The Back Story

Originally retained by The Hangzhou Economic Development Area (HEDA) to participate in the visioning study and guiding principles which would direct the development of the new city centre, our priorities focused on promoting economic growth while respecting the region’s culture and establishing an ecologically based approach to city building.

Understanding the potential economic and environmental detriment that polluted stream flows have on a City’s development and success, The Hangzhou Economic Development Area (HEDA) sought our consulting expertise in addressing these impending realities. Following a vision for an infrastructure/land model that would provide water filtration and treatment, while simultaneously creating economically viable development, a 75 hectare land district was dedicated to realize this ambition.

Our Contribution

VISIONING

Our involvement began with reviewing site capacity and creating a responsive site framework that defined the form and tenure of the public realm spaces and amenities.

We prepared urban design studies, responding to the new city-centre’s ambitions to include financial and office precincts, marketplace shopping district, ceremonial and formal civic gardens, naturalized functional ecological zones, an entertainment/restaurant/retail district, arts centre, and beach and tourism facility.

URBAN PLACE-MAKING

As the project’s lead consultant during concept and detailed design development phases, our role included the conceptualization and graphic representation of all public open space areas throughout the new city centre.

This included pedestrian promenades, contemporary pedestrian bridges, multiple civic plazas, a prominent subway station entrance plaza, waterfront boardwalks, a water play park and urban public outdoor swimming pool, inviting and varied opportunities for public access to the water’s edge, as well as more intimate, passive garden spaces.

ECOLOGICAL INNOVATION

In Collaboration with PACE Water Engineering Consultants from California, we developed appropriate planting communities, details and specifications for passive and mechanically facilitated wetland filtration systems and shoreline riparian zones along the 2.8 kilometers surrounding the newly planned Jinsha Lake.

We created waterfront amenities and a sense of place for the new community, identifying the spatial opportunities of these naturalization initiatives and offering varied pedestrian-focused experiences along the lake’s publicly accessible frontages.

DETAILED PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND CULTURAL RESPONSIBILITY

To ensure continuity of the original design intent, as well as responsiveness to the cultural context, our involvement with Jinsha Lake continued beyond concept design and master planning, with POPOVICH as the lead project consultants for completion detail development for the entire waterfront and public realm areas.

To maintain design integrity while overcoming geographic and language barriers and ensuring regional appropriateness of material selection and construction methodology, our team actively oversaw the preparation of tender-ready working drawings by a local Landscape Architect in Hangzhou.

To meet HEDA’s budgetary goals and timelines, we implemented a rigorous production protocol focused on maintaining clear lines of communications to Hangzhou, ensuring that any conflicts or changes that would compromise schedules or budget were clearly defined and mitigated against.

The Back Story

With a progressive mission to exemplify their brands ideals, we were engaged by Maple Leaf Foods to create an industrial bakery facility that would strengthen community well-being. Creating a project that stands out in an emerging employment district of Hamilton, the project was completed in 2012 and received LEED Gold Certification following in 2013.

Our Contribution

SITE SUITABILITY

Developing multiple site adaptations, including linear berming combined with native planting mixes, deliberately responded to the goal achieving a modern production facility that respected and enhanced the natural and cultural heritage on the site and its surroundings.

This extensive re-naturalization program was applied strategically on all programmed non-built areas, providing continuity of fabric and form.

COMPLIANCE COORDINATION

A key challenge to the successful design of this project was merging the clients program of developing a successful industrial bakery operation with the key sustainable development values put forth a part of LEED Gold compliance criteria.

Striving to meet these objectives, we developed a comprehensive list of site constraints that focused on habitat protection and restoration as well as immunizing massing and footprints of site features.

INNOVATION

In close collaboration with the civil and hydrological engineering consultants, we applied principles of economical and ecological conservation to achieve minimal storm-water runoff.

We achieved filtered groundwater recharge and naturalization by incorporating extensive bio-swales and infiltration zone design as micro-ecological amenities working in consortium with water catchment areas, such as native prairie and wet meadow habitats.

