The Vancouver City Planning Commission has announced 21 finalist teams that presented 21 of the most creative ideas for public space enhancement. Anyone who works, lives, studies or plays in Vancouver was eligible to enter the competition to enhance Vancouver’s public spaces. Contestants submitted a sketch, computer drawing, photo or written description as per the guidelines on www.alternativefutures.bc.ca. A tree-lined street, median, downtown bench, or the entire seawall; any space in the public realm was a potential redesign area.
Submissions were accepted until 5:00pm on Friday, March 25. A panel of judges deliberated over 65 citizen submissions starting on April 9. Finally, using the criteria set out by the Planning Commission, the judges were able to choose 21 entries that represented:
*imagination
*ingenuity
*functionality
*usefulness
*attractiveness
*sustainability
*accessibility
*inclusiveness
*multicultural awareness
*an environment inviting to a range of age groups
*opportunities for public events
The 21 finalists will present their ideas to the appropriate decision-makers, and their entries will be displayed at the Interurban Gallery from April 16-30 and in a walking tour brochure in June. They will also be featured on the Vancouver City Planning Commission Alternative Futures website and in local media. For more information, please visit www.alternativefutures.bc.ca.