Bringing nature back to the city in Vancouver

Henriquez Partners Architects, along with PFS Landscape Architects, have designed a mixed-use development for Vancouver, featuring sprawling green space and 10 tree-topped towers.

Due for completion in 2027, the 11 hectare Oakridge Redevelopment will include a 3.6 hectare park with bike lanes, walkways and landscaping by PFS Studio.

Abundant green spaces are designed to enrich the lives of the community’s occupants, and Henriquez Partners Architects say their “new design concept brings nature back into the city,” integrating the urban fabric between park, retail, office and residential spaces.

The development will be heated and cooled via a neighbourhood energy system that captures waste heat and matches it with energy from groundwater geothermal wells. Image courtesy of Henriquez Partners Architects.

An existing 9 hectare concrete parking lot will be replaced with a rooftop park that will include playgrounds, playing fields, woodlands, a community garden, concert stages and a running loop. There will also be a network of pedestrian pathways to link the various parts of the site, promoting physical activity and community interaction.

The Oakridge Redevelopment sits on a recently completed rapid transit stop, and sustainable transport options such as bike and car valets, car co-ops, and bike and car shares will be offered, connecting the community with downtown Vancouver.

A huge, existing concrete parking lot will be replaced with a rooftop park. Image courtesy of Henriquez Partners Architects.

The development will be heated and cooled via a neighbourhood energy system that captures waste heat and matches it with energy from groundwater geothermal wells. This will reduce average greenhouse gas emissions by more than 68%, but there are also plans for on-site solar energy. A water savings programme will use on-site sources for nearly all irrigation grey water uses.

Henriquez Partners Associates say that the design, “will be the only municipal town centre outside of downtown Vancouver that integrates affordable and family housing, community amenities, sustainable design, an extensive public realm and public art into a vibrant, complete community.”

The Oakridge project is set for completion in 2027. Image courtesy of Henriquez Partners Architects.