The Back Story

As part of the Province of Ontario’s “Building Together” long-term plan, committed to innovation and investment in public infrastructure, the need for significant expansion and updating of a Toronto government services campus was identified. The project served to consolidate various Provincial agencies and facilities including; the new Humber River Regional Hospital, a Forensic-Sciences Centre, a Coroner's Court complex, Toronto’s Provincial Police head detachment, as well as Ministry of Transportation’s headquarters, into a functional, comprehensive and cohesive campus.

Our Contribution

VISIONING + PROGRAMMING

Working with BNC Architects and MGP Planning, we completed a comprehensive Master Plan to unify the urban site through infill, expansion, intensification and a network of connected open spaces. POPOVICH co-authored a set of comprehensive Urban Design Guidelines to portray the desired qualities of for the project, solidifying programming ambitions for the site.  

Planting, parking, street widths, building proportions, densities and setbacks were all considered, with a primary focus placed on enhancing the public realm user-experience within the Provincial Campus. Character studies for all internal roads were developed, describing the built environment through repetition of coordinated design elements, including colour, shape and texture to create a harmonious brand, which reflected a progressive image for the Province.

INNOVATION AND DETAILED DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

In the detailed development stage of the project, our mandate provided by the Province was to realize a modern campus which would serve as a Provincial Prototype for sustainable development, while accommodating future growth and long-term intensification through a phased approach.

While this mandate for a prototype of innovative and industry-leading sustainable design suffered funding setbacks part way through the approvals process, the now constructed Phase One maintained a strong focus on low-impact design technologies and best-practices.  An open space network including a series of linear parks, plaza and park-type spaces supported by both boulevard and in-building linkages, allowed us to incorporate many ‘green infrastructure’ initiatives.

Permeable pavements and bio-swales throughout Phase-One interim and permanent parking areas offer low-impact storm water management, while drought tolerant and largely native plant species selection contributes to urban biodiversity, carbon sequestration and heat island mitigation.

Connectivity of pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular circulation, universal accessibility as well as ecological connectivity to surrounding community circulation systems were all prioritized through organization of space and detailed design.  Public, passive and shared transportation infrastructure included optimally located bus stops, bicycle lanes, multi-use pathways in green spaces and electric car charging stations throughout the campus.

PLACE-MAKING

Phase One of the Provincial Campus included a series of urban plaza-based open spaces, linear and nodal-type park amenity areas as well as a full playground and sports field park connected to the campus by a muti-use trail system.

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

Our team acted as the primary consultants reviewing and providing Contract Administration services for Urban Design, Planning and Landscape Architectural components throughout 3 years of construction, completing the project’s initial phase.

Our journey on this project was one of visioning, policy advising, feasibility studies and master planning.

The Back Story 

With a commission to create am integrated, high-density urban community as part of a mixed use development for the 24.3 hectare site, the goal was to develop a scheme that offered vibrant street-scapes and amenity spaces that could serve the greater community. Located in Toronto’s west end, the development vision was of integration, creating an iconic landmark as the catalyst for future revitalization in the area.

OUR CONTRIBUTION

VISIONING AND MASTER PLANNING

As Project Lead we defined and incorporated community design principles, to transition this traditional large format low density retail site, that looked beyond a piecemeal approach to redevelopment. With total land resources in mind, we focused on effective and efficient use, while appropriately preserving existing site components, contributing to the on-going, long-term success of the site.

Another of our core principles of re-development was to provide lifestyle opportunities for those who would live and work in the community, not preclude them. This initiative was to allow residents to have deliberate means of committing, participating and acting in ways that could contribute to greater sense of place, and enhance the overall health of natural environment.

POLICY RESPONSE

Although context-sensitive planning was essential for this project, the true determinant of successfully moving this project ahead, revolved around negotiations with third parties regarding infrastructure. We recognized early on, in our policy review that significant right-of-ways, easements and covenants existed over the property, each with their unique set of constraints and individual agency review and approval processes.

