Suburban Intensification and How to Navigate Complex Municipal Approval Processes- REGULAR

Suburban Intensification and How to Navigate Complex Municipal Approval Processes

This webinar is part of the RAIC 2023 Conference on Architecture, now available to stream!

Topics: Housing, Planning and Urbanism

Length: 1.5 hour(s) | What's Included: Video, Quiz, and Certificate of Completion 

According to the UN’s estimates, for the first time globally starting in 2007, more people lived in urban areas than rural areas. It is projected that by 2050 more than two-thirds of the world’s population, approximately 7 billion people, will live in urban areas. So, how do we future-proof our urban areas and ensure our suburbs remain viable given conflicting rules and regulations provided by our municipalities? Urban sprawl has substantial economic, environmental and social consequences. In order to accommodate urban growth and curb sprawl, it is our responsibility as designers to create better cities. One of the ways in which we can do this, is by urban intensification, which goes beyond densification. Urban intensification allows more people to connect, work and play within the existing urban boundary, while upholding a high quality of life. But how can we do that when policy builders contradict themselves and negate environmental stewardship?

We will present a case study on a suburban intensification project that speaks to problems encountered, solutions provided and learning opportunities, such as:

• Enhancing community identity through vibrant public spaces and streets
• Promoting healthier lifestyle options with active streets created for pedestrians
• Protecting, restoring and enhancing the natural environment and reducing carbon footprints
• Creating more affordable and inclusive housing choices
• Densifying while focusing on building placement and integration into the surrounding areas
• Aiding in pedestrian orientation through strategic placement of lobbies and amenity areas
• Creating vibrant, sustainable environments through architectural features such as multilevel landscapes, wind mitigation and appropriate façade treatments

This case study will also delve into the different policies affecting urban design, highlighting issues with contradicting policies and approvals and offering solutions to best address these increasingly frequent issues. Our case study illustrates how development within a natural heritage woodlots and the urban design guideline of creating a continuous street frontage was in direct contradiction on this specific suburban property. Other conflicts include:

• Underground parking advocated by green standards but limited by urban design policies
• Accessible unit sizes versus affordable suites

Lastly, we will discuss predicting trends shaping future cities, including city operations through AI and circular economies.

Learning Objectives:

By the completion of this session, participants will be able to:

• Navigate complex municipal approval processes.
• Apply concepts that promote a healthier lifestyle and assist with urban renewal through urban intensification design principles.
• Understand how sustainability and carbon footprint reduction through urban intensification design principles can occur.
• Repurpose previously undervalued properties through urban intensification design principles. 

Subject Matter Expert: