A planning proposal for the redevelopment of the Brentwood shopping area, Calgary

Transit Oriented Development (TOD), with its focus on locating both new development and redevelopment in and around transit nodes, is regarded by many as a promising tool for curbing urban sprawl and reducing dependence on automobiles. TOD is considered attractive by many people as it creates high-quality walking environments, and compact mixed-use neighborhoods with good transit connections. The purpose of this study is to develop a light rail transit station area plan by applying TOD concepts in Calgary.;The proposed site, with an area of 36.3 hectares, is located on both sides of the Brentwood LRT Station. This site is also a terminus of 21 different bus routes. According to Calgary Transportation Plan (1995) and Calgary Plan (1998), this area will become one of the suburban centre and employment concentrations in the future. Also with the key policies in Calgary Plan supporting TOD, this area has great potential for TOD.;Based on a review of TOD theory and practices, this research study presents a concept urban design proposal that attempts to set up the site's role as a suburban centres and employment concentration and focuses on creating a pedestrian friendly environment, developing a mixed-use and high density neighborhood, reducing parking lots, and providing housing for students at the University of Calgary.;Key words. transit oriented development (TOD), urban design, pedestrian-friendly environment, mixed use and high density, parking, student housing, light rail transit station, Brentwood Shopping Village, Calgary.