FEASIBILITY + PROGRAMMING

Our preferred Master Plan recommended a pedestrian-scale development focused on active retail, hotel and residential and private-public interfacing. A balanced mix of uses and density was achieved through careful pre-design documentation where we focused on functional requirements in sufficient detail to initiate preliminary costing and pro forma from which to measure viability. This budget forecast, including both hard and soft construction costs and provided variables for changing market conditions and a costing model that reflected the client’s requirements, through multiple development options and paired them with applicable policy that affected short and long-term viability, as well as local market conditions. 

STRATEGY + POSITIONING

From a positioning standpoint our focus was to clearly translate the principles developed at the visioning stage of the project to all stakeholders including the greater community and municipality. The ultimate goal was to address areas of disagreement and contention, providing an open dialogue at the outset of the engagement process, when the program and plan were pliable and plans and design approach refinement could be modified to reach consensus. We garnered a general agreement on principles and support in an effort to deliver a smoother long term process through implementation for our client.

Our journey on this project was one of visioning, innovation, place-making and identity branding, design implementation strategy, value engineering, master planning and feasibility study. 

The Back Story

As an ongoing mandate to remain community leaders in sustainability and social responsibility, the Mississauga Executive Centre commissioned Popovich to re-stage the existing 35 year old office campus, within its downtown context, to define a comprehensive site improvement strategy from long term sustainability and community integration. Through analysis and innovation we developed a prioritized revitalization strategy. Currently being implemented as a phased approach, the campus is being re-introduced as a model for tenant amenity offerings.

Our Contribution

ASSESSMENT + ANALYSIS

We began this assignment with detailed and thorough site assessment and evaluation by determining that many of the existing features and organizational structure on site remain relevant and in good repair. We then expanded our study to investigate future intensification opportunities, identify the related social activities, ensuring that they would be protected and enhanced as the design goals for the project were set.

Schematic studies were developed, studying the campus’s relationship within Mississauga, focusing on existing roads, trails, paths and transit, as well as the implications of proposed future growth and infrastructure expansions, including LRT.  We also investigated site specifics, focusing on each of the four buildings in the context of site access, view sheds, site interest, micro climates, noise, shadows and community contributions.

PRINCIPLES AND PRECEDENTS

Working closely with the Stakeholders, we developed design criteria focused on resiliency, place-making and community relationships. Relating this to built form we also examined various site design precedents, focusing on high quality materials and sustainable interventions.

PRINCIPLES AND PRECEDENTS

Working closely with the Stakeholders, we developed design criteria focused on resiliency, place-making and community relationships. Relating this to built form we also examined various site design precedents, focusing on high quality materials and sustainable interventions.

Ultimately, the strategy for updating the campus open space focused on adaptive reuse and enhancement, building on the value of existing infrastructure providing a series of outdoor amenity spaces providing socializing opportunities to foster a sense of community between building occupants and surrounding ecologies.

PLACE-MAKING AND IDENTITY BRANDING

Responding to the vision put forward for the creation of a more vibrant downtown, by the City in their Downtown 21 Master Plan, one of the objectives for this project was the creation of an urban place that celebrated identity and culture. 

Through exercises of campus signage, corporate branding and identity, programming and way finding design, we reinforced the clients brand within the public interface as well as delivered ease of access and mobility for pedestrians and vehicles alike. We also provided means of celebrating and showcasing the City’s cultural diversity, identifying key opportunities for local artist to promote public art, which in turn strengthen the campus’s connection within the local context.

MASTER PLANNING AND INNOVATION

With recent LEED Gold designation for each of the four existing building envelopes and mechanical systems, we extended these aspirations to the design of site elements through campus unification. Recognizing synergies with the Cooksville Creek open space system, which bisects the campus, we strategically identified and addressed issues relating to water use, storm water management and discharge.

Focused on sustainability and resiliency we developed means of hardscape and softscape integration as well as storm water management initiatives such as bio-swales and vegetated infiltration methodologies. Additionally, we chose low-carbon and materials developed with a Cradle-to-Cradle philosophy in mind. From this perspective we were also able to ensure long term fiscal balance, through the efficient performance of these investments over their lifetime, equating to reduced maintenance, replacement and operational costs.

Our journey on this project involved visioning, master planning, feasibility study and policy advising.

