Are public spaces designed to include culturally diverse communities?
We developed methods to integrate culture into planning and landscape design practices.
Background
Located in the Greater Toronto Area, Markham has a uniquely diverse population that is nearly 60% foreign born. An 8-acre park will be the core public space for the newly developed Leitchcroft Park neighbourhood. Markham’s Planning and Urban Design Department engaged OpenCity Projects to help create an experience that is relevant to all residents in the near and the long-term.
Research and Community Engagement
•Desk research to learn about Leitchcroft Park’s history, demographics, master plan and key cultures
•One-on-one interviews with selected residents, representing the neighbourhood’s range of demographics and cultures, to understand their needs and expectations and validate cultural research insights
•Ongoing engagement program, including park steering committee work sessions, city council presentation and large-scale community forums, to share progress, obtain input and successfully reach approvals.
Design
Based on our research and engagement work, we identified cultural and behavioral patterns shared by key cultural communities. These patterns served as the drivers our recommendations on bringing culture to life in park meeting places, navigation and activities. We also delivered creative direction that will guide design of individual park elements, including form, materials, colour and texture, to create a cohesive experience. During an iterative design process, OpenCity Projects continues to consult on design implementation and creative direction.
Image: Park design in progress, courtesy of The Town of Markham
Our approach set precedents in Markham for the role of research and community engagement insights to inform more meaningful public space design. The outcome will be an inclusive, inviting and vibrant park experience that will be open to the public in 2012.
