Courtyard Design

Prepared for PLAN 583 Housing Policyby E. Ahn, K. Arthurs, J. Gingell, M. McKenzie

September 01, 2011

Design Guidelines for Courtyard-Oriented

Condominiums for Infill & Redevelopment Sites

Table of Contents

1.0 Executive Summary ..................................................................... 1

2.0 Context ........................................................................................ 3

3.0 Goals ............................................................................................ 7

4.0 Existing Policy ............................................................................. 9

5.0 New Policies .............................................................................. 13 5.1 Development Scenarios 135.2 Lighting and Ventilation 135.3 Privacy 165.4 Security 165.5 Access and Circulation 175.6 Public vs. Private Space 175.7 Landscaping 185.8 Programming 205.9 Architectural Components 21

6.0 Location-Specific Policies ......................................................... 236.1 Fairview Slopes FM-1 236.2 Kitsilano RM-4 236.3 Fairview Heights RM-4 246.4 Mount Pleasant Rm-4 25

7.0 Community Engagement .......................................................... 29

8.0 References ................................................................................ 31

Appendix A: Case Studies

SEPTEMBER 01, 2011 DESIGN GUIDELINES 1COURT YARD-ORIENTED CONDOMINIUMS FOR INFILL AND REDE VELOPMENT SITES

1.0 Executive SummaryThe purpose of this report is to make recommendations on the design of courtyard-oriented multiple dwellings for the infill and redevelopment of multiple dwelling residential neighbourhoods in the City of Vancouver. The City is already characterized by a variety of distinctive residential neighbourhoods, yet the need to accommodate population growth, demographic change, and higher densities has necessitated the continual adaptation of innovative urban design and planning practices. This report was informed by the insights of architects, City planners, and existing residents. Recommendations apply to the City’s RM-4 and FM-1 multiple dwelling districts: Fairview Slopes, Fairview Heights, Kitsilano, and Mount Pleasant. Recommendations relate to the following areas of courtyard design: Development Scenarios, Lighting and Ventilation, Privacy, Security, Access and Circulation, Public vs. Private Space, Landscaping, Programming, and various Architectural Components.

These guidelines are intended to support the development of flexible, comfortable, and useable courtyards that address the needs of a dense and socially diverse population. This is to be achieved in conjunction with the need to maintain a high quality public realm, characterized by a distinctive sense of place, and appealing to the needs and urban living preferences of all residents. These guidelines also aim to support environmental sustainability through passive urban design solutions.

SEPTEMBER 01, 2011 DESIGN GUIDELINES 3COURT YARD-ORIENTED CONDOMINIUMS FOR INFILL AND REDE VELOPMENT SITES2

2.0 ContextVancouver has established a reputation as one of the best-planned cities in North America – one where the quality of urban design achieves a consistently high standard. This is due, in part, to Vancouver’s discretionary development process, which has led to the creation of several distinctive residential neighbourhoods, such as Fairview, Mount Pleasant, and Kitsilano. Each of these sites offers their own unique character, sense of place, and quality of life.

In addition to defining the distinctiveness of local areas, urban design shapes the physical configuration, arrangement and functionality of the public realm; providing an ease of access to local amenities, pedestrian-scaled means of mobility, and the conveniences to meet a variety of demands from a range of users. In other words, urban design is not only concerned with how cities look and feel, but also how well they function to facilitate neighbourhood activity. The location, orientation and attributes of buildings, corridors, parks and open spaces, sidewalks and walkways, landscaping, and amenities are therefore essential components of creating functional, safe, and livable residential areas in Vancouver.

