c4067ec4-cddb-4816-ba64-2f02b7961a90

The Future Lives Here: Guildford as a 21st Century Transit City
A Visioning by the Class of 2015 UBC Master of Urban Design
A project of
the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture of the
University of British Columbia
Funding partners:
© 2015 the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture and
the School of Community and Regional Planning at the University of
British Columbia
All rights reserved. Except for brief reviews, no part of this book may
be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechani-
cal including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage
retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher
Published by the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture

and the School of Community and Regional Planning
Room 370 - 2357 Main Mall Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada V6T 1Z4
[email protected] and [email protected]
Editing by Korbin DaSilva, Manali Yadav, and Kristen Harrison

Graphic layout and production administration by Korbin daSilva and
Manali Yadav
Contributions by Nastaran E. Beigi, Manali Yadav, Simone Levy, Amal

Wasfi, Haneen Abdulsamad, Xinyun Li, Prachi Doshi, Lilian Zhang,
Chen Fan, Hedieh Rashidi, Avishan Aghazadeh, Siyuan Zhao, Wei-
cen Wang, Xueqi Wu, Yashas Hegde, Maryam Mahvash
Based on research and work resulting from the Winter 2015 Master’s
of Urban Design Studio, School of Architecture and Landscape
Architecture
Includes bibliographical references

ISBN: 978-0-9780966-5-6
1
ACknowledgements
We want to acknowledge the many people who jointly participated in the

class. Obviously the most important participants are the students them-
selves: Haneen Abdul Samad, Avishan Aghazadeh, Nastaran E. Beigi,
Prachi Doshi, Chen Fan, Yashas Hegde, Simone Levy, Xinyun (Chloe)
Li, Maryam Mahvash, Hedieh Rashidimalekshah, Weicen (Kate) Wang,
Xueqi Wu, Manali Yadav, Lilian Zhang, Siyuan Zhao and Amal Wasfi.
Also crucial were our outside guests who guided our students and made
them cognizant of issues particular to Surrey as well as enduring prin-
ciples of urban design. We’d like to thank: Michele Alborg, John Bass,
Patrick Chan, Patrick Condon, Patrick Cotter, Joyce Drohan, Frank Du-
cote, Mari Fjuita, Preet Heer, Scot Hein, Jean Lamontagne, Derek Lee,
Don Luymes, Doug McLeod, Matthew Roddis, Daniel Roehr, YarOn
Stern, Leslie Van Duzer, Kathy Wardle and Jay Wollenberg.
The class was organized and taught by Adjunct Professor Scot Hein.
He was supported by Graduate Teaching Assistant Korbin DaSilva. Fi-
nally we want to especially thank the City of Surrey who’s support for
this project, both in terms of the generous availability of staff, and their
financial support they have provided our students, made this design
experience possible.
2
table of contents
1 First Impressions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2 Streetscape Music. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
3 Policy and Programme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
4 Mall in? Mall out? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
5 Proposed Urban Framework .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
6 Framework Investigations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
4
Back row left to right: Korbin Dasilva, Avishan Aghazadeh, Hedi Rashidi, Patrick Condon, Maryam Mahvash, Lilian Zhang, Simone Levy,
Manali Yadav, Nastaran Beigi, Xueqi Wu, Chen Fan, Don Luymes, Scot Hein
Front row left to right: Siyuan Zhao, Amal Wasfi, Haneen Abdul Samad, Prachi Doshi, Yashas Hegde, Weicen Wang, Xinyun Li
5
Introduction
You hold in your hands the product of a very intense investigation, an But how do you transform a huge city that grew entirely around the car,
investigation that occurred during the winter of 2015. Sixteen students the cul-de-sac, the parking lot , and the gas station, into a community
in the UBC Master of Urban Design program took thirteen weeks to where kids can walk to school, parents can bike to work, and seniors
imagine a future for the Guildford Community in the City of Surrey BC. can take comfortable and convenient transit to doctor’s appointments.
That City sponsored this investigation, contributing financial and staff Here again the issues faced by Surrey have relevance far wider than to
support. The project? Imagining the transformation of a city from an BC or even Canada. More than 70 percent of North Americans now live
auto oriented suburb to a transit oriented regional center with distinc- in areas built around the car and these communities continue to capture
tive communities. Surrey BC, located in the center of its urban region, the majority of new population. If we cannot find a way to reduce auto
is adding more people every year than any other city in BC, and will dependence then all of Canada’s hopes for sustainability will be lost.
soon surpass the City of Vancouver in population. By every indicator But while the end game is clear the path from here to there (and now to
this city is a vanguard. It attracts more young families, more immigrants, then) is less so. The City of Surrey has arrived at a unique consensus
and has faster job growth than its sister cities by far. It was for these for how they might achieve this goal. Citizens, city staff, and elected
reasons that we were happy to provide an urban design vision for this officials are unanimous in their support for a city wide light rail system
growing city and Guildford, one organized around walking, biking and - a system that will be, in time, more extensive than that of most North
transit rather than the car. American metropolitan regions.
Surrey has significance beyond just this region as well, giving it even Thus, the first question for this studio was clear: How does the city
more trenchancy as a case study to investigate. Many of the transfor- use their transit initiative to transform an auto city to a transit city, a city
mations this city is experiencing are being felt in cities not just here where biking walking and transit provide first a real alternative to the
in BC, not just in North America, but around the world. Surrey is the car and, in time, provide the dominant way to get around. A follow up
destination for more new immigrants to Canada than any other city in question: How do re-imagine and trahnsorm recognizing that all of our
the region. In this way it is an “Arrival City”, in the words of Douglas assumptions about land use, cultural homogeneity, and family structure
Saunders, author of a book of the same name. People from disparate no longer hold true.
cultures, with disparate skill sets, of various ages, and from differing Surrey is the very crucible of change. Not just here in our region but
economic circumstances all arrive here looking for a better life. For most as an emblem of the changes that are informing new living patterns
of them the city has helped them accomplish their dreams. In the pro- throughout the globe. Everywhere cities are expanding, doubling and
cess the city is a much different place. Former industrial areas are now sometimes tripling in size within a generation. A global movement of
a hotbed of south asian enterprise. Homes once built as single family people away from rural conditions to urban ones is changing our way
structures for “traditional” nuclear families of a working father, a stay at of life and even our sense of what it means to be a Canadian, to be a
home mom, and three children now house extended families with many citizen more generally, to find a fulfilling life. What happens in Surrey
more members, most engaged in some form of entrepreneurial activity. matters everywhere. We are all Surrey. We at the UBC Urban Design
Non traditional forms of work, retail, living, and education are rapidly Program are very proud to have had a chance to try to imagine a sus-
eroding what were once clear planning boundaries between residen- tainable future for this amazing place.
tial areas, job centres, commercial areas and schools. What are we to
make of such complexity? And how should it now be regulated, if at all?
Meanwhile this city that grew with the car is being choked by the same
device. Citizens and their elected officials are clear that they can no
longer grow in a way that assumes auto mobility is universal, and that
the street system can grow endlessly to allow for this metastatic growth.
6
STUDIO OVERVIEW
Overview of 2015 Winter Studio Academic Experience
The 2015 SALA Masters of Urban Design Winter Studio expanded on pendently, and with officials from the City of Surrey, developed alternate
the cohort’s collective and individual achievements from the Fall Studio urban design frameworks. Shared review within the studio, and with
that declared growth strategies for Surrey, British Columbia at the city/ Surrey officials, academic and economic advisors, provoked deeper
regional scale. At the conclusion of the Fall Studio, Surrey officials re- questions beyond built form and urban pattern, to reveal how urban de-
quested that the second Winter Studio investigate the Guildford/104 Av- sign can be in service to established, and emerging, local community
enue Corridor precinct given anticipated light rail transit investment. This identity and self-reliance while achieving new capacities that respond to
2 mile by 1 mile precinct is characterized by varying, and complex, urban housing and economic development needs. Through practicing a rigor-
structure, related built form/typologies, a large scale economically viable ous process of design iteration at the Guildford precinct scale, the studio
mall that has recently enjoyed substantive re-investment, an active small sought the delicate balance between the responsibility of Guildford as
business community, distinguished open space and natural landscape/ an Arrival City, and as a place of new promise with respect to quality of
water systems amenity and certain housing affordability allowing entry life, civic pride and increased amenity, all within the context of a growing
into the Canadian/West Coast market. The Guildford Precinct is recog- region.
nized as a “market entry portal” that distinguishes it as an “Arrival City”.
Given such geographic scope, complexity and attributes of the request-
ed study area, the Winter Studio cohort approached the urban design
challenge by simulating a professional practice consultancy, which might
normally take up to a year in real time, in 13 weeks. The “studio design
team” moved quickly through early investigations starting with in depth
geographic/contextual analysis for each of the eight distinct sub-areas at
½ mile square, followed by early intuitive “first take” urban design aspira-
tions for each square sub-area towards an understanding of the respec-
tive systems potential and visual/character signature. The studio cohort
then “programmed” the design challenge by researching applicable pol-
icy intent/aspirations with Surrey staff experts towards a deeper under-
standing of the urban design, cultural and socio-economic role/identity
that would distinguish Guildford. Given the urban design potential of the
104 Avenue Corridor as an organizational transit oriented “spine”, the
studio then investigated the prevailing context’s visual signature using
music as a metaphor. A streetscape musical composition, expressive of
the corridor’s visual characteristics, was produced and played/recorded
towards strengthening contextual awareness/acuity.
Building on the efforts of the Winter Studio’s early weeks focusing on

achieving a deep understanding of context and policy, the cohort began
the process of “practicing design iteration”. Two teams, working inde-
8
1
Chapter 1: First Impressions
“Ready Fire Aim!” Absent of in-depth analysis, local insight

and awareness of more specific municipal intentions, the
studio produced a collective “first take” immediately after vis-
iting the site. Teams of two urban designers each focused on
eight 1 mile x 1 mile urban “patches”, established by the local
network of arterials. In these patches, the effort collectively
worked to record urban patterns, systems, character, ty-
pologies and features. Given these observations, each team
highlighted challenges and companion design opportunities.
The teams intentionally worked independently from those
analyzing adjacent areas. The “tiling” of the 8 patches, drawn
at a large scale, motivated a studio discussion about the
edges, respective transitions, larger systems potential and
how Guildford might be recognized for a distinctive identity.
10
FIRST IMPRESSIONS 1
Section 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Section 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Section 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Section 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Section 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Section 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Section 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Section 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
12
1 FIRST IMPRESSIONS
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8
Existing Context Opportunities and Challenges

