River District Town Square Plaza

Vancouver, British Columbia | 2014-2022

The River District Town Square is designed to be an active neighbourhood commercial node, serving as a vibrant gathering place for both the local community and visitors. The skewed form of the plaza is inspired by the irregular and industrious shapes historically found along the Fraser River and on this site, reflecting the area's rich industrial heritage.

This thoughtfully designed plaza offers flexible spaces that can function together as a large communal area or separately as individual, unique zones closely integrated with the adjacent retail edges and uses. This adaptability ensures that Town Square can accommodate a variety of activities and events, fostering a dynamic and engaging urban environment.

The planting and paving patterns within the Town Square are a tribute to the natural and industrial elements of the Fraser River. Vegetated islands and log boom patterns, distinctive to this working river environment, are echoed in the design, creating a cohesive and contextually rich public space.

The River District Town Square seamlessly blends historical references with contemporary urban design, creating a space that is both functional and meaningful. Through its flexible layout and thoughtful integration of local history and natural elements, the Town Square stands as a testament to the evolving narrative of the River District, offering a welcoming and versatile space for all to enjoy.