Despite the City’s a long history of neighbourhood planning, the opportunity to create more functional, desirable and livable neighbourhoods continues to be an essential part of contemporary planning practice. The City of Vancouver’s vision is to “build complete, mixed communities with housing density and choice, social diversity,…artful urban design, coherent urban structure and all the necessary commercial and public amenities” (City of Vancouver, n.d., p.1). Increasingly, Community Plans focus on promoting high-density, pedestrian-friendly and ecologically sensitive neighbourhoods where residents can live, work and recreate. In addition, the City has prioritized the need to accommodate a range of households and tenures by providing a diverse housing mix. From this perspective, noise, perceptions of danger, invasions of privacy, lack of sun access and insensitivity to the needs of a range of users limit the attractiveness of urban living (City of Vancouver, n.d.). Consequently, detailed urban design guidelines have become important methods for creating complete communities.

CIT Y OF VANCOUVER PROJECTION

POPUL ATION GROW TH (CIT Y OF VANCOUVER)

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FIGURE 1

Projected Population Growth in the City of Vancouver

Source: Metro Vancouver Draft Regional Growth Strategy

(February 2009) and Statistics Canada

In addition, a diminishing supply of industrial land has placed increasing development pressures onto existing residential neighbourhoods, intensifying the need to accommodate higher densities. Major changes are also underway in family structure and household size, with the number of families and single-parent homes expected to increase over the next ten years (Punter, 2003). At the same time, by 2036, it is projected that seniors over 65 years will account for 21 percent of the population (City of Vancouver, 2010). Similar statistical trends indicate the growing need to accomodate various residents (including young professionals, families with children, and seniors), household types, a mix of housing tenures, and higher densities in the multiple-dwelling residential neighbourhoods of Fairview, Kitsilano and Mount Pleasant (see Table 1). Planners must therefore think beyond the current conditions of cities and regions and aspire to create a built environment that will accommodate patterns of change in urban settlements.

The flexibility for experimentation in urban design is balanced by considering the existing context, set of policy frameworks, and regulatory mechanisms guiding the creation of complete communities. The purpose of this report is to offer some guidance in the design of courtyard-oriented condominiums for infill and redevelopment sites in RM-4 and FM-1 districts, based on observations of existing courtyards in the city. According to Edwards et al. (2003), courtyard housing offers several advantages for mitigating urban density through architectural means. This includes: encouraging circulation and mobility, providing semi-private open spaces for personal and recreational uses, protecting the ecological integrity of a place, and increasing surveillance and security of a neighbourhood. The recommendations established in this report strive to enhance the public realm in these ways in order to encourage the continual adaptation of livable, sustainable, and distinctive housing in Vancouver.

Nevertheless, the need to adapt to changing social, economic and environmental conditions has necessitated the continual evolution of innovative urban design and planning practices. Ensuring that existing neighbourhoods can accommodate urban growth and demographic change is particularly important. The City of Vancouver is at the core of one of the fastest-growing regions in North America (see Figure 1). The population has increased by 40,000 new residents over the past fifteen years alone, and is expected to grow by 25 percent over the next 35 years (City of Vancouver, 2009).

TABLE 1

Statistical trends in population and housing in study areas.

Source: City of Vancouver, 2006.Growth Strategy (February 2009) and

Statistics Canada

FAIRVIEW KITSIL ANO MT PLEASANT VANCOUVER

POPUL ATION

CENSUS POPUL ATION 29,295 40,595 23,615 578,041POPUL ATION CHANGE IN 5 YEARS 3.1% 2.5% -3.8% 5.9AGE GROUPS

19 AND UNDER 9.3% 12.6% 13.7% 17.9%20 - 39 42.7% 45.3% 44.8% 34.5%40 - 64 34.6% 33.1% 33.4% 34.5%65 AND OVER 13.4% 9.1% 8.2% 13.1%HOUSEHOLD

AVER AGE HOUSEHOLD SIZE 1.6 1.8 1.8 2.2CHILDREN AS % OF POPUL ATION 12.2% 16.0% 16.7% 25.7%DWELLINGS

OCCUPIED PRIVATE DWELLINGS 17,395 22,100 12,790 253,385RENTED DWELLINGS 59.6% 56.8% 67.2 51.9%T YPE OF DWELLING

APARTMENT UNDER 5 STOREYS 67.3% 67.6% 74.4% 34.8%


3.0 Goals

To accommodate growing populations via sensitive infill and redevelopment.

