WINNIPEG

[Audio] Case Studies In Urban Design Winnipeg, Manitoba Group 6 Devika Poovathumkadavil Ranjith Lathish Punitharaj Mohamed Mustak Hamed Rafi Kasthuri Shaji Kumar Assignment 1 Understanding infrastructural systems and existing built environment Word count:.

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[Audio] Introduction Winnipeg was established at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, now a vibrant urban center located at the heart of Manitoba. According to the official website of the City of Winnipeg, as of 2021, the population of Winnipeg is estimated to be 7,94,581 with 49.7% male and 50.3% female (City of Winnipeg Population, 2021). The city has played a significant role in commerce, transportation, culture, and as a gathering place for the community, adding to the historic charm and modern amenities of the city. Fig 1. Map showing the location of Winnipeg Fig 2. Map of Winnipeg Winnipeg's history can be divided into four main periods: Winnipeg's history is divided into four distinct periods: 1. Early settlement and fur trade era 2. Rapid growth of Winnipeg as a city 3. Decline and stagnation of Winnipeg as a city 4. Recovery and transformation of Winnipeg as a city Notable buildings and characteristics of Winnipeg during each period include the Vernacular style of the fur trade and Red River Colony, Brick and stone structures built in Victorian and Edwardian styles, Concrete and steel structures built in Art Deco and Modernist styles, and Glass and metal structures built in Postmodern and Contemporary styles. Thus the city is a culmination of its historical transformation and styles. This variation in character is visible throughout the streets and.

[Audio] infrastructural elements that shape the city. Our area of analysis is limited to the downtown area and pursue the study based on the land zoning and public spaces. The Downtown, Winnipeg Downtown areas are crucial for creating a sense of place, being the oldest part of a city and representing a common element for people living in different areas. Most of the major activities related to business, commerce, public administration, culture, transportation, education, and health care. The downtown area functions as the face of the city, providing the first impression of the city. The region dates back to 1862 and expanded quickly until 1914 when it became a commercial centre after 1885. Post-1913 waves of redevelopment were impacted by suburbanization and economic dispersion. Zoning rules were adopted in 1948 in response to a downturn brought on by several reasons, but the recommendations were not completely enforced. Deterioration began in the late 1960s, prompting partial destruction and rehabilitation. But as Trizec's blockading of Portage and Main demonstrated, the renovation was not cohesive in spite of the 1980–1981 Core Area Initiative, by 1992, Portage Avenue's failures—shown by abandoned stores and poverty—confronted with the prosperous reconstruction of neighborhoods like Chinatown. Development based on supply made problems with displacement worse. Fig 3. Historical Growth pattern of Winnipeg https://www.flickr.com/photos/manitobamaps/2175798383/in/photostream/.

[Audio] Zoning of Downtown Winnipeg The Downtown Winnipeg Zoning By-Law 100/2004 separates the downtown into four sectors: Riverbank, Multiple-Use, Downtown Living and Character. Fig.4 Map showing different sectors of Winnipeg https://legacy.winnipeg.ca/ppd/CityPlanning/Downtown/UrbanDesignReview/default.stm RiverBank The Riverbank sector covers the regions situated along the Red and Assiniboine Rivers to improve their natural and cultural heritage. The sector currently seeks to encourage public access while preserving the existing buildings and landscapes. Moreover, it aims to establish secure pedestrian and cycling connections along the riverbanks to enhance public enjoyment and provide easy access to the water's edge. However, this sector played a crucial role in impacting the growth and development of the city in many ways; Historic trade and transportation hub due to its location, facilitating movement of goods and people. Industrial development like milling, manufacturing and shipping due to the presence of waterways. An arena for cultural and recreational opportunities for the people including parks, green spaces, and recreational facilities along the riverfront..

[Audio] Fig 5. Connecting the city to the waterfront through walkways and activities. Multiple -Use The Multiple-Use sector comprises the downtown's core areas, including Portage Avenue, Broadway, and Main Street. The primary objective of this sector is to support the downtown area as the main business, retail, entertainment, and cultural hub of the city. The focus of this sector is to encourage the development of high-density and high-quality buildings that contribute to the city skyline and also enhance street life. Additionally, it aims to create a pedestrian-friendly and transit-oriented downtown area. Streets like Broadway and Portage Avenue add life to the city through their vibrant and dynamic uses. However, the popularity of these areas has also caused gentrification and rising property prices, displacing small-scale businesses and customers. Downtown Living The Downtown Living sector mostly consists of residential areas such as West End, Central Park, and Chinatown. The primary objective of this sector is to enhance the diversity and population of downtown while providing a variety of housing options and amenities to the residents. It encourages the development of medium-density and medium-rise buildings that honor the historical and architectural integrity of the neighborhoods creating, green and livable spaces for the community. The sector impacted the city through ; Previously underutilized spaces have been converted to residential buildings, bringing in a new identity to the area through new businesses, amenities and cultural activities..

[Audio] Zoning this sector close to the business and commercial areas promotes walking, cycling and use of public transit. The growing population however has put pressure on public services and infrastructure including health, education and recreation. It also imposes a concern on the noise levels and comfort of residents because the residences are located in a crowded area. Character This sector comprises areas with a unique cultural or historical identity, such as the Exchange District, the Warehouse District, and the Civic Centre. The goal of this sector is to preserve and enhance the heritage and character of the downtown and promote the adaptive reuse and revitalization of existing buildings and spaces. The focus is on encouraging low-density and low-rise developments that complement the scale and style of the historic fabric, and on creating a distinct and appealing destination for both locals and visitors. Fig 6. Exchange District Fig 7. Civic Centre The vibrant architecture draws in a large number of tourists improving the economy and cultural vibrancy, along with promoting local artists. It sets an arena for public spaces and gatherings. However, commercialization has also led to diluted historic character and authenticity. Public Spaces in Downtown Winnipeg and Their Impacts Urban open spaces function as areas where people can gather, engage in activities, and host events that become a part of the collective and individual memories of citizens (Sivam et al., 2012). These could include parks, plazas, squares, food markets, streets, sidewalks and other outdoor areas. According to Kevin Lynch, a great place should have imageability; i.e the way people perceive spaces.

