"When I'm working on a problem, I never think about beauty. I think only how to solve the problem. But when I am finished, if the solution is not beautiful, I know it is wrong."                                    - Buckminster Fuller

A Beautiful City

An enviable natural setting, great historic architecture and protected unobstructed views alone do not make for a beautiful city. Attractive and appealing spaces and buildings that are enjoyed by all citizens that live and work in this city are fundamental to good urban design.

A city designed with splendid civic spaces, great streets and inspiring architecture can lift spirits, generate civic pride, create economic value and resonate with visitors. Although there are parts of the Regional Centre that are beautiful places, there are many others that leave much to be desired. As buildings and spaces of previous eras clearly demonstrate, this city has a proud history of civic-inspired design. The public and private sector and all citizens have a role and civic obligation to work towards creating a beautiful city.

Striving for a beautiful city requires recognizing streets as significant public open spaces and the primary way in which we experience and formulate our impression of urban places. Correspondingly, an urban design strategy for the Regional Centre should focus on the quality of streetscapes and the manner in which buildings frame and interact with these public spaces.

Streetscapes should provide a coherent and cohesive experience that balances all penetration, and reinforces visual and physical connections to important civic destinations.

Alongside great streets are tremendous opportunities to enhance the environmental quality and attractiveness of the Regional Centre. The urban design strategy should also be about identifying visually prominent sites and gateways for public art and landmark architecture; reinforcing continuity by filling in "gaps" in the urban fabric; and, creating new public spaces at a variety of scales and for all interests.

Buildings, like streets, have civic obligations to contribute to the quality of the public buildings are appropriately designed and well "mannered" with respect to their fit in context; their relationship to heritage and adjacent properties; and their impact on the pedestrian environment. These strategies, among others, work in concert to create a liveable and beautiful city.