To accommodate a socially diverse community, including dwellings that will accommodate single households, couples, families with children and residents of a variety of ages and incomes.

To foster liveability within medium- and high-density neighbourhoods.

To create a high quality public realm and a distinctive sense of place.

To encourage environmental sustainability through urban design.


4.0 Existing PolicyVancouver’s inner residential neighbourhoods are the product of forty years of striving to design the liveable city, where the pursuit of quality of life has led to careful place-making, expanded parks, the development of cultural and recreational amenities, and the design of pedestrian-oriented neighbourhoods. Older inner city residential and industrial neighbourhoods have been redeveloped as precincts of medium-density housing, interlaced with parks, open space, public walkways, community facilities, and mixed-use commercial areas. While the comprehensive redevelopment of city-owned lands on the south shore of False Creek in the 1970s represents the first physical manifestation of the liveable city, this vision was most powerfully expressed in the Central Area Plan (1991), which retained established housing areas and identified and supported new ones in recognition of population growth and constrained housing capacity.


The creation of new medium-density residential neighbourhoods intermixed with retained older structures has led to the development of new zoning districts to meet liveability standards. The oldest of these is the Fairview Slopes FM-1 district, zoned in the mid-1970s, where ‘broken-up’ frontages and massing was desired in an effort to insert medium-density multiple dwellings into the small-scale residential character of the heritage neighbourhood, while also preserving a number of view corridors. While less heritage homes were retained than desired, the FM-1 design guidelines inspired new housing typologies, including a large number of courtyard condominiums. While the provision of semi-private courtyard spaces is encouraged by FM-1 guidelines, there are no specific directions given for their design, apart from the recommendation that high-quality landscaping form an integral part of new development, with the retention of existing trees and plants wherever possible.

Also of interest are the RM-4 multiple dwellings districts of Fairview Heights, Mount Pleasant, and Kitsilano, the intent of which is to permit medium-density residential development characterized by a variety of multiple dwelling types intermixed with retained older structures. In some cases, courtyard-oriented multiple dwellings may be an inappropriate response to architectural context and street character, particularly in Mount Pleasant, where much of the RM-4 area is characterized minimal front yard setbacks and the streetwall presence of older apartment buildings. In the northeast and West 10th Avenue areas of Mount Pleasant, the courtyard may be a suitable response to the desire to enhance streetscape cohesion and compliment the building massing of adjacent sites.

In accordance with the physical character of the surrounding neighbourhood, the courtyard may be utilized in the Kitsilano RM-4 area. Design guidelines for this district recommend individual access at ground level for as many units as possible, with frontages visually broken into smaller individual components. The courtyard also has the potential to meet the need for semiprivate open space in this district, with ground level open space defined by screening and landscaping to meet the needs for privacy and visual clarity.

The courtyard may also be utilized in the Fairview Heights RM-4 area, where new development should create an incremental rhythm by visually breaking the larger massing into smaller individual components out of respect for the existing streetscape. As Fairview Heights is deficient in park area, its RM-4 design guidelines recommend that useable private open space be provided at or near grade, in such a way as to protect children from traffic and ensure that the space is easily observed from the dwelling units to minimize security problems.

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT

Fairview Slopes

Mount Pleasant

Kitsilano

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5.0 New Policies5.1 Development Scenarios

(a) Sites with a minimum area of 550 m2 (5900 sq. ft.) and minimum frontage of 45.8 m (150 ft.) qualify for multiple dwelling in RM-4 districts.

(b) Courtyard-oriented multiple dwellings may be configured in a number of ways comprising one or more residential structures (Figure 2). The intent is to provide courtyard forms that are accessible and suitable for a range of users, including seniors, children and the disabled.