The Back Story

POPOVICH was invited to support the real estate advisory team, providing expertise in sustainable office campus planning, in an effort to determine land use suitability and capacity for the efficient development of available land. Applying these priorities we defined principles from which a series of land use studies could be undertaken to determine, both fiscally and ecologically, the viability of such an initiative.

Our Contribution

STRATEGIC FORESIGHT

With the site’s proximity to Highway 401 and Pearson International Airport, we identified at the pre-planning stage of the project, the potential for restrictive covenants that could impact the build-out potential in terms of built form. Prior to initiating any concept plans, we consulted with political and senior staff of the City of Mississauga as well as the Greater Toronto Airport Authority to assess and address issues of district wide transportation infrastructure, future road network expansions, as well as flight path restrictions posed by adjacent airport runways. This allowed us to address circulation patterns and density early on, ensuring that development concepts explored through the feasibility studies responded to applicable policy.

RESPONSIBLY BUILT URBAN FORM

Incorporating input and synthesis of in-depth industry research from the projects realty advisors; we translated this data into a site development planning framework from which various urban design studies could be evaluated to establish feasibility and market absorption pro-forma. 

Current and projected land values, construction costs and rental rates were used in formulating a phasing strategy that measured economic viability as the site transitioned to build-out. A significant challenge of the preferred development model was addressing the parking requirements, interim and ultimate,  in a manner that would unify the urban and ecological aspirations of the site.

We considered options of underground parking, parking structures with activated commercial frontages as well as surfacing parking with integrated storm-water features. Ultimately, all each of the approaches were utilized, creating a community environment built on sustainable principles of a lively urban-centric model, despite the current primarily car-centric context.

Our journey on this project involved visioning, master planning, feasibility study and design guidelines.

The Back Story

Working with Malone Givens Parsons, we collaborated to provide the City of Vaughan with a strategic vision to define the urban structure of a Precinct Plan, providing the instrument to guide the future development of a new Regional Health Care facility with a compliment of ancillary and support Health related Research, Education and Private Health Services related facilities.

Our Contribution

VISIONING AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Collaborating with the team of Planners and Architects, we developed the vision for The City of Vaughan for their 82-acre parcel of vacant land purchased with the specific intent to create a vibrant healthcare precinct. With a primary focus on the delivery of the new Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital, we developed guiding principles as the fundamental objectives for use in developing the Precinct Plan.

Supporting sustainability, land use and transitions, urban design, transportation as well as infrastructure and storm water management strategies, the framework we developed accommodates the specific spatial needs of the hospital while informing urban form and land use related decisions for the development of the remaining lands to create a comprehensive precinct that is complementary in form, function and context.

CONSENSUS DRIVEN PLANNING

The endorsed Precinct Plan is the result of consultation between the City as the landowner and Mackenzie Health as a major stakeholder, the regional health care provider and administrator of the future hospital. We participated in multiple workshops, charrettes and presentations with community groups and stakeholders, understanding the need to reach a consensus of priorities, to garner support and collective buy-in.

CONNECTIVITY

A key component of establishing the form of the Plan related to active and multi-modal transportation. Multiple streetscape typologies were considered as the Precinct Plan was developed to; offer convenient, visually attractive, comfortable and safe movement, promote a permeable public street system which connects surrounding community and established identity and character for the precinct. As such, finer-grained street network complemented by precinct wide pedestrian connectivity promoting comprehensive re-development were set along with ‘promenade’ design linking the main land-use zones, including; healthcare, research, office, urban park amenity, naturalized and buffer planting, as well as storm water management facilities. 

At a glance, our role with this project encompassed master planning, community engagement, heritage assessment / analysis and consideration, and contract oversight through construction.

The Back Story

Committed to a mission of setting the highest possible standard for retiree quality of life, a joint venture between Hearthstone Communities and Tridel engaged POPOVICH to provided urban design and landscape input for the significant redevelopment of this infill property in an established residential neighbourhood. Demanding sensitivity and attention in preserving and enhancing architectural and natural heritage elements of the property, this project successfully integrated a new mid-rise development onto this established site and the surrounding residential community.

