The Room on A Street

Aug 31

Reimagining public space for pedestrians to feel at home

By: Ravi Siddhartha and Neelima Siddharta

Designing the room on the street is essential for creating a vibrant, safe and healthy community. Although this project started as an academic exercise between the Montogomery Community Association and the Planning students of the University of Calgary, we independently decided to delve deeper to identify the elements that support vibrant street life. We call it the room on the street, an essential space that needs programming that corresponds to the local context and marries architecture with urban design. Our proposal for creating community boulevard with wide pedestrian pathways, buffered cycle paths, street furniture & local public art improves the public realm for a pleasant and safe experience on the street for all ages. The all-weather kiosks support local businesses by acting as an extension of their stores for enhanced customer interactions, such as act as takeaways while maintaining social distancing. Some smaller independent kiosks promote entrepreneurship and bring vibrancy on to the streets. Patios help create a more porous street edge by acting as a buffer between public and private spaces. These semi-private spaces can be extended for other businesses, apart from diners, to showcase their products and engage with their prospective clients safely. Using Jan Geh's method of understanding and observing people and their behaviour, including a sun and shade study, will be very useful in designing the urban space. This room on the street acts as an extension for the local businesses, and its practical programming will help bring life back onto the main street.

Details

Budget: The Main Street Design proposed needs to come under a capital budget and its entire cost would be difficult to estimate at this stage. Small design interventions such as Kiosks would cost anywhere between C$10,000 to C$30,000 and these can be community-owned and the revenue can be shared with the city. Patios and transparent facades for businesses can be supported through local business improvement programs.

Details on specific projects for different communities will be worked out. The Design consultancy costs can start from C$100 per hour and further details/work with the community/city for its implementation.

Materials and fabrication: As mentioned above, the major materials for construction come under infrastructure improvements, such as concrete or pavers for pedestrian pathways, but the Kiosks would be wood construction. The details of each item can be worked out on specific projects. We will be happy to provide further details on implementation of the design as required.

Installation and other services: As an Urban Designer and Architects, conceptual designs can be provided and work with the community in identifying their specific needs. Additional support from other professionals to implement the project will be needed. Urban Design with Architectural design will be used together to provide a comprehensive design solution for improving the public realm and quality of life on streets.