Waterloo Public Square
Waterloo
ON
Award Category:
Civic Design Projects
GSP Group Inc.
The Waterloo Public Square has transformed a former parking lot in Uptown Waterloo into a focal point for the city. The planning process successfully engaged the public and provided Council with clear direction on
land use.
The design in response to a significant grade change, includes a curved accessible walk, terraced landings, amphitheatre style seating and a large open performance and skating plaza at street level.
Since its opening in 2009, the Public Square has been used for a wide variety of formal and informal activities. The Public Square has been a successful placemaking exercise and has become the four season heart of Waterloo.
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“This design exemplifies a good approach to public space. Making liveable space for people is a well priced remedy to counteract the prevalence of cars in our urban environments. Not only does the Uptown Waterloo Public Square serve as a good example to other municipalities, but the design solves technical problems, and demonstrates a good solution to the grade change on the site.”