Our Contribution

FACILITATION AND INTEGRATION

Acting as the principle liaison with concerned community members regarding the interface of the development within the existing residential neighbourhood, POPOVICH was responsible for translating the positive value potential the development offered to the surrounding community, in terms of lifestyle services and real estate equity.

By incorporating the existing designated heritage-designated building along with many significant mature trees on site we identified as design opportunities, we developed an integration design approach which was sympathetic to and enhanced the unique character of the site.

Care was taken to relate the development to the surrounding community, through cohesive and complementary streetscaping, including an extensive complementary landscaping, feature walls and site structures, maintaining the site’s prominence as one of the City’s valued heritage assets.

MASTER PLANNING

Working within the programmatic constraints of a continuing care facility and a relativity confined site, the preferred plan that evolved included comprehensive internal pedestrian connections, linking the various community oriented uses at grade. Extensive planting areas, parkettes and amenity areas were also incorporated, interspersed throughout the private realm, delivering seasonal interest as well as intimate spaces for repose.

With the Site’s proximity to Lake Ontario and its recreational trails, we determined it was essential to provide deliberate views out towards this borrowed landscape. Following Hearthstone’s mission, we achieved successful approval and implementation of this 174 unit luxury senior’s condominium, offering a high level independence for residents while creating a unique sense of community within the development.

At a glance, our role with this project encompassed visioning and master planning, detailed design development and contract oversight.

The Back Story

For this venture, we formed part of an engaged stakeholder group with an objective to redevelop a significant key land holding in the downtown core of the City of Waterloo. Concentrated on supporting, promoting and strengthening the local business by infusing a dynamic vitality, the multi-faceted Town of Waterloo’s Uptown shopping district, including the shopping district was reborn creating a new heart for the City. Our role involved developing an overall strategy directed at incorporating a sensitive approach and treatment of public realm areas which contributed to maximizing the pedestrian experience and animating street activities.

Our Contribution

PEDESTRIAN CHARACTER

Stretching along a 4-block section of King Street, at the projects onset, the concept was to implement best practices for downtown planning and revitalization, which infuse walkability and a welcoming pedestrian experience. Understanding the hallmark of a vital downtown is its pedestrian culture, we consciously focused on providing visitors reasons to walk as well as ensuring this could happen in a way that was safe, comfortable and mentally stimulating.

With mixed use development proposed within the proposed buildings, balance was provided of the greatest number of uses within a manageable walking distance, allowing for deliberate street level interventions. Forming the basis by which these principles could be solidified, sidewalks along the main frontages were widened. With careful attention to design elements, we were able to deliver a sense of elegance within the public realm to compliment the vitality and ambition inherent within the surrounding context.

URBAN STYLE

The Master Plan incorporated a civic square that provides a landmark and community amenity immediately abutting a portion of the development at one of the building’s main entrances. The space plays host to an exhibition area, performance stage and an ice rink during the winter months. Through design development, we defined a minimalist and unified palette to carry across the public realm, including paving and seating, patio areas, as well as streetscape landscaping.

Additionally, we provided tree canopy, where possible, moderating climatic conditions as well as improving a sense of enclosure by reducing the street space. Transportation was also a significant consideration for this retail dominated precinct. With an adjacent transit hub slated for expansion to include light rapid transit service, with extensive parking that intersects the site, the need to provide deliberate pathway connections was identified and incorporated. Overall the redevelopment has successfully attracted long-term quality businesses and created a place of exceptional ambiance, winning an urban design award for exemplary main street design in 2012.

At a glance, our role with this project encompassed visioning, cultural integration, public consultation, environmental restoration strategy, innovative detailed design development and contract oversight, ecological and geomorphic remediation.

The Back Story

Engaged by TransCanada as part of their mandate to be a leading energy infrastructure company, we worked in collaboration with Bogdan Newman Caranci, to develop an appropriate design approach for this significant infrastructure responding to restorative urban design principles while mitigating visual impact to the local community. Dealing with the quintessential conflict between issues of urban expansion and rural heritage, we worked extensively with TransCanada, the Town Council and the design collaborative to develop an approach to the site development that is highly functional while retaining cultural legacy.