5.2 Lighting and Ventilation

The courtyard-oriented multiple dwelling has the capacity to provide light and ventilation to all units, including in many cases a secondary frontage that allows for cross breezes increased access to light. This is an opportunity to meet environmental sustainability through passive urban design, as suggested by The City of Vancouver’s Passive Urban Design Toolkit.

FIGURE 2

Courtyard Configurations

EXTERIOR GREEN SPACE

BUILDING FOOTPRINT


(a) A garden and pedestrian oriented courtyard should be a minimum width of 7.3 m (24 ft.) on the first and second levels, and a minimum of 9.8 m (32 ft.) on the third to allow for adequate lighting and ventilation. New development should respect the height and scale of adjacent houses (Figure 3).

(i) Upper level setbacks should be used to provide private balcony spaces, particularly where residents do not have at-grade courtyard access. Upper level setbacks should tier back on a 70 degree angle to promote access to light and to avoid shadowing on adjacent buildings and experience at street level. (Figure 4).

(ii) A height to width ratio of 2:1 should be used to provide adequate sunlight (Figure 5).

(b) Entry porches, bay windows, balcony rails, pergolas and similar architectural features may project into the minimum courtyard width.

(i) Projections such as window and balcony overhangs or bay windows should be used as a design solution for passive heating and cooling or to create spaces sheltered from sunlight or rain.

FIGURE 5

2-to-1 Ratio

BUILDING HEIGHT

COURT YARD WIDTH

(c) Courtyards should be oriented to the south to maximize access to sunlight. Wherever possible, buildings should step back to provide additional lighting to units at the inner most point of the courtyard. (Figure 6).

(d) Building designs should promote single-loaded corridors wherever possible to promote cross-ventilation within individual units. This also creates multiple views for users adding to the quality of the interior environment. (Figure 7).FIGURE 6

Sunlight penetration

MIN. 24’ WIDTHFIGURE 3

24’ Minimum width on ground level

70O

FIGURE 4

Impementation of upper level setbacks to

provide additional outdoor terraces and to maximize

daylight on street level.

90m2

90m2

FIGURE 7

Single-loaded corridors

CROSS-VENTILATION MULTIPLE VIEWS & LIGHTING OPPORTUNITIES


5.3 Privacy

Direct lines of sight into garden and pedestrian courtyards is desirable, and to be expected, within a development.

(a) The location and orientation of windows, decks and balconies should facilitate a clear view into open spaces in order to allow for the supervision of children and enjoyment of the space.

(i) In order to animate the courtyard and provide background noise, rooms with ‘daytime’ uses should face the courtyard. Kitchens and/or dens/offices are desirable. (Figure 8).

(b) Visual privacy for units, balconies, and private open space should be enhanced as much as possible through unit planning.

(c) Unit privacy should also be enhanced with landscaping that provides screening. (Figure 9)

(d) Punch windows should be used in place of curtain walls, as the latter require far greater setbacks of 25 m (82 ft.).

5.4 Security

Security is improved when casual surveillance by neighbours and passersby is possible.

(a) Visibility of the entrances to all units is desirable, in order to enhance visual clarity and perceptions of security.

(b) Rooms with ‘daytime’ uses should face the courtyard, in order provide animation and background noise, and to encourage safety via passive surveillance. Kitchens and/or dens/offices are desirable.

(i) Windows should be positioned to maximize visibility of the courtyard from unit interiors.

(c) Illumination of paths and entries should be provided through effective lighting. (Figure 10)

(d) Locked gates should be provided only in instances where the site layout does not allow for high visibility of unit entrances and courtyard space from the street, or at the discretion of the Director of Planning.

5.5 Access and Circulation

While the courtyard should be designed to as a flexible and usable open space, it will also function as entryway to some units, requiring ease and convenience of access.

(a) Developments should orient entrances of units to the street wherever possible, although rear units may be oriented to the internal courtyard. All units adjacent to the courtyard should have a door opening onto it, or a balcony overlooking it in the case of upper units.