Located on the north side of 104 Ave. between 144 St. and 148 St., the study The following major challenges are observed in the study area:
area is a low-density residential neighbourhood dominated by single-family hous- lack of permeability both on the edges and within the area; lack of
ing. Some multi-family housing, mostly situated on the edges such as those on coherency of urban facade specifically on 104 Ave.; inadequate con-
108 St. and 148 St., dominates the multi-family housing character. Two elementary nectivity and accessibility; surface parking lots; building setbacks
schools, one secondary school, two day cares, a fire hall station and two churches specifically on 104 Ave.; length of blocks; and the lack of small public
have given this area some of the amenities a small neighborhood needs. However open spaces accessible within a 400 m. walking distance. Despite
it lacks other amenities, such as small public open spaces or plazas, urban green major challenges, the area has potential to deal with some of the
spaces (pocket or linear parks), as well as some local corner stores. The majority challenges. The following existing opportunities can be taken into
of the existing residential frontages are about 20.0 m providing a sense of place in consideration: existing parks on the both sides of the area and parks
terms of human scale. Unlike the favorable residential frontages and lot sizes, the specimen trees; existing leftover lands and green lands; composition
frontages on 104 Ave. and the school plots are indeed challenging issues. Apart of built and unbuilt spaces; ditches and potential for bioswales; and
from the built form, the suburban character of the area and its auto-dependency the existing undeveloped lands on the southern edge of the area.
is evident by inappropriate sidewalks (scale, form, pavement, furniture, lighting).
108 St.
148 St.
144 St.
104 Av.
Single Family Housing Commercial/Mixed Use Offices/Work-Live 0 0.5 mile
Multi Family Housing Civic Recreational Park Challenges Opportunities Park Specimen Trees
Figure 1: Existing land use. The diagram illustrates the domination of low-density residential buildings and the Figure 3: Figure ground diagram combined with existing challenges and opportunities.
distribution of non-residential buildings such as schools, churches, gas stations, fire hall stations and day cares.
Figure 2: Existing urban facade on 104 Av.
13
Section 1 1
Team Members: Yashas Hedge & Maryam Mahvash
Produced Urban Framework

Along the edge of 104 Ave. most of the plots are subject to either redevelopment, new development or retrofit. Infill
as a new strategy should be taken into consideration both along the edges and within the neighborhood. Surface
Holly park
parking lots and vacant plots are both eligible candidates for the infill strategy. The neighborhood can benefit from
Hawthorne Park on the west side and Holly Park on the east side and has potential to be a perfect connector to com-
Hawthorne park
plete a green network on a larger scale (Guildford/Surrey). Empty lands can serve as small public spaces or path-
ways to breakdown long blocks and provide permeability and better accessibility. The built and unbuilt plots offer
an opportunity for adding lanes in some blocks in the area so that laneway houses may be implemented to gently
increase density in the long term. Using the full capacity of exisiting plots on 104 Ave. in order to increase the density
on the edge is highly recommended. Thus, the mixed-use strategy will offer vibrancy, vitality and safety to the edge.
Figure 5: Neighborhood parks and existing parks could be connected

as a green loop. This is a strategy ideal for both neighborhood and
larger scale.
Figure 6: The demonstra-

tion of how future proposed
mixed use could interact
B with the street by chang-
Proposed ing building policies. For
Bike Lane instance, an extended roof
overhang and the compound
wall-building interface.
Figure 7: The sketch illus-

trates the urban pattern for
green spaces which need
Proposed to be developed on flat
Greenway lands. Creating difference
(Alternative II) in levels with respect to
the ground level. It defines
a place making charac-
ter for the green spaces.
Figure 8: The park-

Proposed Greenway ing lot in this sketch
A (Alternative I)
has a good scope
Locational possibilites to be converted into
to consider for lanes in an urban plaza.
long term
Figure 9: Schematic
Bioswales/ditches*
illustration which
shows the urban
Major Areas for Urban pattern for this en-
Intervention (A and B) tire block is mainly
governed by urban
design policies.
Proposed Land Use
Preserved Existing Land Use
Figure 4: Diagram depicts the proposed major areas/features and proposed main attempts that need to be taken in to account for urban framework. References:
*Bioswales’ locations in diagram are abstract. “COSMOS”. cosmos.surrey.ca. City of Surrey. 2015. Web. Janu-
ary 2015.
“Guilford, City of Surrey”. GoogleMaps. 2015. Web. 15 January
2015.
14
1 FIRST IMPRESSIONS
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8
LEGEND: OPPORTUNITY OPPORTUNITY
MAJOR STREET CHALLENGE CHALLENGE

This site features a variety of uses. The prominent land use is multi- The new LRT line along 104th Ave. and the proposed stops at
family housing in the form of various large apartment complexes. each end of this site present tremendous opportunity for change
These are blocked off from each other and from the main streets along the street. There is a chance to redevelop the large surface
by dense hedges and broken-off streets. The resulting condition is parking lots along the main arterial, and connect the recreation
a landscape with very few through streets. One of the unique fea- centre to the commercial hub of the Guildford Town Centre and
tures of this site is the extension of the Guildford Town Centre in the residential complexes on the site. There are a couple of run-
the form of a big box store connected by an indoor bridge within down areas on this site, one of which has a few single-family
the mall. There are a number of surface parking lots along 104th homes in very poor condition. These places present opportuni-
Ave. surrounding the big box store and just north of this vast park- ties for new, denser and more dynamic development to take place.
ing area is a large recreation centre and library for the commu-
nity. An elementary school, small commercial strip, and large park The main challenge of this site is the dominance of separated
near the northwest corner of the site complete the existing fabric. multi-family apartment complexes. These are important to the
neighbourhood since they provide a more affordable option for
families and their higher density is appropriate for the new tran-
sit corridor. The challenge is how to integrate them better into the
neighbourhood fabric without compromising the buildings them-
selves. Better connected streets within the site would encour-
age people to walk from these housing areas to the arterial street.
15
Section 2 1
Team Members: Simone Levy & Siyuan Zhao
LEGEND:
LRT STOP
LRT ROUTE
BUS ROUTE
MODIFIED LOCAL ROAD
BIKE ROUTE
GREENWAY(BIKES+PEDS)
PEDESTRAIN
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
MIXED-USE
EXISTING CIVIC SPACE
NEW OPEN SPACE
EXISTING OPEN SPACE

In the design of this site, the corner of 104 Ave. and 152 St. has been re-imagined to include higher density mixed use development and public open
spaces sheltered from the main arterial. These open spaces link the commercial centre to the recreation centre, and expand the community services
of the area into the public realm. A smaller site of mixed use development is also proposed at the corner of 104th Ave. and 148th St., as well as new
development at the site of poor quality single family houses, and intensification at the existing small commercial strip. This strategy provides inter-
est points with commercial services within a short walk of every neighbourhood resident. In order to help people navigate the site better while pre-
serving the current multi-family housing, local roads have been expanded wherever possible to better connect each complex to its surroundings. A
greenway for bikes and pedestrians runs across the site along the existing park, and new protected bike lanes and sidewalks line the larger streets.
16
1 FIRST IMPRESSIONS
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8

First observations are primarily reflected based on the existing condi- Opportunities
tions through three main lenses: street pattern, building typology, and • Two LRT stops on 152 St. and 156 St. along 104 St.
green system. • Bus route expansion through 152 St. and 156 St.
The site is bounded by three major arterials of 104 St., 152 St., and • Vacant land and parking lots along 104 St. for future development
156 St. These three corridors accommodate major public transit • Potential to accommodate more population, commercial activities,
(buses) and daily traffic. When we walked further down the block, the employment and density
neighbourhood fabric changed from corridors to a mainly dendritic • Existing green spaces are natural resources with potential to enhance
street pattern. ecosystems, create a local public spaces, and link the missing bike and
The dominant building typologies along the main arterials are park- pedestrian pathways
ing lots and vacant lands. Within the fabric, single-family housing • Popularity of local shops in the existing context (e.g. Korean Super-
and gated residential communities are the major typologies. In the market)
northern part of the site lies a massive auto mall, which is separated Challenges
from the rest of the neighbourhood by fencing on one side and the • Lack of street connectivity with the neighbourhood fabric, dominantly
Trans-Canada Highway on the other side. In addition to typical subur- culs-de-sac
ban building characteristics on the site, new mixed use and mid-rise • Transformation of big lots and single-family housing
buildings have emerged. • Neighbourhood segregation resulting from Highway 1 in the north side
There are isolated green areas on-site, but they are not connected or • Gated residential community and lack of connectivity with the rest of
functional as a complete green network and public space. the neighbourhood
• Lack of diversity and segregated location of auto mall
17
Section 3 1
Team Members: Hedieh Rashidi & Lilian Zhang
500m

