In this second part, Tim Davis takes a look at how Amsterdam priorizes pedestrians. (I’ve left the emphases intact to capture some of Davis Speak.)
For those who think that Amsterdam prioritizes cyclists over pedestrians, the *opposite* is true. In fact, the very center of Amsterdam is so dense (especially in summer, when these were taken) that NO ONE bikes.
Read more »All the attention at the moment is on the TransLink wristbands, which for reasons beyond my comprehension seem to be crazy popular. But it’s another example of how TL is upping their game, making small initiatives to improve the customer experience. Like these:
Whenever a bus route had to make a diversion, TL would put up what looked like an illegal poster on the nearest pole. If you could make out the hand-written scrawl, you might then figure out where to go, assuming you could figure out the date and time when the change was occurring.
Now there’s this:
A plasticized rain-proof sign, well-attached, with larger, clearer lettering, and headings that tell you what you need to know. Obvious, I know, but a small change that makes a difference.
Here’s a sample of something that suggests the organization is getting more creative:
I don’t know whether this work by an Emily Carr student was commissioned for TL, or whether they just took advantage to mount this at the Chinatown/Stadium station:
Got my attention.
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Across the street from the buildings described below, there’s a favourite piece of public art at the corner of Lonsdale and 13th. It references the early history of North Vancouver.
Everyone loves the camel.
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Vancouver has a great artistic history of street photographers – and Greg Girard was one of them. Durning picked up this piece in Flashbak – ‘Terminal City’: Extraordinary Photos of Vancouver 1972-1982″ – images taken not far from where the lane pic below was taken.
Read more »During my short trip to PDX a few weeks ago, I had no problem finding cultural signifiers. There are signs everywhere.
A mini-mall, for all your PDXer needs:
Good beer alone is not good enough:
In PDX’s America:
Read more »On April 22, 2018, Vancouver City Council convened a Special Council meeting in Chinatown where Mayor Gregor Robertson delivered a formal apology for past discrimination against people of Chinese descent. The core recommendation was to develop an inclusive process towards a UNESCO World Heritage designation for Chinatown.
Join Melody Ma and Wendy Au and current Chinese Canadian Historical Society of BC (CCHSBC) President Sarah Ling for a provocative discussion on what has happened in Chinatown since the Apology, and how we can transform our city. The panelists for the evening will be joined by Hayne Wai (Moderator, CCHSBC Past-President) and Baldwin Wong (Senior Social Planner, City of Vancouver).
Thursday, October 4
7 – 9 pm
Alice McKay Room, Central Library (VPL), 350 West Georgia Street
Read more »It’s really a spectacular transformation — the downtown VPL’s two upper floors have become a rich and varied public space. It’s another treasure that people in Vancouver will use and enjoy for generations to come.
The results are wonderful and amazing. It’s now one of the best public spaces in Vancouver — and located right smack-dab in the middle of downtown.
From Price Tags — a big pat on the back for all involved.
Read more »Saturday, September 29 is the date if you’d like to check out the new rooftop garden and top floors at the VPL’s Downtown branch.
We’ve posted HERE and HERE with detail about the expansion project.
Read more »Artist Jerry Whitehead has a lovely set of murals at Raymur in Vancouver (located near Campbell Ave. and Keefer St., the Raymur development). He’s a prolific artist, and we’ve featured his work previously (HERE, HERE and HERE).
Read more »Vancouver is a city consumed with urban planning, transit and the rebirth of cycling. Michel de Broin’s Deviations, a fanciful bike route deviating off of a popular bike path in Charleson Park, occurs within this setting.
The ‘squiggly’ path winds in on itself in an invitation to cyclists and passersby to amuse themselves with the impossible task of ‘following the path’.
Sep 28: 11 am – A cycling tour with HUB Cycling, including a stop in Charleson Park to visit Michel de Broin’s new installation, Deviations, where the artist will engage with visitors in a performance piece as he adds finishing touches to the painted line of his deviated path.
Sep 28: 2 – 3 pm – Discussion: Public Art, Urban Planning, Parks and Creative Place-Making at the False Creek Community Centre – 1318 Cartwright St, Vancouver, Granville Island. A free artist talk with Michel de Broin, Derik Wenman, President of HUB’s board of directors and Commissioner Stuart MacKinnon speaking on behalf of the Vancouver Board of Parks & Recreation.
Register with Leigh-Anne [leigh-anne@vancouverbiennale.com]. Limited Spots!
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