Ever wonder why Vancouver is crowned the “Lonely City“?

I’ve asked myself this question a lot, and the more I do… the more it frustrates me. I believe this reflection of our city isn’t because of the people, nor the weather – it’s by design.

With a hunger for change, I dedicated my grad project to this question…

HOW CAN WE FILL THIS GAP?

Instead of trying to build a community from the ground up, I aimed to strengthen one that exists in front of us. I believe setting plays a crucial role. It is what sparks conversation, fuels inspiration, and nurtures appreciation. But I noticed a gap in our system. Our public spaces simply don’t foster that sense of connection.

Third places became my focus. How could I enhance these spaces to better foster community engagement?

LEG IN BOOT

A plaza tucked along the trail of False Creek, bordered by boats and a beautiful view across the water to the city. What was once an underutilised open space, has been transformed into a ground for connection.

I chose this location not only for its unique position within the city but also because of a brief encounter with the nearby café owner which left an imprint on me.

Beth Dempster! A key figure in the False Creek community, where her café, Convivial, became a local hub for gatherings.

She has helped organise countless events in the area and consistently amplifies the voices of the people around her. A true gem of a person, and the perfect co-designer for my project.

Community engagement was key to both my process and my values, so having Beth alongside as a guide was incredibly helpful. We spent hours discussing the history of art in the area, what the community embraces, what it resists, and everything in between.

Having grown up immersed in art, my inner child naturally finds its way into my design work. For this project, I wanted to create something that felt both playful and welcoming—a way to connect the community with its surroundings. That inspiration led me to a simple, nostalgic symbol: a paper boat.

I hope to capture the same joy we had building them as children, to interacting with one as adults!

When placed together, you create a wide open space for connection, curiosity and play; catering for all ages and sizes. It has been constructed in halves to follow the written regulations of size, and also for an easier structure to transport.

Many people in the community are deeply environmentally conscious, and I wanted my work to reflect that shared commitment. Which led me to involve Urban Jacks! A company that provides a solution to wood waste hidden in our everyday lives. Minor details like this or the slightly tapered ends are what tie everything all together.

In the future, I hope to have multiples of this structure to create an even more compelling story, drawing more people to engage with the space. Inviting, Light and Playful are the three words I want you to take from my project once you leave the space.

It has been such a long yet fulfilling journey of growth, care and labour. With so much love, I want to thank you all for joining me on the journey to fill this gap.