Transit:
• Street connectivity is crucial in order to have better accessibility for • Transformation of auto mall into a hub of car dealerships to concen-
the proposed transit system trated related business from other parts of the study area (Site 5 & 7)
• 5-minute walking distance to public transit Green System:
• Re-designing Highway 1 to a more neighbourhood-friendly corridor • Interconnected pedestrian and bike system
Building typology: • Extended natural space to increase functionality, human activities
• An improved streetscape for the overall image and character of and local characteristics
Guildford area
• Mixed use buildings along the corridor to create a rich mixture of
functions including walking, shopping and social activities
• Established local businesses with an international theme consider-
ing the various ethnic backgrounds in the area
18
1 FIRST IMPRESSIONS
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8
- - - 108th Avenue - - -
- - - 160th Street - - -
- - - 156th Street - - -
---
Hig
hwa
y 1-
--
- - - 104th Avenue - - -
Fig.1: Study area - Block 4 Fig. 2: Existing challenges and opportunites for Block 4

A tale of two triangles There is strong potential to integrate green vegetation into the area in
As we move away from the Guildford Town Centre, the streetscape order to improve health and safety in the neighbourhood. One meas-
changes gradually and the monotony of parking lots and big box ures that achieves such integration is preservation of the creek and
stores is broken by the welcoming sight of a densely wooded area. its wildlife habitat. Given the close proximity of 104 Ave. LRT stop, re-
The site is bounded by 104 Ave. and 108 Ave., and 156 St. and 160 designing the street frontage could accommodate mixed used devel-
St. Highway 1, which runs through the plot, divides the area into opments and replace existing run-down homes. Big box stores could
two triangles. While the entire area abounds with vacant plots, the also be converted into mixed use buildings. However, the visual and
triangle bounded by 104 Ave. and Highway 1 is densely vegetated physical disconnection that is created by Highway 1 proves to be a
and traversed by a serpentine creek that supports spawning salmon. major challenge. In addition, the presence of vacant plots close to the
The other triangle is punctuated with single-family homes and a few highway adds to the area’s challenges. It is foreseeable that single-
multi-family residences. Additionally, the site also boasts a school, family homes may undergo re-purposing in the future in order to double
churches, commercial buildings and a hotel. their population density and increase the efficiency of their built form.
Streetscape of block 4 is dominated by green silhoutte as opposed to built forms.
19
Section 4 1
Team Members: Manali Yadav & Saki Wu
Fig. 4: Proposed green connections
Fig. 5: Proposed bioswales for existing parking lots
Fig. 3: Proposed land use, road and green infrastructure

Fig. 6: Proposed creek view with trails
Our vision is not just limited to the scheme depicted on Block 4, but also includes connections to adjacent blocks through the use of green cor-
ridors, trails, bike paths and visual connectivity (Figs. 3 & 4). By connecting the school, recreational parks and churches, these social and cul-
tural spaces have potential to create an effective public realm. Accordingly, four key strategies that could be implemented in order to stimulate
and densify the neighbourhood include: (1) In order to create a safer enviornment, the gap between two blocks should be bridged by refining
the street infrastructure. A possible measure to achieve this is the addition of an overpass, which could act as a green corridor and emphasize
an entry point. (2) In light of the unique topography of the area, drains could be designed to empty stormwater run-off into the stream. In the
case of impervious areas such as asphalt-laden parking lots, bioswales (Fig. 5) are proposed. (3) New mixed used development close to the
LRT stop could generate local employment, and buildings could be oriented in a manner that creates view corridors along the green buffer
and reduces the sterile highway enviornment (Fig. 6). (4) Lastly, an infill strategy is proposed in order to create an equitable neighbourhood.
These strategies can help Block 4 to seamlessly integrate with the adjoining blocks and create a more affordable & livable experience for new
immigrants to the Guildford area.
20
1 FIRST IMPRESSIONS
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8

The site is located along the southern side of the 104 Ave., between The map above comprises three categories. Blue, red, and yellow
144 St. and 148 St. The site comprises a large urban forest in the south respectively illustrate opportunities, constraints, and the category both
and a sports field in the northeast. The forest exudes a strong sense of opportunity and constraint. In terms of opportunity, the urban forest is
nature but with limited accessibility and almost no human activity. The a potential place for people to explore nature and interact with wild-life.
sports field with a large lawn creates openess. Along the 104 Ave., It is also important as an ecological preserve and contributes to the re-
there are many parking lots. The largest one towards the northwest of gional green infrastructure. The sports field provides recreational func-
the site belongs to an auto mall. There is a supermarket next to the 146 tion for this and other neighbourhoods. Constraints include big block
St. It has two stories and a parking lot behind it. It also has an under- size, several culs-de-sac and weak street connectivity, which result in
ground parking lot. There are some small buildings dispersed within decreased walkability. Some areas have both constraints and oppor-
the site, including a Mcdonald’s, two churches, a police station, and a tunities. For instance, all surface parking lots are inefficient in terms of
bathware store. Other areas are mostly residential. There are single- stormwater management, walkability and lack of land uses. However
family homes dominated with low building density. The overall building in some cases, their size and location provide potential opportunity for
condition is poorly maintained. There are two existing bus stops on redevelopment. The supermarket has only commercial function within
the 104 Ave. The traffic volume on the 104 Ave. is heavy. Walking the building, so the building’s value could be maximized by adding
along the 104 Ave. is uncomfortable because of the poor sidewalks. more mixed use above it. The arterial roads perform badly in terms of
safety and comfort for the pedestrians, but they all have the potential
to be refined under the new transit-oriented development agenda.
21
Section 5 1
Team Member: Chen Fan& Kate Wang

Based on the analysis in last section, the urban design framework focuses on three parts.
(1) Street network: Black lines indicate the proposed street pattern. Most new blocks are walkable and form a grid pattern.
(2) Land use: Commercial and residential mixed use are proposed along the 104 Ave.
(3) Green system: A multi-functional urban park is proposed in the parking area to the south of the supermarket. It continues along the eastern
side of the supermarket and connects to the existing small green space on 104 Ave. The sports field will be redesigned as a multi-functional
space with an open field for playing variety of sports, rather than single use. The amount of work to be done inside the forest depends on further
investigation. For instance, existing pattern of soil types, vegetation, topographical changes, and so on, could be evaluated at a later date. With
more information, some trails, bike lanes, semi-open spaces, and enhanced habitat might be proposed for the forest. Some existing trees inside
residential blocks will be refined as pocket parks, based on which, some residential buildings will be reorganized. All of these pocket parks, along
with the urban forest and the recreational field will contribute to the regional green network.
22
1 FIRST IMPRESSIONS
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8
Fig.1 Fig.2
Hovering over the above map, the grey area comes off as the most domi- Thinking about the area’s planning vision for the future, most of the exist-
nant and significant, the surface parking mostly catering to the Guildford ing conditions are very challenging. However, there is great potential for
Town Center. Despite the fact that the mall is surrounded by this dry land- this area. Starting with the dominant grey area, the parking lots and some
scape, the mall itself is quite shiny, elegant and vibrant inside. Guildford empty private properties offer a lot of opportunities for future development
Town Center is the heart of the city; it acts as a hub and a collective point where one doesn’t have to deal with any cultural and social constraints
for residents. This mall is an attractive spot for all surrounding neighbour- (Fig. 4). It is mainly related to authoritarian decisions, unlike the residential
hoods. The site extends from 148 St. to 152 St. from west to east, and area on this site. The residential neighbourhood is mainly comprised of
from 100 Ave. to 104 Ave. from south to north. It is a mix of residential and single-family houses, where one has to deal with property owners, relo-
commercial areas integrated into one another like two twisted L-shapes cating them or rearranging their own buildings and spaces, which is much
forming an interesting fusion that could inspire future planning and design- tougher and harder to deal with. They should be given alternatives where
ing (Fig.3). Although this site offers many services, it lacks civic facilities they are safe and their businesses will not be negatively affected. Little
such as schools, recreational areas, community centers and parks. The existing details could be inspiring to develop according to the community
street grid and the pedestrian grid are interrupted, and the green system needs. One such example is a barbershop with a residential façade. One
is not connected, presenting an unclear sense of direction. This site lacks idea would be to develop a live-work building. The proposed LRT system
a musical façade where there is a gradual transition from one building passing through 104 Ave. right next to the mall and having a major LRT
to another in terms of height and form. There are few vertically extruded stop on the 104 Ave. and 152 St. intersection perfectly suits the location
elements on the very flat area. The structural planning of the areas as of the mall. This helps create a homogeneously interconnected bus/LRT
we move away from the mall slowly transitions from urban to suburban. system to easily accomplish the five minute walking distance concept.
23
Section 6 1
Team Members: Haneen Abdul Samad & Nastaran E.Beigi
Fig. 4
The existing urban fabric illustrates the ratio
between the built-up areas in black and the
unbuilt areas in white. This demonstrates chal-
lenges and also the available opportunities for
future developments. The amalgamation of su-
per blocks as an urban pattern in this region
has an adverse impact on walkability, safety
and human scale.
Fig.3 Fig.4

