Placemaking Vancouver Canada Case Studies

Placemaking Vancouver Canada Case Studies
Placemaking Vancouver WA
Team Organizations	RWTH Aachen University Simon Fraser University
Team Leaders	Robin Chang
Participating Municipalities	Vancouver Canada
Status	Implemented
Initiative	Placemaking
Document

Description

The Vancouver Peacemaking Project reimagines industrial lands as inclusive and dynamic Third Places, fostering connections among workers, businesses, and the broader community. Through a "research through urban design" approach, the project highlights the often-overlooked routines of industrial workers and explores design interventions that support their well-being and sociability. A key focus is the Commissary Connect food business incubator, which leverages shared resources and networking to create a thriving food ecosystem. By repurposing underutilized spaces at Commissary Gourmet, the project envisions a coworking and event hub that nurtures collaboration, food security, and economic growth, all while acknowledging and integrating the cultural and historical significance of the land.

Challenges

The project faced several challenges, including the ongoing displacement of industrial lands due to development pressures, which threatened the livelihoods of workers and businesses. A major obstacle was the lack of attention to the social and spatial needs of industrial workers, whose routines and well-being are often overlooked in urban planning. Additionally, adapting the concept of Third Places to industrial settings required a critical re-interpretation of sociability and inclusion in traditionally work-focused environments. The underutilization of spaces at Commissary Gourmet posed both a challenge and an opportunity, requiring innovative design solutions to transform them into functional coworking and networking hubs. Finally, integrating the historical and cultural significance of the land while fostering economic growth and food security demanded a delicate balance between honoring Indigenous heritage and promoting sustainable urban development.

Solutions

The project addressed these challenges by reinterpreting industrial spaces as inclusive Third Places, fostering social connections and worker well-being through thoughtful urban design interventions. It leveraged Commissary Connect as a food business incubator to create a collaborative ecosystem, utilizing shared resources and networking to support economic growth. The underutilized upper level of Commissary Gourmet was transformed into a coworking and event hub, providing space for collaboration, learning, and community engagement. To integrate cultural and historical significance, the project acknowledged Indigenous heritage and sought opportunities to incorporate it into design and programming. By bridging industrial workspaces with community-driven placemaking, the project fostered a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban environment.

Major Requirements

The program required a multidisciplinary approach that combined urban design, community engagement, and economic development to reimagine industrial spaces as inclusive Third Places. It needed a framework for integrating worker well-being, social connectivity, and sustainable business growth within industrial settings. Additionally, it required physical space optimization, particularly at Commissary Gourmet, to transform underutilized areas into coworking and networking hubs. Collaboration with local businesses, policymakers, and Indigenous communities was essential to ensure cultural sensitivity, economic viability, and long-term sustainability. Finally, the program needed technological support for networking, marketing, and resource-sharing among food entrepreneurs, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for community-driven placemaking and economic resilience.

Performance Targets

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Measurement Methods

Worker Engagement & Well-being. Space Utilization. Business Growth & Collaboration Community Impact. Cultural & Historical Integration. Economic Sustainability.

Number of workers participating in networking events and satisfaction surveys. Percentage increase in the use of underutilized areas at Commissary Gourmet for coworking or events. Number of partnerships or collaborations formed among food entrepreneurs within Commissary Connect. Number of external organizations engaged in food security initiatives linked to the project. Implementation of Indigenous heritage acknowledgments or cultural programs within the space. Revenue generated from coworking space rentals and networking events to support long-term viability.

Standards, Replicability, Scalability, and Sustainability

The project must adhere to urban design and zoning standards, particularly IC-2 zoning regulations that govern light industrial and commercial land use in Vancouver. Accessibility and safety standards, such as the BC Building Code and municipal guidelines for public spaces, ensure inclusive and secure environments for workers and visitors. Sustainability standards, including green building practices and waste management protocols, align with Vancouver’s environmental goals. Food industry regulations, such as health and safety standards from Vancouver Coastal Health, apply to Commissary Connect’s kitchen operations. Additionally, cultural and ethical standards require recognition of Indigenous land rights and integration of local heritage, ensuring that the project respects and acknowledges the traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples.

Cybersecurity and Privacy

The project’s cybersecurity considerations focus on protecting sensitive business data, personal information, and digital infrastructure supporting networking and resource-sharing among food entrepreneurs. Commissary Connect’s digital platform must comply with data privacy regulations, such as Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), ensuring secure handling of user data. Secure authentication and access controls should be implemented to protect business accounts and financial transactions. Additionally, cybersecurity awareness training for users can help prevent phishing attacks and data breaches. Cloud storage and collaboration tools must be encrypted and regularly updated to mitigate risks. Finally, given the integration of AI-enhanced visualizations and digital marketing, ensuring the ethical use of AI tools and safeguarding proprietary business information are critical cybersecurity priorities.

Impacts

The project has significant economic, social, and cultural impacts on Vancouver's industrial and food business communities. Economically, it fosters entrepreneurship and business growth by providing shared resources, networking opportunities, and infrastructure to support small food businesses. Socially, it enhances worker well-being by transforming industrial spaces into inclusive Third Places, promoting collaboration, connectivity, and a sense of belonging among workers and community members. Culturally, the project acknowledges and integrates the historical significance of Indigenous lands, creating opportunities for cultural recognition and engagement. Additionally, by addressing food security and sustainability through partnerships with local organizations, the project contributes to a more resilient and community-driven urban environment.

Demonstration/Deployment

These impacts are demonstrated through measurable engagement, economic growth, and community partnerships. Increased participation in networking events, coworking spaces, and collaborative initiatives at Commissary Connect reflects stronger worker engagement and social connectivity. Business growth is evident in the number of food entrepreneurs benefiting from shared resources, mentorship, and expanded market reach. The project’s cultural impact is demonstrated through the inclusion of Indigenous history in placemaking designs and partnerships with local Indigenous organizations. Food security initiatives and collaborations with external organizations showcase the project’s broader community impact. Lastly, sustainability efforts, such as optimizing underutilized spaces and supporting eco-friendly food production, reinforce the project’s long-term contribution to economic and environmental resilience.