(b) Ramps must be provided, in order to provide access for people with disabilities, children in strollers and/or tenants moving into or out of units.

5.6 Public vs. Private Space

Site and building design should work together to create a transition from the public space of the street to the private space of the home. Courtyards should facilitate this transition as interim spaces. (Figures 11 & 12)

(a) An entry transition from the courtyard should be made available to mark the separation of uses between the public streets to semi-private realm. The following elements are recommended as methods to mark this transition:

(i) An entry gate and/or landscape feature and/or fencing.

(ii) Steps or a change in level.

(iii) A well-defined porch.

(iv) Signage.

(b) Some development scenarios may provide for a semi-public open space connecting adjacent properties, such as a through-block walkway. This is desirable provided that the transition from semi-public to semi-private space is clearly indicated by the elements listed above.

FIGURE 8

Unit interior adjacencies in relation to the courtyard.

COURTYARD

KITCHEN LIVING ROOM/DEN

BATH BED BED

FIGURE 9

Landscaping as screening.

FIGURE 11

FIGURE 10

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PUBLIC

VEHICUL AR/PEDESTRIAN

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FIGURE 12

Setback of buildings and building shapes can provide various transitional spaces/thresholds from

public to private.


5.7 Landscaping

These features should address the need to maintain and develop a strong image for the neighbourhood, while also creating visual interest and a pleasant environment for the users of the space.

(a) Where possible, landscaping should retain existing elements such as mature trees, stone walls, and hedges.

(b) Landscaping should be varied in type and scale, with areas of shrubs, larger perennials, trees, and grass areas.

(c) Landscaping should respect the character of the neighbourhood, including using characteristic and native species, and using arrangements and materials compatible with architectural styles.

(d) Unit entrances to the courtyard should be marked by entry gates, and/or landscape markers, such as arbours.

(e) Landscaping should be designed to enhance the usability of the space.

(i) Water features are desirable landscape features, particularly as generators of ambient noise.

(ii) Landscaping should provide opportunities for weather protection and shade, in conjunction with the placement of benches or ledges for resting.

(iii) Landscaping and vegetation placement can be implemented to promote different types of interactions (public vs. private activities) and various spatial qualities (areas of exploration and play vs. quiet areas for meditation) within the courtyard setting. (Figure 13)

(iv) Soft landscaping such as low hedging can provide visual barriers which provide privacy of exterior spaces for individual units.

private - public -privatesymmetrical

publicassymetrical

gathering

private /publicrandom

exploration

private divisionsymmetrical

semi public - public -semi publicsymmetrical

private random

movement

FIGURE 13

Landscaping Spatial Quality Analysis 1:500

private-publicassymetrical

node


(f) For the purpose of enhancing safety and security, landscaping in courtyards should be designed to provide screening and filtering of views.

(g) Hard landscaping should complement and enhance existing topography, while soft landscaping, including tile and/or lawn areas, should also be provided as needed.

5.8 Programming

In order to enhance the livability of multiple dwelling neighbourhoods, and the usability of courtyards for personal and recreational purposes, programming options should be made available to local residents.

(a) Based on available space, the courtyard should be designed to accommodate the needs of a diverse residential population. Many of the city’s existing courtyards fail to accommodate more than one use. Possible uses include:

(i) Space for contemplation and relaxation, including landscaping, shade, and benches or ledges for resting.

(ii) Child play areas, including play structures and grass areas.

(iii) Community gardens where residents can grow their own fruits, vegetables and produce for personal consumption.

(iv) Private patio or balcony space.

(v) Bike storage that does not detract from the space visually.

(b) Programming should be coordinated to combine compatible uses.

FIGURE 14

Porch accommodates

seating.

5.9 Architectural Components

In addition to the opportunities for social interaction provided through programming opportunities, architectural elements should add to the visual interest, distinctiveness, quality of a courtyard and the surrounding neighbourhood.

