Vancouverism: how did a model of sustainable urban planning become famous to residents?

Vancouver development: an example for urbanists

The development of the city of Vancouver is a prime example for urban planners and architects. The term “Vancouverism” represents an original urban planning concept used in one of Canada's largest cities. It is an ideal integration of sustainable design and the needs of densely populated neighborhoods.

Simply put, it is about forming integrated, high-density living spaces where local residents are able to not only live, but also work and find time for recreation, while minimizing the use of cars.

Vancouver's architectural features

Vancouver is known for its skyscrapers, which are usually high-rise buildings of 30 to 50 floors built on specially designed platforms. On the first floors there is a network of stores, restaurants, cafes and other service facilities providing residents with everything they need in the immediate vicinity.

These buildings are connected by a variety of transitions, stairs, ramps and landscaping elements to create a comfortable and safe urban environment.

Cars and parking

Cars are virtually non-existent in Vancouver's coastal areas, except for the rare occasions when they are part of a tourist visit. Parking spaces for local residents are provided only in underground garages.

Seismically active areas and stability of buildings

Underground construction is recommended for areas with high seismic activity because it gives buildings additional stability. Despite the large footprint of the platforms, residential buildings are usually compact in shape and spaced well apart.

This is done to protect the magnificent scenery of the mountains and water expanses, which is one of the most important principles of “vancouverism”.

The shoreline and its significance

In addition, an important element of this architectural concept is the fact that the coastline remains in public ownership. This condition excludes the possibility of its privatization by private parties, thus ensuring access of residents to natural beauty and attractions.

Adult housing complexes

In Vancouver, you can also find adult-only housing developments. For example, other parts of Canada, such as Alberta, have what are called “adult homes” that do not allow families with children under 18 years of age.

Changes in legislation

As of January 2018, human rights legislation has been amended to prohibit age discrimination. There will be a transition period of 15 years, and by January 1, 2033, all such complexes will have to adapt to accommodate people of all ages.

Result

Ultimately, this creates a unique urban environment where diverse aspects of living, working and recreation are successfully integrated, allowing Vancouver to be a true role model for modern urbanism.

Restrictions in leased premises

In some rental properties, landlords may impose bans on pets or restrict noisy activities at night. Such rental regulations are familiar to the Swiss, who have also expressed interest in investing, immigration and buying foreignreal estate.

Finished apartments on the market

On the market, it is not uncommon to find offers for apartments that have already been renovated and have all the necessary built-in appliances. For example, in Canada, it is quite difficult to find housing that has not been finished: the price of ready-made objects usually includes finishing and all appliances such as:

• dishwashers
• washing machines
• refrigerators
• plates
• microwave devices

These units are often accompanied by hoods.

Townhouses and furniture options

Some properties may be offered in the form of townhouses, which arrive with a minimal range of furniture and appliances. If you want to know more, it is worth reading the detailed descriptions. In most cases, housing is delivered with a basic set of equipment. If the buyer would like to make changes, they can consider the possibilities:

• replacing standard carpeting with expensive hardwood flooring
• Upgrading appliances to higher quality models at an additional cost

But even without the changes, the home will be ready for immediate occupancy.

Repair problems

When renting, it is not customary to call in separate professionals to renovate new properties. Most often the accommodation is rented with the necessary electrical appliances, although it may not include furniture and kitchen utensils. If the landlord offers furniture, it is necessarily spelled out in the advertisements. Repair of large appliances usually falls on the shoulders of the owner. In case of a breakdown of the appliance caused by the tenant's actions, the latter is obliged to cover the costs of its restoration.

Attics in private houses

In addition, many private homes in Canada have an attic, which is generally not intended for living purposes or storage of items. It is simply a functional empty space, usually accessed through a walk-in closet in the master bedroom. In some cases, the attic houses electrical wiring and HVAC components.

Loft function

The main role of the attic is to support the roof structure, especially during rain and snowfall, although many residents seek to develop this space for storage or even set it up as living areas.

Converting an attic into a living space

For example, in one house near Toronto, the attic space was converted into a bedroom. However, converting an attic into a full-fledged living space presents certain challenges, as the floor does not always have the necessary strength to take the load from people, furniture and building materials.

Need for inspection

An inspector's assistance is required to determine the strength and condition of the structure to identify structural limitations that can make repairs expensive or impossible. It should be noted that access to the attic is often limited and most often can only be accessed through a closet, making it difficult to bring in furniture through a window.

Opportunities to expand your living space

Despite the various challenges, with the right approach to technical elements and safety measures, it is possible to create another bedroom, play space or office within your home. A lot of Canadians are actively utilizing this method to improve their living conditions.

