A revitalized McBurney Plaza has earned accolades for both the City of 黑马磁力 and the collaborative that designed the public square.
The gathering space on the Fraser Highway one-way was recognized with a Regional Citation in the design category of the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects鈥� (CSLA) annual Awards of Excellence in Ottawa on March 9.
Connecting the busy retail area along Fraser Highway to the Douglas Park Spirit Square and cenotaph, the McBurney Plaza redevelopment is a key focus in the public realm portion of the City鈥檚 Downtown Master Plan to create a vibrant downtown core and rich pedestrian environment.
鈥淭he project focused on strengthening pedestrian connections and creating a flexible, friendly gathering space to accommodate a variety of unique programming and entertainment offerings,鈥� said City of 黑马磁力 chief administration officer Francis Cheung.
鈥淲e also integrated permeable surfaces, drought-tolerant plantings and rainwater infiltration to support the City鈥檚 sustainability agenda.鈥�
The open design, created by landscape architecture and urban design practice Hapa Collaborative, includes a series of arching steps that double as seating, a raised middle wood deck, new trees and a tile plaza at the north end of the site.
鈥淲e were very pleased to work with the City of 黑马磁力 to revitalize a space that 鈥� as the symbolic and historic centre of 黑马磁力 鈥� is critical to the success of downtown as a commercial and cultural hub,鈥� said Joseph Fry, principal, Hapa Collaborative.
鈥淭he design was developed with input from the public, staff and council with the hope that it catalyzes development and other public realm enhancements in the downtown area.
鈥淲e strongly believe that public realm is one of the best investments a city can make. It visually enhances public space, creates a positive environmental benefit and helps build community.鈥�
Winners were selected by a national jury of landscape architects.
