Having formulated our design objectives we embarked upon creating our concept plan for Bridgeland-Riverside. The Concept Plan shows our overall plan and the following drawings capture in detail the character of our main features.

We proposed a mixture of commercial and residential development around 1st Avenue N.E., and medium density housing for other residential areas. A major emphasis was placed on a pedestrian and vehicular axis running north - south through the site, starting at the Bridgeland Square, a pedestrian haven just off 1st Avenue N.E., and continuing down to a major transit node, the LRT.

Bridgeland Square

Community place for everyday gathering as well as community events and festivals. Memorial Fountain to recognize General Hospital's contribution to the community. Variety of stores to provide residents with convenient shopping and increase vibrancy. Cobble stone paving to increase visual as well as tactile variety.

1st Avenue Commercial Area

Living above the commercial 1st floor offered as alternative housing form. Sidewalks widened to facilitate more comfortable pedestrian movement. Numerous pedestrian crossings to create a pedestrian-friendly environment as well as to slow down trafffic. Street furniture (benches, lamps, bulletin boards) to enhance the quality of the urban environment.

Along this major north - south axis, we also placed our other main features, such as the Bridgeland Gardens across the street from our medium density residential housing. This large greenhouse is powered by the output energy from the Laundry and acts not only as a year-round place to grow fresh vegetables, but also as a pleasant refuge from cold winter winds.

Medium Density Residential

Mixed housing types to accommodate people from various social and economic backgrounds. Closeness of housing to recreational and commercial places to increase the presence of people on the streets (which decreases the likelihood of crime). Sheltered courtyards for pleasant living environment year round. Limited automobile accessibility to foster a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere.

Bridgeland Gardens

Indoor garden for year-round public use and horticultural research. Meeting area for community residents located on a main pedestrian route through the neighbourhood. The output heat from the Regional Laundry reused in an economical and environmentally-friendly way. Revenue generated from market garden for the community and the City of Calgary.

Just south of the Laundry, we designed the Natural Park area, which replaces the currently underused and poorly landscaped park. The back of the Community Hall got a major face-lift, which brings more activities to its east-facing side, such as a patio for summer use. This increased use of the eastern side of the building creates more activity and makes our pedestrian link to the rest of the community much safer to use. Along LRT and Memorial Drive, we proposed a transit-oriented design, which incorporates a mixture of commercial and office space linked to the LRT by +15.

Natural Park Area

A relaxing environment and pleasant views. Gazebo that functions as a meeting place. Natural habitat for birds with bird-watching opportunities. Storm water management pond helps clean storm-water run-off. Connection to larger natural areas (Tom Campbell's Hill and St.Patrick's Island) through interpretive signs.

LRT Commercial / Office Space

Retail on first floor attracts public transit users, office workers, senior residents, and larger community. +15 link between LRT station and offices on second and third floors provides easy access during winter. Location of the building creates a visual and sound barrier between Memorial Drive and the community. Shops under arcade provide pleasant and sheltered environment year round.

This chart shows the various types of development we proposed.

And this is how it all looked when put together. We hope you enjoyed our site!