Utilization of attics and basements

For example, in France, attics are often used to rationalize the use of space. In addition, we should not forget about basements, which in Canada are called “beisemnts”. These rooms are located at the lowest level of buildings and are not originally intended for housing, as they contain all the necessary communications, and, as a rule, they are not insulated.

Nevertheless, owners of private homes often insulate their underground floors, lay carpeting or laminate flooring, and organize kitchens and bathrooms, turning them into full-fledged living areas.

Example from Calgary

In Calgary, for example, a basement has been converted into a playroom and media center. According to local regulations, such conversions require a permit from the municipality. In practice, however, this rule is often ignored, which may be due to the desire to save money, for example, by avoiding paying tax if the home is later sold.

However, it's worth remembering that not having the right permits can cause difficulties in obtaining insurance if you need to apply for an update.

The cost of converting a basement

Converting a ballpark into a comfortable living space can cost owners from25to30 thousand dollars. This amount corresponds to the average rates offered by professional builders. If you decide to do the work yourself, it can significantly reduce costs, leaving only the cost of materials and rental of the necessary equipment.

Basement layout

The area of the basement is often comparable to the total area of the house, which allows you to organize in it different rooms - from bedrooms to bathrooms and kitchens. In most cases, basements are designed so that they can be rented out. If the owners want to use the space for personal needs, they often leave it open, creating a study space for games, office, gym or home theater.

Types of basements

There are two basic types of basements:

• Completely buried in the ground;
• Partially buried where there are windows and access to the outdoors.

Both varieties are often rented out. The main advantage of this type of housing is its affordable price: the cost of renting a basement is usually much lower than that of an apartment and can be one and a half to two times more profitable.

Disadvantages of basements

However, such housing also has certain disadvantages:

• Lack of natural light or no natural light at all;
• Low ceilings;
• Increased humidity;
• The likelihood of insects;
• Low level of soundproofing.

Nevertheless, such housing is considered quite a viable option for Britons as well.

Alternative rental options

When it comes to rental housing, more traditional options such as apartments and condominiums are also popular in Canada. People have a wide range of choices, and the decision to rent depends on individual preferences and finances.

Types of apartment buildings

In today's world, high-rise buildings can be divided into two key types: condominiums and rental buildings, also known as apartment buildings. In condominiums, tenants sign a contract directly with the owner of the individual apartment. Rental buildings, on the other hand, are often managed by specialized developers who build them exclusively for rental purposes.

St. James Town neighborhood

Toronto's St. James Town neighborhood is a prime example where many apartments are rentals. In these cases, by renting directly from a private landlord, tenants and owners can negotiate their own terms, such as rent, interior design and use of technology. In contrast, in rental buildings, apartments often have unified characteristics: they are decorated in the same style and rents vary within similar ranges.

Lease homogeneity

Such homogeneity in rental houses is explained by the fact that these complexes are initially created for profit.

Realtor services in rental

Realtor services for renting housing in Canada are free for tenants, as their funding is fully provided by property owners. The commissions that agents receive are distributed equally among them.

It should be noted that realtors do not have exclusive access to special databases, which allows tenants to search for housing options on their own. Nevertheless, it is the realtors who are responsible for analyzing current market conditions, conducting professional negotiations, preparing the necessary documents, as well as handling issues related to insurance and utilities. This requires them to have knowledge of many legal nuances that are important for a successful rental process.

Working with new immigrants

Many realtors focus on long-term rental housing, aiming to build a client base where tenants can become future property owners. Renting typically yields less significant profits, which makes this strategy reasonable.

However, not all realtors are willing to work with new immigrants, as it requires significant time investment to explain the nuances of the market, establish pricing, and assist in choosing the right neighborhood, which can be challenging for people who have just arrived in the country.

Issues with credit history

For those who are just starting their life in Canada, the lack of a credit history becomes a serious obstacle to renting, as many landlords prefer not to rent to those who do not have documents indicating financial reliability. This aspect significantly reduces the available options and increases the time needed to find suitable housing.

Competition in the rental market

The competition for quality apartments is always high, so the task is not only to find a suitable option but also to make a positive impression on the owner.

• Fill out the special rental application form.
• Provide information about professional activity, household composition, income level, and the presence of pets.
• Provide recommendations from previous landlords and employers.

Based on the provided information, the property owner makes a decision regarding the possibility of renting. An important aspect may be the presence of recommendations from previous landlords and employers, whose contacts are also listed in the application. It is important to remember that Canadian landlords actively verify this information and may contact your past employers to confirm the details.

Tenant's responsibilities

By signing the lease, you commit to living in the apartment for the specified term. In the event of early termination, you may have to pay a penalty equivalent to two months' rent. Such penalty practices also exist in other countries, such as Portugal.