Our Contribution

PLACE BRANDING

With strong urban design principles established by the Town of Halton Hills for all development along the Highway 401 corridor, our initial undertaking on the project was to respond with design strategies that supported this existing policy. As such, in conjunction with BNC, we crafted a comprehensive strategic plan that offered quality of built form reinforcing landscape context together with incorporating a strong visual identity for the client and Town. 

Utilizing the opportunity the relatively flat corridor lands offered, we incorporated a diversity of landscape forms and treatments that responded to the natural heritage elements of the property while emphasizing a major structural gateway feature developed as an urban design anchor, with maximum highway exposure. Developing unique and diverse planting communities with native plantings at to both complement and articulate this structure, has not only anchored the site, but also demonstrates the client’s commitment ecology as well as provides branding for the community.

ECOLOGICAL ENGANCEMENT AND PUBLIC CONSULTATION

The other substantial priority for this endeavour, was focused on securing the long-term stability and enhancement of existing natural heritage features for this extensive site, while re-establishing natural heritage components lost overtime to agricultural expansion on the site. Through our role, we identified appropriate opportunities to interface with adjacent rural lands through the preservation and restorative enhancement of existing native forest areas, wetland, and meadowland.  

Additionally, we implemented LID methodologies promoting infiltration of storm-water runoff on site, maintenance of natural drainage patterns to Six Mile Creek, the preservation and enhancement of natural heritage areas, wetland recreation, and remedial geomorphic works associated with habitat creation and long term watercourse stabilization. Extending this approach to promote a viable ecosystem on the property further, we rehabilitated property areas which had previously been used as active farmland to prairie, wetland and wet meadow habitat, returning them to predevelopment native plant communities.

Ultimately, these initiatives became essential ecological and community benefits, garnering support by the local community and Town Council. We were actively engaged throughout the extensive public consultation and facilitation processes as a part of realizing this project.

At a glance, our role with this project encompassed visioning and place-making, and innovative design development.

The Back Story

As part of an open design competition searching for initiatives to transform the Wyandotte Business District of Windosr, Ontario as well as to promote and enhance its culturally rich identity, POPOVICH responded with a proposal founded on principles to create strong strategic connections between the community’s business corridor and the surrounding residential neighbourhoods which support it. 

Our Contribution

DRIVING PRINCIPLES

Augmenting the key vision to create a vibrant business district showcasing a ‘World Marketplace’, our concept began by establishing 5 guiding principles to be used a building blocks from which to evolve the design. To instill pride, celebrate diversity, promote business, enhance accessibility, and reinforce environmental responsibility, provided the deliberate direction for our approach while providing opportunity to be applied beyond the scope of the project, following a successful implementation. 

PROGRAMMED REVITALIZATION

Providing the physical framework for culture to permeate, we created a refined streetscape utilizing street trees, ground related plantings and street furniture. This was supported by a series of plazas at the Districts centre, offering adaptable areas for a wide range of activities, functions as well as opportunities for public art installations. 

We also explored revitalization options and intensification potential of the built-form that framed the street frontage, offering a phased improvement perspective. Our hope was to create a space that engaged and instilled pride of place for residents as well as encouraging visitors, making Wyandotte a destination.

DEVELOPMENT BARRIERS

With a relatively wide street, along with significant heavy truck traffic, we identified the primary constraints in successfully implementing any sort of meaningful renewal had to do with mobility and accessibly. As such, we made the ambitious decision to remove 2 lanes of traffic reducing the scale of the road profile, while also offering opportunities to provide a mix of on-street parking, wider sidewalks as well as bus lay-bys and dedicated bike lanes. Building on the motif of movement, providing streets with ‘flat curbs’ and barrier free restrictions throughout the entire streetscape, the design promotes an environment that enhances accessibility to all, making it truly inclusive.

INNOVATION BRANDING

Incorporating environmentally responsible and restorative features throughout the project were proposed as a defining character for the District. Bio-swales within sidewalks and plaza areas were proposed, along with areas of permeable paving materials, in an effort to collect and reduce stormwater runoff, while providing an ecological benefit of groundwater recharge.