ENTRANCES

(a) Entrances to multiple dwellings should respect the existing character of the building and ensure direct access to the housing units.

(b) All ground-level units should have separate, clearly defined, and distinguishable entrances.

(c) Porches may project into the space, and may provide a place for seating not exceeding 4 m2 (43 sq. ft.). If seating is to be provided, the porch should be covered. (Figure 14).

(d) Architectural design and detailing should emphasize the principal entrance, while also working with the site design to create a transition from the semi-private space of the courtyard to the private space of the home.


STAIRS

(a) Stairs to upper levels above the main floor must be accommodated within the internal space of the house. Exterior stairs that directly access upper levels are not supportable.

(b) Main floor units should be positioned above grade to define and distinguish primary entrances with stairs.

WINDOWS

(a) Window placement and design should be well-ordered, and opposing windows should be offset to increase privacy.

(b) Curtain wall windows opening into the courtyard are not supportable at courtyard widths below 25 m (82 ft.). At the discretion of the Director of Planning, curtain walls may be allowed at 20 m (66 ft.) provided landscape screening is adequate.

BALCONIES

(a) With increases in residential density, balconies should provide private open space to units without direct access to the courtyard. This is key to maintaining livability in a high-density area.

(b) New development should integrate balconies that are compatible with the overall design of the courtyard.


6.0 Location-Specific Policies6.1 Fairview Slopes FM-1

(a) As frontages should not exceed 30.5 m (100 ft.), courtyards are desirable on many redevelopment sites. Siting and massing should also be arranged to protect views of False Creek, Downtown, and North Shore Mountains.

(b) The courtyard should be designed to emphasize the small scale residential character of the neighbourhood.

(i) Facades should be articulated to give a pedestrian-scale appearance.

(ii) Entrances of individual dwellings should be emphasized with detailing and landscaping to lessen the visual effect of multiple dwellings.

(c) The retention of existing plants and trees is encouraged.

6.2 Kitsilano RM-4

(a) As frontages should not exceed 45.8 m (150 ft.), courtyards are desirable on larger sites.

(b) The courtyard should be used to take maximum advantage of views, sun, existing trees and landscaping, and to minimize view blockage, privacy conflicts, overshadowing and noise.

(i) Screen the courtyard from the street to meet the need for private open space.

(i) The courtyard-oriented development may also be used to meet the need for two exterior walls in each dwelling unit.

(c) Due to concerns over noise, water features should be used in courtyard landscaping.

(d) While balconies should be provided within the courtyard above the second floor, individual seating areas of a minimum depth of 1.8 m (6 ft.) within the courtyard are supportable as private open space for ground-level units. Ground-level open space should be defined by screening or landscaping.

(e) The retention of significant existing trees is encouraged.


6.4 Mount Pleasant RM-4

(a) As frontages should not exceed 15.3 m (50 ft.), courtyards are desirable on larger sites.

(b) Courtyards may be desirable in the Northeast Mount Pleasant Area and the West 10th Avenue Apartment Area, where new development is expected to compliment the adjacent building massing of the older smaller scale residential streetscape. Courtyards may also be used to improve livability where an attractive residential street frontage is not attainable, or where it is possible to open up views for new residents or adjacent dwellings. If a courtyard is to be used in the Core Apartment Area, its entrance and composition should be formal.

(c) In recognition of the urban street character and prominent entryways of this neighbourhood, ground-level units may be accessed via clearly visible street-oriented entrances. In this case, well defined secondary entrances should be provided via the courtyard.

(d) As noise is a significant concern in this neighbourhood, water features should be provided in courtyard landscaping wherever possible.

(e) The architectural components in this neighbourhood are highly varied. It is important that courtyard design respond to the character of adjacent residences.

6.3 Fairview Heights RM-4(a) As frontages should not exceed 15.3 m (50 ft.), courtyards are desirable on many redevelopment sites.