Types of housing in Canada

The most common type of housing in Canada is two-story frame houses. While single-story buildings are more popular in the United States, there is a clear predominance of two-story architecture in Canada.

As of 2016, more than 53% of the population lived in private houses, which, however, were not always of a standard rectangular shape; often, these were either unique architectural structures with various bay windows or designs with protrusions that created a distinctive urban landscape.

Typical houses of Canada

In typical Canadian homes located in the province of Quebec, the land plots usually do not exceed four hundred square meters, which can be considered quite modest compared to common European standards. However, when it comes to the internal space of the houses themselves, the situation is different – the average area is about 160 square meters, not including additional spaces like basements and attics, where extra living space is usually realized. Canada holds an honorable third place in the world ranking for average living space, trailing only the USA and Australia. Compared to Europe, Canadians have 13-27% more living space available.

Layout and space

In Canadian apartments and houses, a distinctive feature is the absence of hallways. Instead, upon entering, you can immediately access a spacious living area that integrates the living room, dining room, and kitchen. This modern layout style has become quite popular over the past few decades. In the past, such spaces had partitions separating each zone, but modern homeowners often prefer open floor plans that allow for convenient entertaining while cooking at the same time.

Townhouses and open spaces

A striking example of this type of architecture can be found in the townhouses in Toronto, where open space concepts are utilized. One of the main advantages is the efficient use of usable space, as walls do not take up valuable square footage. However, this approach also has its drawbacks – aromas from the kitchen can easily travel to areas designated for relaxation. A good quality extractor fan can be a great help in this situation. In some homes, there are even two kitchens: one for entertaining guests and a second, more modest one for serious cooking.

Kitchen equipment

Canadian kitchens are known for their high level of equipment; they are designed with numerous electrical outlets. There are clear standards that dictate one outlet for every one and a half to two meters, aimed at enhancing safety and minimizing the risk of tripping over wires or extension cords hanging from the floor.

Criteria for evaluating rooms

When assessing the number of rooms, Canadians use different criteria. Unlike the usual approach, only bedrooms are taken into account. If an apartment has one bedroom and a kitchen, it will be calledbachelor apartmentEssentially, this is a bachelor apartment. In Quebec, this type of housing is more commonly referred to as a "studio".studio.

Classification of apartments

If the accommodation consists of one bedroom and a separate living room, such a space is called a one-bedroom apartment. If there is a living room along with two bedrooms, it will be considered a two-bedroom accommodation, and so on. The main bedroom, known asmaster bedroomIt differs from the others in size and additional features: it can include a wardrobe, as well as a bathroom, which is the most spacious and sometimes even has two sinks and a shower cabin.

Built-in wardrobes and storage areas

In many Canadian homes and apartments, you can notice built-in closets, which makes purchasing separate furniture unnecessary when arranging the interior. There are also designated storage areas where residents can neatly store mops, vacuum cleaners, and other household items for convenience.

Conclusion

The result of all this is practicality and modern solutions that provide comfort in Canadian homes – they create all the conditions for the maximum convenience of their inhabitants.

Conclusion

As I conclude my perspective on the architecture and urban planning of Vancouver, I cannot help but note how this city has become a symbol of successful interaction between humans and the environment. The approach known as“Vancouverism”It represents a unique model capable of adapting to the challenges of urban life, and its principles can serve as a benchmark for other megacities around the world. Vancouver demonstrates how it is possible to create a balanced, eco-friendly space where residents can enjoy the city without relying on cars – this is an important step towards a more sustainable future.

Architectural features

High-rise buildings integrated with podiums and thoughtfully designed public spaces create conditions that promote communication, activity, and above all, the comfort of residents. Vancouver teaches us that urban planning should not only meet modern requirements but also take into account the surrounding landscape, natural beauty, and cultural characteristics of the area.

Protection of natural resources

• It's interesting how careful management of natural resources along the coastline is.
• The imposition of certain restrictions on construction fosters a sense of protection and responsibility for one's surroundings.
• Here, not only have houses been built, but communities have also emerged where tranquility and comfort are valued.

The prospects for Vancouver's future are clear – it's a move towards a more integrated, eco-friendly, and livable urban space.

Lessons for other cities

Thus, this experience becomes important not only for the residents of Vancouver but also for everyone interested in modern approaches to urbanism.“Vancouverism”– it is more than just an architectural concept; it is a kind of philosophy that can and should inspire other cities in their pursuit of harmony between humans, architecture, and nature.

We should strive for the same principles in our communities, creating cities where everyone can find their place, where life is fulfilling and satisfying.