Incorporation of ‘green roofs’, alternative energy systems as well as reflective surfaces were also suggested for the redevelopment of existing structures. A unique layout for the intersections at either end of the project scope was developed. Offering safety for bicycle traffic these features form gateways that speak to the innovation that is inherent within the development scheme.

Our role involved visioning, district scale community planning, feasibility studies, and policy execution strategy.

The Back Story

POPOVICH was initially engaged by a number of land owners within the Secondary Plan Area to translate the policies of the Secondary Plan into identifiable community design components from which an assessment of preliminary principles could have established prior to initiating detailed design studies for individual land holdings. This engagement provided a platform for Landowners to consider demographic factors in evolving the concepts to respond to the emerging housing needs in the Region.

Following adoption of the Secondary Plan Policy Document, stakeholders within the Fletcher’s Meadow Community proceeded to develop a comprehensive strategy for the successful integration of multiple future residential, commercial and community uses in efforts to advance formal Plans of Subdivision reflecting the endorsed planning policies.

Involved at the initial stages for much of the visioning for 2,100 acres of this Secondary Plan Area in north-west Brampton, we were retained by a number of key stakeholders including Mattamy Homes, Tribute Communities, Great Gulf and Lormel Homes. Ultimately, we were engaged by the landowners group to coordinate the interfaces between individual development proposals and integration of a Community District Plans.

Our Contribution

VISIONING AND SECONDARY COMMUNITY PLANNING

Developing creative and responsive community organization studies for individual landowners, the neighbourhood planning concepts proposed a vision for progressive community planning combining traditional neighbourhoods while incorporating a variety of housing tenures, shopping and employment opportunities, a hierarchy of open space and civic facilities in compact communities that were both functional and desirable.

FEASIBILITY STUDY AND POLICY EXECUTION STRATEGY

Our scope included the development of creative and responsive neighbourhood planning alternatives in excess of 900 acres, with a particular focus on translating Official Plan Policies into a framework of promoting progressive community design. Working in concert with the stakeholders and approval agencies including, Canadian National Railways (CNR), Ministry of Transportation (MTO), Credit Valley Conservation, the City of Brampton and Region of Peel, we developed consensus on vision and execution strategy, ultimately securing approvals and agreement on numerous development matters, including the attainment of approvals for multiple Draft Plans of Subdivision.

We worked closely with a number of significant stakeholders with major land interests to evolve community plans which were constant with the overriding policy objectives while promoting progressive neighbourhood design principles responding to an emerging demographic. We were ultimately retained by the Landowners’ Group charged with managing the master development plan for the entire secondary plan area in order to coordinate the integration of the each of the adjacent Draft Plans of Subdivision proposed by all applicants within the District. 

FEASIBILITY STUDY AND POLICY EXECUTION STRATEGY

Our scope included the development of creative and responsive neighbourhood planning alternatives in excess of 900 acres, with a particular focus on translating Official Plan Policies into a framework of promoting progressive community design. Working in concert with the stakeholders and approval agencies including, Canadian National Railways (CNR), Ministry of Transportation (MTO), Credit Valley Conservation, the City of Brampton and Region of Peel, we developed consensus on vision and execution strategy, ultimately securing approvals and agreement on numerous development matters, including the attainment of approvals for multiple Draft Plans of Subdivision.

We worked closely with a number of significant stakeholders with major land interests to evolve community plans which were constant with the overriding policy objectives while promoting progressive neighbourhood design principles responding to an emerging demographic. We were ultimately retained by the Landowners’ Group charged with managing the master development plan for the entire secondary plan area in order to coordinate the integration of the each of the adjacent Draft Plans of Subdivision proposed by all applicants within the District. 