[Audio] and how they navigate through it. He identifies 5 elements that contribute to this legibility- path, edge, node, district and landmark. Throughout history, Winnipeg has evolved to accommodate numerous public spaces that impacted the social, cultural, economic, and political life of the city. In the heart of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada's True North Square is a revolutionary mixed-use Urban plaza. It is centrally located; surrounded by 4 distinct buildings and easily accessible by public transit. There are retail spaces, dining, office space and residential units surrounding this plaza. Hence it lies in a mixed-used pocket. Fig 10. Map showing the land use surrounding True North Square. The diverse uses increase the usage of the plaza and footfall varies at each time of the day, however, remaining active throughout..

[Audio] Fig 11. Images showing True North Square. The ample amount of shaded spaces and seating facilities encourage people to use the space. Impacts of True North Square on the city and its fabric Urban Revitalization: True North Square has been bringing downtown Winnipeg back to life. It has contributed to revitalizing the urban core and increasing its appeal for growth, investment, and cultural events by turning underutilized land into a thriving mixed-use development. 1. Economic Catalyst: True North Square is an economic catalyst bringing in businesses, retail, residents, hotels, offices and more to one place. The diverse availability of amenities, including access to public transit and skywalks contributes to increased footfall. This in turn benefits the surrounding local businesses generating more revenue for both private and public enterprises. 2. Enhanced Connectivity: The central location enhances connectivity within the city by biking, walking, and public transit. It circulates people between the Bell MTS Place and Carlton Street. This accessibility strengthens the connections between different parts of the city and promotes a more walkable and transit-friendly environment. 3. Community Gathering Space: The square serves as a gathering space for communities to host events, festivals and cultural activities. The adjacency to residential areas promotes the use of cultural activities. It has turned into a space for people to relax, and enjoy recreational activities, contributing to a sense of civic pride. 4. Architectural Landmark: The unique design has brought an identity to the city's skyline and been established as an identifiable landmark. The various art installations, and eye-catching buildings add interest to the urban fabric. 5. Cultural Hub: The value the space has received in terms of hosting cultural activities that foster the city's diverse heritage, enhance the urban experience and promote cultural exchange. This has become a hub for both residents and visitors..

[Audio] Central Park Central Park is a famous green space and recreational area which is located in the central area of Winnipeg. It is bordered by major roads such as Ellice Avenue to the north, Sargent Avenue to the south, Maryland Street to the west, and Sherbrook Street to the east. The park offers several features like Waddell Fountain, Pavilion, DIY field, Wading pool and Aquatic play pad. Impacts of Central park on the city and its fabric 1. Recreational Hub: For Winnipeg residents, Central Park is a key location for recreational activities. It offers green space for recreational pursuits including sports, strolling, and picnics, improving the quality of life and physical and mental health of the local population. 2. Economic Benefits: By attracting tourists and visitors, Central Park boosts the local economy by bringing in revenue for the area's restaurants, cafes, and retail establishments. The popularity of the park may help raise nearby real estate values. 3. Cultural Events: Bringing individuals from different backgrounds together and promoting a sense of inclusivity and community within the city, the park frequently holds festivals, concerts, and other cultural events. 4. Impact on the Environment: It preserves biodiversity, enhances air quality, and lessens the effects of the urban heat. The city's general ecological well-being is enhanced by the trees and vegetation that serve as wildlife habitat. 5. Historical Significance: Central Park may represent Winnipeg's past or serve as a location for significant occasions in the city's history for its citizens. This significance may be upheld for future generations by maintaining and preserving the park. 6. Urban growth: The existence of Central Park may have an impact on Winnipeg's patterns of urban growth, as developers and city planners take its impact and vicinity into account while creating new projects or reviving existing districts. Mixed-use developments with green spaces and a focus on walkability and accessibility may result from this. Fig 12: Central park, Winnipeg Fig 13: Aerial view of Central park.

[Audio] How it shapes the city Despite attempts to find solutions, the issues of vacant stores and deserted streets still plague downtown Winnipeg. It is high time we acknowledge that the environment plays a critical role in the city's transformation and that change is essential. The required changes can be summarized as follows: 1. We must preserve and rebuild the sense of place to create a healthy urban environment. 2. It is crucial to recognize the importance of downtown and how suburbs depend on it. 3. We must challenge the fallacious assumption that progress demands squalid surroundings. 4. A balanced mixture of people and social justice is essential for healthy interactions. 5. It is vital to acknowledge that Winnipeg has its limitations. Revitalization requires a significant shift in our perceptual and behavioral patterns. Until we recognize the need for change, it is unlikely that downtown Winnipeg will ever be fully revitalized. REFERENCES Architecture and landscape tour of Central Park, Marieke Gruwel (2019) https://winnipegarchitecture.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/WAF_Central-Park_digital.pdf Assembling Spaces, A Case Study on the Process of Producing True North Square, Winnipeg MB, Evan D.Sinclair (2018) https://mspace.lib.umanitoba.ca/server/api/core/bitstreams/76fb9ebd-e66b-4352-b697-2760640d6 013/content.