What is Spatial Structure?
Spatial Structure is a tool used in urban planning and design to understand
patterns and forms in an environment. One of the primary uses for
this type of analysis is to determine the linkages and relationships between the
aspects of that environment. Understanding the spatial structure of
a place goes a long way towards making it a better space.
Spatial Structure in Parkdale
Parkdale is bounded by four largely impermeable edges: two natural (the Bow River and north escarpment) and two artificial
(Shaganappi and Crowchild Trails). In addition to the river,
the south escarpment forms a conceptual edge as it is clearly visible from within the community. The resultant east-west flow of the landscape has leant itself well to the evolution of the
present road patterns. The eastern edge has a commercial accent while the western region is markedly different from all the rest –
Point McKay’s organic streets and tall towers, and
the former Motor Vehicles Branch (MVB) site currently under massive redevelopment.
Circulation primarily follows the Bowness/Memorial artery, with northern access on 29th Street and non-motorized traffic on the pathway system (esp., along the river). The “inner”
roadways are linear, straightforward, and effective for residents’ connections. There is ample public space in the community but the disjointed parcels are not linked conveniently or legibly.
Parkdale - site and context
Parkdale is an inner city community located in northwest Calgary.
It is close in proximity to the Bow River and only a few minutes drive from the
downtown core.
Group Members (evds
planning students at the University of Calgary)