The Back Story

The Grand Experiment was conceived as a means of developing an alternative lifestyle focused on creating a sustainable agriculture model, that could be implemented as a viable business model for a couple approaching this endeavour to operate and manage. Purchasing a modest homestead 20 minutes outside the centre of London and seeking to reconnect to cultural roots, we were charged with developing an overall strategy to implement a vision of sustainable agricultural model which was substantiated by a viable Business Model, as programmer and co-creator of the business model. As principal architect of the agriculture program has been to provide overriding vision, guidance, explore profitable agri-food business ventures, research various business precedents and emerging concepts, and design the site  and facilities to facilitate all the activities in a workable and livable rural context.

Our Contribution

ANALYSIS AND SUITABILITY

Commencing with a comprehensive site inventory, we explored and researched the physical and cultural aspects of the site, including physical, biological and cultural attributes. We mapped this data collected, providing a comprehensive overview of the existing site and contextual conditions. Throughout the process we worked closely with the client to establish their specific goals and objectives for the project, as well as identify preferred agricultural uses, activities and programming intended for the site.

With a particular focus on establishing a wood working shop, vegetable gardens and orchard as well as investigating and developing viable alternatives for livestock, programming requirements were prioritized. We developed fiscal modeling to determine a return on investment over time. By following such a rigorous front-end process, we were able to develop phased development options that could be implemented over time thus maintain the projects fiscal viability.

From this we performed a suitability analysis through the development of themed opportunity and constraints maps, establishing the development and programming suitability patterns and their respective impact on the organization of program elements for the site.

QUALITY BY DESIGN

Recognizing synergies that existed between the preferable programming, a plan of permaculture was developed. Focused on a system of agricultural and social design principles that utilize the patterns and features observed in natural ecosystems, we developed a set of alternatives that protected and were responsive to the natural and cultural conditions. 

Sun and wind exposure, property size and configuration, ecological communities, drainage and topography, existing building scale and character, as well as prominent vistas and views were all important determinants in developing a Concept Plan that could be further refined. Alternative energy methods including: solar, geothermal and wind were explored as means of reducing capital and operational cost while improving the reliability of service, additionally providing sustainable energy systems. We developed fiscal modeling to determine a return on investment over time. By following such a rigorous front-end process, we were able to develop phased development options that could be implemented over time thus maintain the projects fiscal viability. 

RESEARCH IN INNOVATION

With innovative and best practices in site planning and programming having been established, the client has currently implementing the first year Plan. The program’s inaugural season has been both ambitious and successful, having replaced the previous monoculture of corn with a planting program which introduced a diverse and sustainable selection of grains, the initial start up of the permaculture operation and an intensive habitat creation initiative to restore natural areas of the property to native forest and replacing manicured areas of the site with habitat promoting plantings. 

We have maintained close contact with the client, providing support through regular site visits and review of the Client`s journaling. To date, this has allowed us to maintain real-time monitoring of the success of the implemented ideas as well as make real-time adjustments to ongoing and future scheduled phases and strategies. Additionally, we have been actively involved in exploring future sustainable agricultural trends seeking out new opportunities to ensure the long-term success of this venture.

Our role involved visioning, strategy and design, ecological planning. 

The Back Story

In the heart of one of the Toronto’s most significant urban parks, High Park, an ecological assessment and management treatment engaged POPOVICH to complement a comprehensive team comprised of hydrologists, geotechnical and geomorphic engineers in the effort to preserve, protect and enhance the ecology of the south shoreline of this significant water body and establish amenities around the Pond making it accessible and enjoyable by the public.

Our Contribution

VISIONING, DESIGN STRATEGY AND ECOLOGICAL PLANNING

This is a great example of a project focused on nature – within an urban realm – that combined the objectives to protect and manage an environmentally sensitive area inviting a socially and publicly inclusive manner.

Our design focused on developing an enhanced fauna, fish and aquatic habitat, through creating an ecological and environmental management plan.

Introduction of extensive native trees, shrubs, herbaceous and aquatic plantings created the core ecological zones while allowing inclusive public access along the less sensitive areas at the water’s edge.

The Back Story

For POPOVICH, the challenges of expansion and upgrading this unique retail site were to remain true to the original design intent while addressing current marketing and retail trends. The scope of the project included: enhancement of the street-scape, patios and tenant facilities on an ongoing basis of twelve years.