Public Spaces (What Vancouver can learn from Portland)

There is no doubt in my mind that Vancouver can learn from Portland in terms of having clear, identifiable, and functional public spaces. 

Take the Pioneer Courthouse Square in downtown Portland.  This space, home to concerts, cultural fairs, and great people watching epitomizes what effective, safe, and enjoyable public space should be with incredible public art, gardens, and stairs for sitting and relaxing. 

Indeed, the APA (American Planning Association) identified it as one of the ‘great places in America’ for 2008.  Dubbed, Portland’s ‘Living Room’ the square is ringed by transit and the requisite Starbucks, is easily accessible by all, and is centrally located in the Portland Business District.  Moreover, and most importantly, it is a ‘programmed‘ space with regular events and functions. 

It is not too large that it feels impersonal, yet it is not too small that it feels cramped.  While I am uncertain of its exact dimensions, I believe that the magic number for a public space to feel comfortable is approximately 50 metres, and the Pioneer Courthouse Square feels more than comfortable, even intimate in the right circumstances.

What about Vancouver?

I ask the rhetorical question then, where is the square?  (Other organizations have asked the same question including the Vancouver Public Space Network - VSPN through their successful ”Where’s the Square” design competition).

In short I do not believe we truly have a public space or square with the same level or quality of the Pioneer Square Courthouse.  Lance Berelowitz argues in his book “Dream City” (and I paraphrase roughly) that Vancouver has relegated its public space to the outside – ie, the Seawall and beaches – and while it is spectacular, it fails to be a true urban plaza or square.

Some also argue that the front of the Vancouver Art Gallery (really the back of the Gallery which faces Georgia Street) is Vancouver’s gathering place.  While it may be home to the countdown clock for the 2010 Winter Olypics, it does not lend itself to being a good public square because it lacks any true public amenity, or performance space, or good sitting area.  Even the fountain that exists there takes away from the space as opposed to enhancing it. 

If it was to succeed as a true public square, significant renovation would be required including, but not limited to the elimination of the fountain, the opening up of the art gallery, installation of both public art and partial enclosure of the space to create that required level of intimacy.  But just maybe, the public square should be placed elsewhere in the City.

So, in conclusion, Vancouver can learn from Portland’s success in developing a true urban plaza, public square, and centre for civic activity.  The lessons to be learned are obvious and need no repeating – indeed I am a firm believer in the premise of R&D (Research and Duplicate in planning parlance).  Portland has had 25 years to work on their square and to get it right; it truly is a ‘Living Room’ for Portland and therefore should be considered an excellent starting ground in developing Vancouver’s next great urban planning achievement, a square to call our own.

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