A potential vision for this area starts with the mall itself. Since
it is a hub and a prospective growth area for the whole re-
gion. As a first thought, the beauty of the mall from the inside
is to be opened up and merged with its surroundings. All the
internal walking patterns could be extended outdoors and in-
tegrated with the existing pedestrian/street grid to improve
it. The majority of the parking lots are to be developed mainly
into mixed use, mid-rise buildings. That will allow achiev-
ing a higher density in the area and a gradual integration with
the existing context (the existing towers). Adding parks and
greenways will help improve the ecological system, and add-
ing streets will increase the efficiency of the street network.
LEGEND
Fig.5
24
1 FIRST IMPRESSIONS
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8
152 St
156 St
100 Ave
Fig. 1: The existing context of the site

Fig. 2: The opportunities and challenges encountered on the site based on existing
context
The area of Guildford is prominent today as a result of the proposed The major challenge encountered in this part of the region is density.
light rail transit (LRT) on 104 Ave. The half mile square enclosed from Considering 104 Ave. this could be a thriving area with more jobs
152 St. to 156 St. and 104 Ave. to 100 Ave. is an amalgamation of two and residences. Therefore increasing density is of prime importance.
distinct building typologies. The Guildford Heights Lake bifurcates the Another point of concern is the connectivity between the buildings.
residential area from the commercial domain. The Serpentine Creek The western portion of the site is comprised of offices and commer-
merges with the lake flowing from east and crosses 156 St. Moreover cial strip malls that do not exhibit interrelation and all the buildings
the pride of the neighbourhood is the flag which is to the north of the stand out alone. Not only does this make every building self-sufficient
site on 104 Ave. The Guildford Town Centre is across 152 St. to the but it also leads to poor road network. Diversity in ethnicity is what
west of the site. The area of the site near the Town Centre is predomi- makes Surrey unique, but the site does not encourage any cultural
nantly commercial. However, further away high-density residential activity. This should be encouraged as the site holds a great poten-
prevails. Crossing 156 St. to the east of the site is strictly single-family tial for enhancing development surrounding the Town Centre area.
housing. This gradually diminishing density and zoning represents
that the mall itself is the heart of the area of Guildford and the sur-
rounding sites are the potential locations for future development.
25
Section 7 1
Team Members: Prachi Doshi & Xinyun Li
Fig. 4: (left top) represents

the existing urban fabric. The
white spaces indicate the park-
ing lots. The physical space
created here
152 St
156 St
Fig. 5: (left bottom) represents
the proposed urban fabric. The
green path connects the urban
100 Ave plazas to the green park. The
red square represents the
canadian flag. It represents the
filling of the empty spaces and
connecting the buildings with
a pedestrian path. East - West
connection has a car access,
Fig. 3: The design strategies and proposed urban fabric for the half mile square but the North - South connec-
tion is entierly pedestrian.

A major feature of the concept reacting to existing conditions is the unveiling of the business park to the east of the mall. The huge parking lots segre-
gate the commercial buildings. The newer concept is based on interconnectivity by eradicating the parking spaces. This provides an opportunity to
use the surface as urban plazas. As a result, new commercial and mixed use buildings are proposed to fill the gaps. This derives a flow connecting
all the urban plazas creating a pedestrian-friendly zone. Slow traffic is allowed to access 152 St., but a no-car-zone is created connecting the lower
plaza to the lake via the flag. Newer buildings are proposed which are closer to each other and enhance the human scale pedestrian zone. Hence the
functionality of the same physical space is altered again, providing better interconnectivity and more job opportunities. With this green zone termi-
nating at the lake, trails have been proposed around the lake to encourage people to walk in the natural ambience providing a chance to plan for a
recreational centre. The creek has been preserved and new zoning has been proposed to install mixed use buildings on 156 St., as the site adjacent to
this is purely residential. Apparently this would lead to a sustainable development in terms of density, building typologies and the needs of humanity.
26
1 FIRST IMPRESSIONS
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8
Figure1. The selected area
Opportunities and Challenges

Opportunities:
1-Some of the existing parking lots and old buildings along 104 Ave.
provide the opportunity for future development.
2-Opportunity for creating a connected street system within the neigh-
Existing Context bourhood, in order to promote walkability.
The northeastern side of the site is close to the intersection of 106 3-Opportunity for an interconnected public green space through walk-
St. and the Trans-Canada Highway, which is connected to the Port ing trails within the neighbourhood and also along the Serpentine
Mann Bridge. Other major transit arterials surrounding this area are Creek.
104 Ave., and 156 St. A major feature of the site is Serpentine Creek, Challenges:
which is surrounded by a preserved green belt continuing from the 1-Lack of connectivity within the street system, caused by dead ends
eastern side of the site to the west. There are existing civic build- and culs-de-sac.
ings and amenities on-site, including an elementary school and a 2-Lack of a centralized commercial zone within the five minute walking
hotel, both located along 104 Ave. The housing type for this area is distance of some areas within the neighbourhood.
mostly single-family detached, except some multi-family blocks close 3-Lack of connectivity between the open green space and the residen-
to 104 Ave. The neighbourhood consists of many dead end streets tial areas within the neighbourhood.
and culs-de-sac, making street connectivity an issue for this area. 4-Lack of connectivity and communication between the buildings
along 104 Ave. and the street.
27
Section 8 1
Team Members: Avishan Aghazadeh & Amal Wasfi

In order to promote walkability, a commercial zone is suggested around the intersection of 158 St. and 101 St., which is acces-
sible within the five minute walking distance of the neighbourhood. Furthermore, street connections have been made through
some culs-de-sac in order to create street connectivity as well as walkable paths. Trails have been considered along the Ser-
pentine Creek and within the green belt. Green spaces within the neighbourhood will be connected through green pathways.
The connection of the green spaces also promote walkability within the neighbourhood and also along the designated trails
along the Serpentine creek. Bike routes have been suggested along the green systems with connections to the adjacent site.
Since the location of the site is close to a main traffic intersection, this area can be considered as the entrance and gateway to the Guildford region.
Therefore, a bridge is suggested in order to connect this site with the site across the road which will promote walkability and a connected green loop.
28
2
Chapter 2: Streetscape music
The organizing spine of Guildford is the 104 Avenue Corridor

that anticipates a new light rail system. This two mile stretch
anticipates new development opportunity for the entire length
that takes into account varying existing conditions and con-
text. Building on the studio’s first impressions, the designers
explored the corridor’s existing and future identity using mu-
sical composition as a visual metaphor. The teams produced
large scale overlay drawings of the corridor’s north and south
side streetscapes that visually emphasized the contextual
rhythm, dynamics, textures, layers and proportional quali-
ties. These drawings, or “contextual sheet music”, were then
played as a sonic composition to emphasize the importance
of experiencing, or feeling, urban design character. This in-
tuitive insight underpinned design explorations to follow.
30
STREETSCAPE MUSIC 2
North Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
South Side .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
32
2 STREETSCAPE MUSIC
Maryam Mahvash Simone Levy
Yashas Hegde Siyuan Zhao
Musical Overlay
Street Scape
As we walked along the 104 Ave. corridor intersected by the streets The north side of 104 Ave. has a steady backdrop of low-rise apartment
144 and 148 respectevely, we photographed the north side of the buildings between 148 St. and 150 St. The next stretch contrasts this, as
street to document the existing conditions. It is evident that a vast the streetscape is mostly empty between 150 St. and 152 St. due to the
expanse of this urban fabric along 104 Avenue is undeveloped, result- large surface parking lots surrounding the extension of the Guildford Mall.
ing in poorly-maintained, vacant green spaces. The amenities on this Vegetation provides articulation in front of the monotonous buildings that
stretch include a gas station, commercial units, seniors’ rental hous- line the street. When the visual identity of the streetscape is translated into
ing, a church and two bus stops.The musical overlay clealy illustrates music, the consistent, low-rise nature of the architecture is emphasized,
the monotony with respect to building heights and the vast expanse as are the voids created by parking areas. The vegetation becomes ex-
of open spaces. tremely important, as it provides variation and rhythm at times when the
built form disappears or remains constant at one height.
33
North Side 2
Lilian Zhang Saki Wu
Hedi Rashidi Manali Yadav
Fig. 1: Undulations of the terrain are best captured by Gheorghe Zamfir’s El Condor Pasa
The dominant existing typologies along 104 Ave is mostly low-density Like a musical score, while a city’s topography can undulate over
structures, such as one-storey buildings, small-scale retail, and old space and time. The preservation of the relationship between its ele-
single-family houses. Higher density towers, mid-rise, and mixed-use ments ensures that its identity stays consistent. In this vision, block
buildings have newly emerged on the site, but the neighborhood still sizes, silhouttes, greenscapes and architectural articulations are akin
embraces the suburban big-box supermarket, like the popular Korean to notes that lend a musical composition its distinct rhythm. For in-
grocery store. The significant landmark of the corridor is 20-storey stance, Block 4 of 104 Ave. is brimming with greenery and even boasts
Sheraton Hotel located close to 152 St. This site exhibits a transition a running stream. These harmonious features give the area the feel
from a suburban landscape to a more rural one for any pedestrians of a classical piece. On the other hand, the rundown appearence of
walking from 152 St. to 156 St. It is a transition from denser com- tiny homes, broken sidewalk edges and the coarse asphalted road
mercial areas (152 St) to single family homes and local retail (154 St), interupt the classical melody with loud, unpleasant notes (Fig.1).
then towards dense trees and street-side gardens at the end of the
section (156 St).
34
2 STREETSCAPE MUSIC
Weicen Kate Wang Haneen Abdul Samad
Chen Fan Nastaran E.Beigi
There are nine buildings in this area. All of them are one- or two-storey The façade stretches between 148 St. and 152 St. on the south side
buildings. The section illustrates that two buildings are the widest, with streetscape of 104 Ave. It reflects a very non-rhythmic pattern, high-
the remaining buildings in the middle being small in footprint and close lighting two contrasting facts. On one hand, the melodic line is dull
to each other. When these architectural features are translated into for a lengthy portion of the façade. On the other hand we experience
musical language, the low building heights are translated into only two two shocking elements characterized by two 21-storey towers. Each
musical notes (E and G). Some notes are closer to each other while tower extrudes from a very flat area mostly dominated by two-storey
some are further, which as a whole makes this section’s music very buildings. The soundscape has an unbalanced mode, which lacks hi-
irregular. In short, this façade can be represented with an intermittent erarchy when transitioning from one state to the other. This is clear in
and arrhythmic musical pattern. the sketch below which reflects the physical shape as musical notes.
Observations
35
South Side 2
Prachi Doshi Avishan Aghazadeh
Xinyun Li Amal Wasfi
The streetscape between 152 St. and 156 St. is a transition between The dominant elements in this section are the trees. This area con-
the Guildford Town Centre and the gateway to the neighbourhood. tains a belt of green space that is continuous throughout the block. At
The tune of this changeover clearly depicts the abating tempo in terms times the trees form a background to the buildings and they provide a
of building frontage and increment in terms of vegetation. This waning rhythm that plays faster as we get closer to the end of this block. Se-
is interrupted by the elevation of the tall Canadian flag, which is the ries of buildings not higher than three stories interfere with this rhythm
only source of alteration within the existing monotonous streetscape. in some places. However, in general, since the buildings are at the
The soundscape clarifies that the trees yield a major sense of change same scale as the trees, they do not interrupt the rhythm.
across the street, while passing by the 104 Ave. The designer needs
to consider the diminishing skyline at the horizon.
Street Scape
Musical Overlay
36
3
Chapter 3: Policy and Programme
The studio’s focus was to simulate a compressed, profes-