(i) If larger massing is broken into smaller individual components, these should express strong unit identity and relate to the characteristic frontage of the area.

(b) Where a courtyard is deemed appropriate in recognition of the character of adjacent residences, it should be designed to maintain the unity of character that defines the Fairview Heights streetscape.

(i) Common elements include roof forms, window types and patterns, building massing, finishing materials and landscaping.

(ii) New development should respond to the range of pitched roof lines by incorporating roof forms that provide texture and variety. The courtyard form should achieve this objective by utilizing pitched roofs in place of upper-level setbacks. Entrances to individual units may be identified using secondary roofs.

(c) Existing houses in the Fairview Heights area have clearly defined main entrances. For this reason, ground-level units may be accessed via clearly visible street-oriented entrances. In this case, well defined secondary entrances should be provided via the courtyard.

(d) As the neighbourhood is deficient in park area, courtyards should provide useable and observable open space, particularly that which may be used by children.

(e) The retention of existing plants and trees is encouraged.


7.0 Community EngagementRecommendations for the design of new courtyard developments were drafted with input collected from urban design and planning professionals, as well as community members currently residing in some of Vancouver’s multiple-dwelling, residential areas. The needs and interests of those affected were considered early in the process in order to generate improved conditions and better planning results.

The first phase of the planning process involved establishing a core planning team comprised of Planning Department staff, developers, architects, and urban design consultants. Their expert knowledge was gathered in order to ensure that the recommendations provided in this document set realistic objectives and alternatives for improving the current design quality of residential courtyards. The process began with a review of existing RM-1 and RM-4 design guidelines in the City of Vancouver, a visual analysis of current conditions (see Appendix A for a selection of case studies), and a review of literature concerning the evolving residential composition of these neighbourhoods. The result was a series of standards and priorities established in preparation for community consultation, reflecting what may be conducive to the needs of local residents.

A participatory approach to planning involves engaging local area stakeholders and citizens in advising and making decisions on matters related to local government. The recommendations articulated in this plan were informed by the perspectives, experiences and ideas collected from residents currently living in multiple dwelling residential areas with courtyards, and representing a range of social groups, including: young professionals, the elderly, and women with children. To mitigate potentially conflicting and contradictory interests, a neutral facilitator attended all public meetings and workshops in order to ensure all voices and interests were acknowledged. Although the core planning team played a significant role in finalizing the recommendations included in the design guidelines, the ideas and directions were informed by the needs and interests identified by participants engaging in the community consultation process.

The consultation program was held over the course of two days and included 40 local residents participating in 5 focus groups. In these meetings, residents identified their primary residential interests, and concerns related to current courtyard conditions. Their feedback informed the goals, objectives and recommendations articulated in this plan. In addition, a design charrette exercise was organized as a creative process meant to capture the vision, values and ideas of the community. The exercise included participation from 20 residents of multiple dwelling neighbourhoods, 4 design professionals, and 2 City staff members. In turn, the vision and courtyard features recommended to enhance the public realm and contribute to the creation of liveable residential neighhourhoods in Vancouver reflect of community interests and expert input.


8.0 ReferencesCity of Vancouver. (n.d.). Vancouver’s New Neighbourhoods: Achievements in planning and urban design. Retrieved August 21, 2011 from http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/currentplanning/urbandesign/br2pdf/intro.pdf

City of Vancouver. (2006). Information about your community. Retrieved August 30, 2011 from http://vancouver.ca/community_profiles/CommunityList.htm

City of Vancouver, 2009. Future Population Growth in Vancouver. Retrieved August 21, 2011 http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/stats/futurepopgrowth/index.htm

City of Vancouver, 2010. Seniors Factsheet. Retrieved August 21, 2011 http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/socialplanning/initiatives/seniors/pdf/Seniors_Factsheet.pdf

Edwards, B., M. Sibley, M. Hakmi and P. Land. (2006). Courtyard Housing. New York: Taylor Francis.

