Rooting nature's return
Concept and approach
The history of urbanism in North America during the 20th century has largely been the story of the attempted subjugation of nature to serve mankind's needs. With RNR, a new development strategy is envisioned where man and nature are not viewed as an ''either/or'', but a "both together" Nature and the built environment can reinforce each other, creating healthier places for all living entities. For example, the restoration of natural drainage courses and related vegetation will break mixed use housing neighborhoods into small, more irregularly shaped building zones that demand unique architectural responses to maximize real estate and human values. The Newton: New Town project offers an ideal opportunity for a community to lead by example and demonstrate the potential for rooting nature's return in the center of the city. The first attempts at RNR must be visually striking and easy to comprehend. Therefore, utilizing the small remnant forest just south of the site is a good starting place. Pulling the forest across 70th, into the public esplanade, and literally through the 3-5 story mid-rise mixed use housing units with retail below, sends a clear message that both nature and man matter in this community.
Character of public spaces
The 75'-150' wide pedestrian esplanade that connects the new transit center at the site's SW corner to a newly expanded civic center to the east is the defining space were man and nature meet. The public gathering space is not just of people, bricks and mortar, and materials, but also of tall pines, poplars and a percolating stream that manages stormwater and replenishes the ground water supply while offering an ideal year round urban amenity. The sights and sounds of the stream area perfect ac-companiment to informal jazz and quartet sessions for cafes, late evening strolls, and also an intuitive way to locate the site's transit center. Earth toned stone pavers and regularly spaced imbedded LED lights will be juxtaposed by the random grouping of tree islands that continue throughout the site and beyond. Over time, RNR will offer additional layers of connectivity to Newton's adjacent neighborhoods and greenways including Simon Fraser University, Invergarry Park, Green Timbers Urban Forest, and a proposed regional greenbelt along the Serpentine River. Offering a visionary and cost effective way of distinguishing Surrey as an innovator, RNR is the right step into the future.
(From competitor's text)
12 scanned / 9 viewable
- Presentation Panel
- Perspective
- Perspective
- Plan
- Diagram
- Axonometric Drawing
- Plan
- Table of Areas
- Plan