sional quality consultancy in service to our “client”, The City
of Surrey. As a result, investigative teams formed to liaise
directly with municipal staff to ensure that deeper urban
framework investigations reflected policy, and emerging best
practice, intentions. Specific research was gathered around
anticipated growth, demographic trends, related socio-cul-
tural considerations, economic growth appreciating the “Ar-
rival City” role that Guildford could continue to play, housing
opportunity noting the importance of Guildford’s current af-
fordability, open space and related connectivity, food sys-
tems, water management and energy. These investigations
culminated in a conversation with municipal representatives
towards focusing the studio’s design program while better
understanding related opportunities for integrated strategies.
38
POLICY AND PROGRAMME 3
Parks and Greenspace .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Services and Identity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Housing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Transportation .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Local Agriculture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
40
3 POLICY AND PROGRAMME
Legend:
- Urban Forest
- Parks & Recreational Area
- Vacant Land
- Creek
What We Have:
There are three types of existing green space. The first is urban forest located towards the northeast side and the other is to the south-
west side of the study area. These natural assets will potentially retain regional ecology. The second type is recreational land that in-
cludes sports fields, parks, school playgrounds, etc. The third type is unutilized green space, such as some natural grassland with-
out any use and maintenance. From researching the green system guidelines, there are some important issues that require extra
attention: 1) the existing distribution of green spaces in terms of accessibility within 5 min. walk (400 m. distance) is a challenging issue,
2) the existing surface parking areas and the existing open spaces of schools and churches offer opportunity to meet the requirement
for easy accessibility. Considering these issues, the design of small scale green and public open spaces will be taken into consideration.
41
Parks and Greenspace 3
Team Members
Saki Wu
Chen Fan
Nastaran Beigi
Maryam Mahvash
What We Need:
The lack of amenities in existing parks, including benches, playgrounds, pavement and lighting, is challenging. In fact, urbanizing the ex-
isting parks and open spaces in general needs to be taken into account. Besides, green lanes will provide a better accessibility and con-
nectivity within the neighbourhoods while easing the implementation of a gentle infill policy within the blocks. Connecting existing parks and
natural green infrastructure with greenways and a series of small open spaces, such as pocket parks, will complete both the green loop
within the area and the green infrastructure network within the Guildford region. The overall strategy is to connect all green pieces together
into a systematic green network. New parks, greenways or ecosystems will be proposed as corridors between any two green spaces that
miss connections. This new green network will maximize wildlife habit, natural processes and human-nature interactions for the region.
42
Legend:
- Recreational & Libraries
- Schools
- Churches
- Senior Housing &

Daycare
Fig. 1: Recent immigrants comprise 12.8% of the total popula-

tion in Guildford compared with 7.5% and 6.8% in Surrey &
Vancouver, respectively1.
What We Have:
Guldiford, one of the six Town Centres in the City of Surrey, is often dubbed as an ‘Arrival City’ for immigrants. Guildford’s population has
grown significantly over the past decade, largely due to the influx of Asian immigrants. These events have greatly enhanced the diversity
and vibrancy of the social and cultural fabric of Guildford (Fig.1). Notably, immigration has directly contributed to the rise in the number of
churches, schools, community centers, recreational centers, libraries, day-care facilities and senior homes in the area. In addition to quantity,
even the quality of these social spaces has improved significantly. For instance, the Guildford Recreational Center and Library is a state-
of-art facility that organizes programs for seniors and youth. Moreover, as highlighted in the four leftmost blocks in the map above, social
amenities and facilities are judiciously distributed throughout the area. However, their concentration exhibits a marked decrease as one moves
away from the Town Centre. As a result, residents rely heavily on private transport and the sparse population diminishes the social realm.
43
Services and Identity 3
Team Members
Manali Yadav
Weiceng Wang
Siyuan Zhao
Lilian Zhang
References:
1. United Way Lower Mainland. My Neighbourhood
My Future: Guildford West, Surrey. 2011. http://bit.
ly/1F8HsUq
Fig. 2: Childern upto 14 years of age account for 19% of

the population in Guildford. In Surrey and Vancouver, these
numbers are 19% and 15.3%, respectively1.
What We Need:
In order to create a more inclusive and equitable neighbourhood for all residents, it is important to identify missing nodes within the existing fabric. In light
of population growth, providing more faclilites such as neighbourhood housing, day-care, senior housing and community centers in the more distant
parts of Guildford could foster greater engagment within all the ethinc and age groups. Additional emphasis must also be given to ensuring equitable
access to youth programs for families from all economic strata (Fig.2). In order to build a safer and more secure community, these social centers must
be connected by more efficient and sustainable means of transport such as pedestrian paths, bike lanes, trails and greenways. Furthermore, the
regular occurrence of events such as farmers markets, community gardening, fairs, open-air amphitheater shows and outdoor excursions will greatly
animate the social fabric of the region. Promoting multi-cultural activities and events will foster a stronger community feeling within the neighbourhood.
44
Amal Wasfi
Cultural Facilities for the First Nations in Surrey:
What We Have: What We Need:

Metro Vancouver’s urban Aboriginal population is 40,000-60,000 It is recommended to provide a hub in the middle of the South
people, the largest population in British Columbia, with the high- Fraser region with easy access from Highway 1 and the Pattullo
est social needs of any population group [1]. Cultural-based social Bridge. Although the First Nations’ population in Surrey is around
and health centers are critical to the well-being of the urban Abo- 2,000 people, this proposal is looking to serve the Aboriginals in
riginal community. The Aboriginal believe in “Holism”, the Physi- the South of the Fraser Area (pop. 33,515) living off reserves in dis-
cal, Emotional, Spiritual and Mental balance, with particular atten- persed groups [2]. The proposed center will have the four mentioned
tion to congruence between the body and mind encompassed by main facilities as followed: 1) exercising (Native sports) facilities;
the spirit. These Four Pillars together in combination make up a 2) “Aboriginal Circle of Life Services Program” facilities delivered
good overall well-being. It is important to mention that part of the by certified workers; 3) spiritual structures; and 4) education and
spiritual activities is an attendance of a place called the “Sweat art outreach facilities. The art facilities could be expanded to in-
Lodge”. It is a place to purify the body and soul. Expressing tradi- clude art shows/sales, especially if the location is close to the “pro-
tions and building faith is mandated to improve their quality of life . posed” gateway visitors village (between 156 Ave and 160 Ave).
Currently there exist two hubs in North and West Vancouver
West Vancouver Community Hub
which allow for the adherence of these Four Pillars. However, in Sur-
Sective and plan of a “Sweat Lodge” - a health and symbolic place
rey, there is only a park and a school on 104 Ave. and 130 St., but to purify the body and the soul by sweating inside a heated tent.
there is no community hub in the areas south of the Fraser River.
References:
Instead of an ‘out of sight and out of mind’ mental- 1-Metro Vancouver Aboriginal Executive Council Report, 2014. .http://www.mvaec.ca/
ity which applies to much of the region’s population, hav- infoshare
ing these facilities in the Town Centre will help in bridging the 2-Profile of Aboriginal People in the Fraser Health Region, 2010,
http://www.fraserhealth.ca/media/Aboriginal%20Profile_2010.pdf
gap and blending the Aboriginal with the different cultures.
45
Services and Identity 3
Xinyun Li
Cultural Facilities in Surrey:
What We Have: What We Need:

The existing cultural situation in Guildford Recommended strategies:
can be better understood by looking at the past and reflecting on the
present and trends for the future. The western culture that emerged in 1. Considering the different cultural and historical background of
Vancouver region in the late 1800s was preceded by a Native culture immigrants, the Guildford community should create multi-cultural
that was rich in art, theater and dance (Bruce Macdonald,1992). Sur- facilities that promote community engagement. For example, public
rey is one of the most rapidly developed regions, with nearly 10,000 art galleries, museums, theaters, religious places.
new residents added every year. Cultural facilities are significant to
enhance urbanization and to create a sustainable, ethnic and cultur- 2.Creating more public space and landscaped areas encourages
ally diverse and socially cohesive community. The Guildford area has people to communicate and perform more cultural activities. We can
several cultural facilities: Guildford Youth Lounge in Guildford Rec- design cultural sculptures and green schemes for the existing open
reation Center, Guildford Islamic Cultural Center (Fig 1). These facili- spaces and green spaces. For example, forest theatres and the
ties promote public art exihibitions and religious activities. However, cultural plazas (Fig 2).
there are some issues to resolve. Most importantly, it lacks cultural
facilities for different ethnic groups. Cultural facilities should be vi- 3.Creating greenways that can form a continuous loop for the Guild-
brant, muti-cultural and intimate places for all ages to enjoy. It should ford area. It would connect all the cultural facilities as one cultural
create a “sense of place”. Also, lack of open space leads to less in- loop. It will then provide people with an easily walkable, vibrant, and
teraction amongst the residents and creates unsafe environment. culturally rich walking experience.
Fig.2: The cultural scuptures and landscape archifacts reflects Surrey’s culture combined
with the greenway. It is a excellent example that represents Guildford’s cultural identity.
Sources: Public Art Program in Surrey.
Fig.1: The Guildford Islamic Cultural Center. It should improve its cultural identity and References:
also enhance characteristics of the exterior open space. 1-Surrey Public Art Plan 2012-2016. Public Art Program.http://www.surrey.ca/culture-
Sources: Google Earth recreation/1654.aspx
46
Proposed and existing housing typology
Fig 1. Infill Strategy for single-family

housing
Fig 2. Proposed Strategy for new mid-

rise developments
Fig 3. Existing high density towers

146 St
148 St
150 St
152St
What We Have:
Although the dominant type of residence in this area is the single-family detached home, there is also a diversity of housing typology that includes
mixed-use, multi-family residential, high-rise towers and mid-rise residential. The two ends of the site (northwestern and southeastern parts of Guild-
ford) are mostly covered in single-family homes. As we go further towards the centre of Guildford, there is a variety of mid-rise residential units and
multi-family housing. High-rise towers are mostly concentrated in the centre of the site and close to the Guildford Town Centre. There are many existing
vacant lands and parking lots along the corridor and also throughout the fabric with the potential of accommodating future housing developments.
47
Housing 3
Team Members
Avishan Aghazadeh
Hedieh Rashidi
Legend:
Single-family Housing
Mid-rise Residential
Housing
104 St
High-rise Residential
Housing
Existing Affordable Housing

154 St
156 St
102 St
152St
What We Need:
Due to the proposed LRT system along 104 Ave., an economic boost and additional population growth is expected within the span of the next
40 years. As a result of this transition, an increase in density and number of housing units is demanded in order to accommodate this popula-
tion. A set of densification strategies are proposed with respect to the complex fabric of the site as following:
• Infill projects can be considered for the lower-density neighbourhoods (single family housing) by adding secondary suites, laneway housing,
and row houses. (Fig 1)
• Development of 4 to 6-storey buildings for the potential areas (existing parking lots and vacant lands). An example of proposed housing typol-
ogy could be similar to the mid-rise building at the north-western parts of 104 Ave. and 154 St. intersections. (Fig 2)
• The recently-built, high-density towers are expected to remain in the considered period for 40 years. (Fig 3)
• Older affordable residential buildings (shown in blue) can be redeveloped with respect to the existing footprint and the retention of the green-
ery.
48
Legend:
- LRT Transit Stops
- LRT Transit Lanes
- Bus Transit Lanes
- Trans-Canada Hwy
- Truck Lanes
- Bike Lanes
- Existing Green Lanes
- Proposed Green Lanes
- Existing Internal Roads
- Proposed Internal Roads
- Cul-de-sac
What We Have:
Transportation in Surrey is about finding smarter travel choices for people and interconnecting the neighbourhoods. Guildford is home to
104 Ave., which is a major east-west arterial connecting Surrey City Centre to the Trans-Canada Highway. It is predominantly a car-domi-
nated neighbourhood, even though it exhibits a number of greenways and bike lanes. The bus network is one of the popular modes of pub-
lic transportation. The presence of some greenery (forestry spaces), as well as the palimpsest of various old transit modes ameliorates the
travel experience. The street grids surrounding the Guildford Town Centre are poorly determined. As we move away from the Town Centre,
the blocks’ structures adopt the cul-de-sac street format. Thus, we have an established neighbourhood suitable for alternative transit options.
49
Transportation 3
Team Members
Haneen Abdul Samad
Prachi Doshi
What We Need:
The advent of Light Rail Transit would give a boost to 104 Ave. in terms of density and accessibility. There would be a need to maximize the
number of people accessing the transit nodes. Along with 104 Ave., 102A Ave. and 105 Ave. will be two potential streets that can absorb traffic.
The existing transportation layout calls for resolving the grid pattern for local roads. Abruptly ending roads lead to weak connectivity. Guildford has
bike lanes that need to be redesigned to form loops, which would encourage bike usage. The neighbourhood lacks pedestrian-friendly sidewalks.
We foresee Guildford as a walkable and bike-friendly neighbourhood, which would not only be sustainable but would also enhance the street life.
50
Legend:
- Existing Community
Garden
- Potential Garden Sites

Within Existing Park Lands
- Potential Agriculture Sites

Within Private Open Lots
- Areas Within Private

Developments That Could
Incorporate Community-
Scaled Agriculture Space
- Stores With Some

Groceries
- Potential Farmers’ Market

Site
What We Have:
There is an existing community garden in Holly Park to the north within the Guildford study area. There is also an abundance of city parks through-
out the site, as well as private- and publicly-owned vacant lots. There is better potential for temporary urban agriculture on private lots with the
hope of integrating food production into future developments. Currently, there are several markets selling produce in Guildford, but most of these
do not feature any locally harvested foods. The Guildford Recreation Centre and Library is a centrally located facility that could function as a site for
a local farmers’ market for the neighbourhood. Surrey currently has a food security plan with similarities to Vancouver’s very successful strategy.
51
Local Agriculture 3
Simone Levy
What We Need:
Guildford needs a network of community gardens, urban farms and orchards. A strategy must also be implemented to make local produce readily
available to all residents. This can be done through a 3-tier system: 1) a large farmers’ market at a central, city-owned location, 2) produce markets
within a 5 min. walk of all residents, and 3) stands located at urban farm sites. Community-oriented commercial kitchens can promote local food-related
businesses. Large-scale integration of compost, backyard chickens, and pollinators can improve farming productivity. New developments should
incorporate urban agriculture in the form of gardens and roof-top farms. Non-profits should be located within schools to run gardening programs.
52
Legend:
- District energy lines
- Geo Heat Exchangers
GHX
GHX
What We Have:
The diagram above illustrates the district energy system integrated with the Sewer Heat Recovery Plant. The Sewer Heat Recov-
ery Plant is represented above to show its connection to the district energy system. However, it does not represent the location of
the plant.The district energy lines are not extended to areas which are not under the scope for future development as it is not economi-
cally viable. Geo-heat exchangers are placed in areas of high energy flow ideally in a surrounding park or linked with the transit station.
53
Energy 3
Yashas Hegde
GHX
What We Need:
Based on location, the closest proposed Sewer Heat Recovery Plant is the Quibble Creek Pump Station, situated in 94A Avenue at
King George Highway which could be a possible connector to the district energy system. The proposed district energy is based on
the zoning probabilities and since the above zoning is subject to change the district energy system is also subject to change accordingly.
54
4
Chapter 4: Mall in? Mall out?
Located near the geographic center of the study area that

