| Over 50,000 brownfield sites have been identified across Canada. These properties, defined as sites with real or perceived contamination, offer significant potential to extend the green infrastructure of major urban centres. This research aims to ensure that the reintegration of these spaces is consistent with existing park-user preferences so that these, often negatively-perceived sites, can be transformed into functional and aesthetically-pleasing recreational hubs. Data was collected from three completed projects in Toronto, ON and Vancouver, BC. Nearly 150 park-users and several designers were interviewed to gain insight into how these spaces can be better designed and implemented. The presence of flexible spaces that catered to programmed events, commercial activity and accessibility were found to be central attributes to attracting users. To exemplify how the recommendations of the research can be readily applied to design, a sugar factory being considered for redevelopment in Vancouver, BC, is utilized as a demonstration.;Keywords: Urban park design; post-industrial rehabilitation; research based design; urban agriculture; heritage design; land reclamation; derelict land; post-industrial landscape... |
