Constructive Voices

Exploring Vancouver's Urban Design with Alexandra Steed

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Tune into the first exciting episode of the Constructive Voices’ City Correspondents initiative with an enlightening discussion featuring Alexandra Steed.

A seasoned landscape architect, author and urban designer, Alexandra shares her insights from her dual practices in London, UK, and Vancouver, Canada.

The conversation delves into the unique urban design strengths of Vancouver, the challenges of densification, and the city’s need to address climate resilience through green and blue infrastructure.

“Vancouver has always been one of the most livable cities in the world, placed within an absolutely spectacular setting, and its forefathers safeguarded green areas like Stanley Park right from the beginning.” – Alexandra Steed

Key Highlights:

  • Vancouver’s Urban Legacy: Alexandra applauds Vancouver’s foresight in establishing green spaces like Stanley Park and integrating street trees, green roofs, and pedestrian-friendly streetscapes into its urban design.
  • Densification Challenges: As the city grows, Alexandra raises concerns about the lack of robust green infrastructure to handle increased stormwater and protect biodiversity.
  • Lessons from London: Comparing Vancouver’s relative youth to London’s layered historical infrastructure, Alexandra emphasises the opportunities for proactive planning in Vancouver.
  • Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG): Alexandra discusses the absence of legislation akin to BNG in Vancouver and advocates for the adoption of nature-based solutions to address climate change and sea-level rise.
  • Shoreline Innovation: Highlighting inspiring projects, Alexandra describes efforts to transform Vancouver’s shoreline into a climate-resilient and aesthetically pleasing space.

    • “Vancouver has been thoughtful about considering the pedestrian experience—using setbacks, street trees, and green roofs to create a more human and less engineered cityscape.” Alexandra Steed

    “With densification, there’s a growing need for robust green infrastructure. Without it, stormwater has nowhere to go, and we risk losing the natural beauty Vancouver is known for.” Alexandra Steed

    Takeaways
    1. Green Infrastructure: Integrating green roofs, permeable pavements, and rain gardens can help Vancouver manage stormwater and maintain its green legacy.
    2. Future-Ready Urban Design: Vancouver must legislate for biodiversity and climate resilience to prepare for rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
    3. Learning from History: Cities like London showcase the difficulty of retrofitting solutions—an opportunity for Vancouver to lead by example.

      4. “It’s not too late for Vancouver to lead by example, weaving nature-based solutions into its development plans and preparing for the challenges of climate change.” – Alexandra Steed

      About Alexandra Steed

      Alexandra Steed, a passionate landscape architect and Fellow of the Landscape Institute (FLI) and the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), has a profound commitment to art, sustainability, and the transformative power of landscapes.

      In 2013, she founded the London-based studio URBAN with the goal of bringing joy to people’s daily lives through landscape design that enhances beauty and fosters well-being. Steed actively advises and serves on expert panels for organisations such as the Design Council UK and the UK Government’s Office for Place.

      As a lecturer at The Bartlett, UCL, she shares her knowledge and volunteers her time to support community place-making visions. Steed’s exceptional contributions to landscape architecture have garnered prestigious awards, including the WAFX Award for innovative global solutions and the LI Award for Excellence in Tackling Climate Change.

      Additionally, she was shortlisted for the Sir David Attenborough Award, highlighting her dedication to preserving and enhancing biodiversity and ecosystems. She is the author of the ground-breaking book “Portrait to Landscape: A Landscape Strategy to Reframe Our Future.”

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      Constructive VoicesBy Jackie De Burca
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