Retrofitting Suburbia

As part of the Vancouver Urbanarium Society's "Mixing Middle" competition, this conceptual project imagines how the City of Coquitlam, Canada can implement a mixing of land uses in existing suburban neighborhoods. The goal of the proposed concept was to make existing transportation options more accessible, encourage lifestyles that are healthier and socially inclusive, and provide amenities such as a cafe that are typically only reachable by driving outside of the neighborhood. Ball State University architecture student, Evan M., was a co-creator and -designer of the concept.

Location

Coquitlam, Canada

Year

Winter 2021

google streetview - front of structure.png

In the existing condition of the two-family residence, two garages occupy the first floor of the structure. This diminishes the possibility of social encounters with other neighbors as it discourages residents from ever having to interact with people on the street.

An existing daycare service on-site shows entreprenerial spirit and a need for these types of businesses in the neighborhood, but there is not necessarily enough space to expand this business and it is currently illegal according to current zoning regulations.

Image from Google Streetview

There is no engagement of the intersection, 'eyes on the street' to improve neighborhood safety, and a lack of a public realm. The building is at the intersection of two of the busier streets in the neighborhood.

The sidewalk is also quite narrow, which may not allow two wheelchair users to comfortably pass by one another and is generally uncomfortable for pedestrians to be so close to vehicular traffic.

Image from Google Streetview