused and unattractive laneway into a lively community hub dubbed the Backyard Alley Party.

Despite the popularity of the Backyard Alley Party, the COVID-19 crisis has devastated these local businesses. Operating at a greatly reduced capacity, they are struggling to serve their patrons safely while remaining profitable. The same philosophy of adapting the in-between spaces of the urban fabric that created the Backyard Alley Party can inspire new solutions to reinvigorate these areas.

At Kasian, we see an opportunity to orchestrate community, cultural, and commercial uses at a block level and create shared facilities that can tie the entire site together. Different zones can be created that exhibit local retailers, community groups, and artists. Patrons can enjoy an extended shoulder season, while making use of heated, weather-protected outdoor zones. Social distancing can be accommodated by increasing the capacity for vendors and patrons into underutilized parking areas and sidewalk zones. By rethinking the environment and designing for adaptability, we can help our communities become more resilient.

Details:

Budget: We recommend budgeting approximately $50,000 (including tax and shipping costs) for an intervention at a block level, consisting of several outdoor zones on a main street. All hard costs and labour can be reduced to canvasing sponsorships, donations, and volunteers. Costs can be broken down into the following categories: design elements (lighting, milk crates, plants, and planter boxes, signage and artwork, Astro Turf, event tents and awning rental); seating (picnic tables, chairs beanbags); permits and fees (delivery and courier fees, event permit, road closure permit, security, and porta potty rentals); and entertainment (stage, soccer net, basketball net, movie screen, pools, and games). All on-site installation, set up, takedown, and cleaning would be managed by volunteers.

Materials and Fabrication: Additional materials to consider includes, event tents, folding tables, cable strung patio lighting, banners and signage, non-permanent spray paint and stencils, potted plants, and temporary metal barriers. Extra provisions should be made to purchase plastic barriers and guarding systems, personal protective equipment such as face masks and shields, floor and wall signage, and adhesive decals to enforce social distancing measures.

Installation and other services: Installation for a project of this size will require minor logistical coordination for the transportation and delivery of materials. Once the materials are on site, the project team, with the help of community volunteers can help set up the spaces. Rolls of reused Astroturf can be placed over gravel back lots of laneways to provide a comfortable surface to walk on. Tents and picnic tables can be spaced out to maintain social distancing and accommodate up to six adults. Milk crates can be assembled into a loosely planned, but highly flexible arrangement of street furniture, and decorative planters can add a final touch to the living space. For wayfinding, large banners can be printed on vinyl and fastened to wood frames to act as a beacon to the event from the street front. Wayfinding can also be facilitated by using stencils that are spray painted directly onto the pavement. Simple patio lighting can be suspended over the site and powered by generators to provide ambient night lighting.