anticipates a new transit stop, and arguably the cultural
focus, the future of the Guildford Mall was acknowledged
as a strategic driver of any future urban framework. Ap-
preciating the recent substantial investment to improve the
mall, while also noticing the rather introverted character
of malls in general, the studio speculated on two alterna-
tive futures. This investigation was conducted as a “mini
design charette” with the studio dividing into two teams to
each pursue a future with or without the mall. Alternative
scenarios, intended to be grounded in economic reality
and pragmatic implementation, were generated and pre-
sented. A comparative conversation with senior planning
leadership to conclude the charette provided greater stra-
tegic insight into, and assisted in “calibrating” the studio’s
shared values about, the important future of Guildford Mall.
56
MALL IN? MALL OUT? 4
Mall In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Mall Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
58
4 MALL IN? MALL OUT?
Haneen Abdulsamad Chen Fan
Avishan Aghazadeh Simone Levy
Status Quo Medium Density Housing (Typ.)
Cultural Hub & Public Open Space
Gentle Infill Strategy (Typ.)
104 Ave. LRT Corridor
New Affordable Housing
Guildford Mall
WESTSIDE DESIGN
• High-density commercial buildings are introduced along 104 Ave. Building typologies include courtyard buildings on the northern side and
podium-towers on the southern side that accommodate the relocated car dealerships from the auto-mall off Highway 1.
• On the northern side of Guildford Mall, a cultural hub is proposed with an open space for festivals and concerts. This site is surrounded by
cultural and institutional buildings and an entertainment district.
• Green spaces along the corridor will be preserved in order to maintain a well-connected green network.
• The mall is preserved. Mixed-use buildings are proposed on existing parking lots. Some retail and light industrial spaces are reserved for start-
ups south of the mall.
59
Mall In 4
Chloe Li Amal Wasfi
Maryam Mahvash Siyuan Zhao
Repurposed Auto-Mall Site
Urban Agriculture
Entertainment District
Revitalized Serpentine Creek System
Existing School (Typ.)
Corner Store Location
Live-Work Units, and Small Business Start-ups
EASTSIDE DESIGN
• Mixed-use podium-towers line 104 Ave.
• Bars and small business are located on the eastern side of the mall.
• Lower density culs-de-sac to the south are opened in places to allow for better circulation. Some gentle density intensification takes place along
with the addition of small corner stores.
• Green spaces are preserved and enhanced and pathways are proposed to connect them. This takes the form of a bridge at the eastern end,
which also acts as a gateway.
• The existing auto-mall is repurposed as a trade school.
60
COMMERCIAL IDENTITY
Haneen Abdulsamad Chen Fan
Avishan Aghazadeh Simone Levy
HOUSING STRATEGY
Guildford Mall High Density Mixed use

Tower Medium Density Mixed Use
Small Businesses/Start-Ups Corner Store
Two major factors drive the commercial sector design strategies.

Guildford Mall and the proposed LRT are built upon in order to
Existing/Low Density Affordable Housing
generate an urban hub.Urban life requires diverse activities and
Medium Density Mixed-affordability Housing a sufficiently dense concentration of people. From this platform,
High Density Live-work Units mixed use opportunities are created with midrise buildings along
Market Housing the 104 Ave arterial. Also, the existing suburban, auto-oriented
mall is activated along 104th Ave, with the addition of a new
The housing strategy aims to provide a variety of diverse resi-
cultural hub. Activities are concentrated around the mall to pro-
dential offerings. This includes both affordable and market hous-
vide job opportunities and support business start-ups. To sup-
ing, live-work and mixed-use units, and a range of densities. The
port this, live-work typologies replace the mall’s open parking
highest density residential buildings are focused along 104th
along a section of 150th St and 152nd St. This area allows light
Ave. in anticipation of demand along the new LRT line. A few
industrial and commercial and retail uses for emerging small
residential towers have been added (shown as striped circles)
businesses. An entertainment zone with cafes and restaurants
to mediate the existing skyline of the area, and further increase
is suggested to the east side of the mall to keep the area alive
density in key locations. The existing, lower-density housing
during the night. Towers accommodate hotels, and small corner
areas are preserved in places with tight-knit residential fabric.
stores are added into residential areas. All of these diverse ac-
Gentle density intensification has taken place in these areas
tivities contribute to increasing vibrancy and economic opportu-
through the addition of laneway houses and other secondary
nities for Guildford town centre.
units. Medium-density, multi-family housing has also been pre-
served throughout the site in areas where it is of higher quality PLACES AND CULTURE
and is offering an affordable option to residents. New affordable
units are proposed to replace aging public housing, and other
areas have new mixed developments that accommodate both
market and social housing. Live-work units south of the mall are
specifically intended for new immigrants.
Entertainment/Nightlife School
Cutural & Recreational Hub Religious Place
61
Mall In 4
There are three strategies for enhancing the culture and identity Chloe Li Amal Wasfi
of this place.
- Adding entertainment and recreational facilities. These provide Maryam Mahvash Siyuan Zhao
richness and diversity of cultural activities and social interac-
tions in both the day and night. The cultural hub and the mall
co-function in order to catalyse everyday life. As part of the ecological system, existing ditches offer opportu-
- Connecting cultural hubs. The new cultural campus, and other nities to propose bioswales in the western end of the site.Taking
entertainment nodes are connected by green spaces, pedes- advantage of semi-public open spaces of institutions such as
trian paths, and streets. schools and churches is another strategy to enhance the quality
- Proposing multiculturally oriented programs. Schools, muse- of Guildford’s public realm.
ums, churches, and other facilities are places that express dif-
ferent cultures and identities. All these facilities and places are
very accessible by walking or taking transit. They contribute to MOVEMENT WATER AND ENERGY
the cultural mixture of Guildford as an arrival city.
ECOLOGY
*PLAN*
District Energy Plant Bus Lane

District Energy Pipe LRT
Proposed Green Line T Transit Stop
Existing Park Semi-Public Open Space Existing Green Line
Preserved Green Space Greenway The movement network includes greenways, a new LRT line,
Public Open Space / Plaza Bioswale and bus routes. The new LRT follows 104 th Ave, and has four
accessible stops within the study area. The bus routes connect
The ecological layer of the proposed urban design framework is the rest of Guildford’s neighbourhoods, and are especially con-
based on the following strategies: centrated in the core area: the mall and the recreation center.
- Offering a green system, well-distributed in service of all; The movement of water relies on the natural Serpentine Creek
- Improving accessibility to green/open spaces within 5 min system on the east side of Guildford. There are a large number
(400m.) walking distance; and of rainwater containers set in streets, green streets and plazas,
- Revitalizing and preserving existing natural creek areas, water- parks, and natural riparian areas that collect rainwater and pro-
courses and urban forests; tect development from flooding. The district energy system in
- Creating greenways to connect existing green areas and a se- Guildford follows the main streets, and takes advantage of the
ries of proposed open spaces in order to shape a green loop. waste heat coming from the mall site. The proposed system has
- Developing urban agriculture and new farmers markets, dis- three geo heat exchanges and provides efficient and sustain-
tributed in the neighborhood. able energy to the area.
62
Prachi Doshi Nastaran E. Beigi
Yashas Hegde Saki Xueqi Wu
63
Mall Out 4
Hedieh Rashidi Kate Wang
Manali Yadav Lilian Zhang
Like many Surrey neighborhoods, Guildford has experienced a dramatic

change over the past decade. It’s an arrival place for new immigrants, young
families and the aging population. In order to create an unique experience and
a sense of place, the team was able to identify five main study areas as listed below:
a) The 104 corridor
b) The mall
c) Housing typologies
d) Green infrastructure
e) The auto-mall
Considering a vision for the next 40 years, this proposal aims to serve as an equita-
ble and livable neighborhood for everyone. The new fabric focuses on the 104 Ave.
with the proposal of light rail transit system.
WESTSIDE DESIGN
In the new proposal, mixed use buildings are proposed along the 104 Ave. towards
the west side of the block. Additionally, mid-rise residential buildings are proposed
behind the mixed use buildings. Courtyard style building typology is proposed in
the scheme which emphasizes secured semi-private open space. This space tries
to cut off the major arterial noise and acts as a safe enclosure for kids. The mall
intends to reinvent itself by a phased proposal. The land economics will work effi-
ciently by developing it over a period of time. The first phase proposal of the cultural
center will be developed towards the north side of the mall. In the second phase,
the theatre towards the south of mall will be eventually moved to the new location of
cultural center. The third phase will place new mid-rise residential buildings over the
podium along the periphery. The aim remains to open the mall by creating an axial
corridor along the north-south axis of the mall. This will eventually connect to the
cultural center. A few towers are located close to the existing towers.
EASTSIDE DESIGN
The north tip of the west side has an auto mall that will be transformed into a busi-
ness incubator, while still retaining the auto shops at the ground floor. This will
employ the local talent and the new immigrants and also add to the new economy.
Interestingly, the urban forest and the park are preserved and the new development
is planned along Serpentine Creek that seamlessly integrates within the wilderness.
Mostly, mixed use and residential mid-rise buildings are proposed for the western
four blocks. The overall scheme tries to retain most of the existing building while in-
cremetally adding housing, commercial and cultural center for the Guildford region.
64
Prachi Doshi Nastaran E. Beigi