Punter, J. (2003). The Vancouver Achievement: Urban Planning and Design. Vancouver: UBC Press.

Appendix A: Case Studies

151 West 1st Avenue 24 m x 37 m (79 ft. x 121 ft.)

1181-1199 West 7th Avenue 9 m x 60 m (30 ft. x 197 ft.)

• Theconfigurationofthecourtyardrunsfromeasttowest,whiletheexistingdimensionscreatetheperceptionofbeinginadefined,outdoor‘room’.

• Arelativelynarrowwidthrestrictsmobilityandcreatesafeelingofenclosure.

• Passivedesignelementsareaneffectivemeansofheatingandcoolingthecourtyard,aswellasexistingresidentialunits.

• Roofingissloped,whicheffectivelyprovidesnaturallighting.

• Unitsareconfiguredsothatkitchenwindowsandentrancedoorsfaceontothecourtyard,allowingresidentstopassivelysupervisethespace,creatingalevelofsurveillanceandsecurity.

• Well-definedentrancesprovidevisualcharacterandinterest,whiletheinclusionofawaterfeaturecreatesambientnoise.

• Illustratestheprovisionofpedestrianamenitiesinsemi-privatecourtyardspacesinordertoproviderecreationalopportunitiesforfamilieswithchildren.

• Thesiteandscaleoftheplaygroundstructuredoesnotappeartoallowformultipleusesofthespace,andminimalopportunitiesforlandscaping.

• Aneffectiveheight-widthratioprovidesforadequatesunlightinthecourtyardatallhours.

• Theexistenceofsingleloadedopencorridorsandopenbalconiesanimatesthecourtyard,providesambiancenoise,andameansofresidentialsurveillance.

• Agateandsignagemarkthedivisionofspacebetweenthepublicstreet,otherresidencesandthesemi-privatecourtyardforthespecificbuildingunderanalysis.

• Effectivelandscapingusingavarietyofnativespeciescreatesvisualinterestandaddstothecreationofawelcomingnaturalenvironment.

• Theplacementofawaterfeatureprovidesambientnoise,mufflingsoundsfromthestreet.

1428 West 6th Avenue 19 m x 63 m (62 ft. x 207 ft.)

1045 West 8th Avenue 27 m x 5 m (89 ft. x 16 ft.)

• Thenarrowwidthofthecourtyard(16ft.)requiresexcessivelandscapescreeningwiththeuseoffencesinordertoprovidesomelevelofprivacyforunitsonthegroundlevel.

• Theprojectionofprivatespacesforpersonaluse(suchasbalconies)overwhelmthecourtyardandlimittheamountofsemi-privatespaceavailableformultipleusesorprogrammingoptionsforthecurrentresidents.

• Insufficientlandscaping(or‘greening’)ofthecourtyardwithvariedspeciesandplantingsreducesitsvisualcharacterandoverallphysicalappeal.

• Landscapescreeningpreventstheadequatedefinitionoffrontdoors.

• Widesidewalksallowforpedestrianaccess,contributingthecreationofahighlycirculatedpublicthroughwaybetweentwodistinct,privatecourtyards.

• Accessibilityisfacilitatedbyarampforpeoplewithphysicaldisabilities.

• Gatesseparatethepublicareafromthesemi-privateusesofthecourtyards.

• Thewidthofthecourtyardandadequatelandscapescreeningallowforcurtainwalls.

• Despitebeingsituatedbetweentwomajorstreets,theorientationanddesignofthecourtyardcontributetoafeelingofseparationfromhighlytraffickedpublicareas.

• Thelargerscaleallowsformultipleusesandpublicamenities,includingbenchesandplaystructurescontainedwithinthesemi-privatecourtyards.

• Variedlandscapingprovidesvisualinterestandaddstothequalityoftheresidentiallivingenvironment.

Documents

Courtyard Design