COMMERCIAL IDENTITY
Yashas Hegde Saki Xueqi Wu
HOUSING STRATEGY
The strategy for commercial buildings was developed in service

to the proposed LRT along 104 Ave. Guildford Mall serves as
the heart of the neighbourhood. The commercial typologies form
a crescendo at the mall which declines towards east and west.
Proposed commercial buildings are complementary to the exist-
The proposed LRT system along 104 Ave. will potentially be ing conditions. They are 4- to 10-storey courtyard style build-
a hotspot for new development and thus address the housing ings along 104 Ave. to serve the residents within a 10 minute
needs for the area. To accommodate the increasing demand walking distance. Additional towers have been proposed near
for housing, the plan considers three main strategies. The first existing towers to create a symmetry in the streetscape. Higher
strategy proposes sensitive infill housing, which incrementally density has been proposed at the LRT stations. Similar com-
increases the density in neighborhoods (colored in yellow), mercial buildings to north and south side facade of 104 Ave. cre-
while respecting the existing urban fabric. To be more specific, ates uniformity and the mixed use buildings contribute towards
the gentle densification will be implemented in the under utilized retaining vibrancy. Apart from the commercial heart to the south
areas (i.e. garages, empty backyards, etc.) by adding secondary of 104 Ave., we considered the auto-mall besides Highway 1 as
suites, laneway housing and row houses. The second strategy a potential site for new immigrants to start businesses. Hence,
encourages 4- to 6-storey midrise residential buildings (colored the commercial identity represents a harmonious diversification
in orange and orange hatches). The proposed building typol- along 104 Ave. with a concentrated density at the heart.
ogy is located within 5 minute walking distance from transit and
commercial activities. Additionally, the major development is
advised to occur on existing parking lots, vacant lands and old PLACES AND CULTURE
structures. Furthermore, some mid-rise residential buildings are
allocated for affordable rental units on the existing rental fabric
(colored in orange hatches). The third strategy recommends
mixed use buildings along the 104 corridor. The majority of the
proposed buildings are 6-storey mixed use buildings along with
a few towers. The first and second floors are commercial and
the rest are residential, providing services for community’s daily
needs.
65
Mall Out 4
The cultural and recreational hub located towards the north- Hedieh Rashidi Kate Wang
ern side of the mall acts as a prime location for cultural activi-
ties. This hub serves as a place to learn, relax and play for the Manali Yadav Lilian Zhang
residents. The focus of this proposal encourages locating activ-
ity nodes within 5 minute walking radius of these eight blocks. bicycle routes. Also, the network is linked to a sustainable street
These activity nodes are comprised of community garden, farm- pattern to encourage people to travel to work, school or to lo-
ers market and play areas for kids. They are located within the cal services by foot or bicycle. Furthermore, the plan proposes
green areas and are easily connected through the greenways. several community gardens which are close to the parks and
The existing schools, churches and religious centers effec- forest area. These community gardens are located within the
tively serve the current population. Connecting them through existing parks and supply the surrounding neighbourhoods. This
the green corridor encourages residents of all ages and abili- new type of urban agriculture will help contribute to food security
ties to use it. Our earlier research suggested we allocate more for this region.
neighbourhood houses across these eight blocks. Additionally,
daycare will be located within the housing complex. Hence,
residents do not have to rely on their private automobiles to use
such facilityies in the neighbouring districts. Public art is located MOVEMENT WATER AND ENERGY
in a prime location and also within the parks and playgrounds.
This conveys the historic and cultural pride and educates the
new immigrants about their new adopted place. The plan finally
focuses on respecting the diverse cultural and social values
brought by the new immigrants and seamlessly integrating them
with the existing fabric.
ECOLOGY SYSTEM
The above diagram illustrates the conceptual ideology for water,

energy and movement. The light rail transit investment on 104
Ave. has significant impact on the use of land parcels along the
104 Ave. The basic need to shift from the current typologies to
compact urban typologies is an inevitable urban design strategy.
Consecutively, this strategy ensures a more energy efficient use
of the district energy line along the 104 Ave. It is economically
not viable to connect district energy to buildings that are old,
In our proposed plan, urban forests, green urban parks, river hence the district energy lines do not extend to zones where
corridors, green courtyards and community gardens form a hi- development of land is minimal. Geo-heat exchangers ensure
erarchy of urban green spaces. These green spaces have been a positive energy dissipation which results in a smarter energy
integrated and connected through a green corridor network. grid. This strategy aids in creating an energy loop around the
First, the plan preserves natural resources like urban forests Guildford mall which shall be dissipated to the surrounding
and salmon habitats. Second, the environmental connectiv- parcels of land that uses significantly less energy. The district
ity of urban green spaces is promoted by green corridors. The energy system shall get connected to the Sewer Heat Recovery
main objective of the green corridor network is to connect the Plant at Port Kells.
neighbourhood green spaces and promote safe pedestrian and
66
5
Chapter 5: Urban Framework
Building on the shared site visit and intuitive first impressions, and informed
by Surrey’s policy and best practice intentions, the studio continued to iter-
ate urban framework investigations into a single, shared vision for the future
of Guildford. The studio experience, while compressed, made time for the im-
portant rigor of design iteration to simulate the effective methodologies that
are required when working with complex stakeholder groups with conflicting
values and intentions. Once a synthesis framework was identified, the stu-
dio organized into teams with each producing respective layers of the vision.
These technical layers were developed with each team mindful of the overall
shared framework thus allowing for efficient, obvious and coordinated integra-
tion. The studio established shared graphic conventions that would allow the
final urban framework for Guildford to be produced quickly and professionally.
68
5 PROPOSED URBAN FRAMEWORK
Introduction .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Values And Plan Prospects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Process Of Design Discovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Discovering Guildford’s framework through Iteration towards

synthesis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Guildford’s Framework Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Welcome Mats and the Heart & The Green Loop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Contextual Quilt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
The Culture Pearls and the Guild. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Contextual Housing Opportunity.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Services and Strategic Commercial Opportunities At Varying

Scales.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
69
PROPOSED URBAN FRAMEWORK 5
Guildford as the Cultural Hub for Surrey and the Region . . . 91
Movement and Connectivity towards a Shared Community 93
Managing Image and Scale towards strengthening Guildford’s

Identity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Water and energy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Integration and Whole Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
70
Early investigations on the Guildford precinct

During the course of 2014 Fall term, the first cohort of the Masters of Urban Design Program at the University of British Columbia
investigated the regional context and growth strategies for the City of Surrey, British Columbia at a city scale. The Surrey officials requested an
urban design framework for the Guildford region with a proposed light rail transit system. The 2015 MUD Winter studio will further investigate
Guildford at neighbourhood scale based on the research of the last studio. The size of the Guildford study area is two miles by one mile. This
precinct is characterized by “varying, complex, urban structures, related built form/typologies, a large scale economically viable mall that has re-
cently enjoyed substantive re-investment, an active small business community, distinguished open space and natural landscape/water systems,
amenities and certain housing affordability allowing entry into the Canadian west coast market. The Guildford Precinct is recognized as a “market
entry portal” that distinguishes it as an ‘Arrival City’.” (Hein 2015)
The urban design framework of this project is achieved through team collaboration. First, eight small groups performed site investiga-
tions, documentations, and analysis for different blocks of this precinct. Thereafter, the studio was divided into two groups and started with design
iterations based on the shared existing conditions. Students met with Surrey officials, academics and economic advisors and gained expert ad-
vice on myriad topics. The final proposal reflects how innovations and interdisciplinary rationals work together. The overall framework is followed
by sixteen individual investigations that “further reveals strategic implementation potential” (Hein 2015) on different pieces of the precinct.
Figure 1: The Guildford precinct Figure 2: Analysis and Investigation: Team Scot
Figure 4: Further design test: Team Scot Figure 3: Analysis and Investigation: Team Don
71
Introduction 5
Chen Fan
A quick view of the urban design framework

The urban design framework proposes a transit-oriented development, which will promote the gateways on both sides of the precinct
as “welcome mats” and the mall area as a “central urban heart”. The proposal integrates green space, natural assets, and the food system into a
“green loop”, which advocates an ecologically-friendly and healthier lifestyle. Moreover, taking the metaphor of “quilting”, the plan reshapes and
renews some existing development patterns. A lot of new housing, commercial, service and cultural opportunities are added, which will encourage
more multi-cultural, democratic and vibrant everyday life. The following sections will cover all the proposals in detail.
Figure 5: Design idea: Team Don

Figure 6: Final concept
Figure 8: Welcome mat

Figure 7: Final master plan
Figure 10: Green loop

Figure 9: Cultural pearls
72
Figure 11: Contextual quilt Figure 12: Housing opportunity
Figure 13: The new image and scale of the city Figure 14: Energy system
Reference
MUD Studio Overview, S.Hein, Winter Term, 2015
Figure 15: Integration of all the layers
73
Values And Plan Prospects 5
Avishan Aghazadeh
1- Our Graphic Identity for Guildford 2- Our fundamental urban design drivers:
We have created this identity to distinguish our design intentions and • Nature-Hoods
also to reflect our humanist values that embrace the important role • Transit-Oriented Culture
that Guildford will continue to serve as an Arrival City. • Contextual Quilting
• Humility and Humanity 3- Our Values:

As represented by lower case • Arrival City:
• Diverse, Vibrant and Playful We have focused on various aspects of the Arrival City such as
As represented by varying fonts and colors demographic diversity, housing and economic opportunities.
• A Place of Design • Scale and context:
As represented by our centralized cross axis, shown with We have tried to acheive the density with building typologies
double colon that respect the existing context.
• New Opportunity energized by the Promise of • Incremental development:
Transit We have proposed gradual infill through different
As represented by the dynamic YES phases of time, both to respect the existing fabric and also to
preserve the character of the neighbourhoods.
74
Over the past 12 weeks, we have worked collaboratively as if we were

a professional consultancy office to produce what is equivalent to one
year’s worth of hard work.
The first thing we did was we divided Guildford area into eight blocks.
We sketched and played a musical composition reflective of the exist-

ing north and south side streetscapes of 104 Ave. as a way to sharpen
our contextual observation and appreciation.
We visited and investigated each block in groups of two.
75
Process Of Design Discovery 5
Haneen Abdul Samad
Meetings with planners, designers, To do justice to our work we tried to find the most appealing words that
policy makers and transit experts described our design and intentions.
lead to final decision along with
several design charrettes.
76
TEAM SOCT
SCOT
FIRST FINAL MASTER

DRAFT DRAFT PLAN
PHASE 2 - TEAM SCOT
TEAM DON Team Scot’s idea was to keep the mall, and enhance
the vibrancy of the area with some entertainment fea-
tures.
PROCESS
Guildford’s framework is discovered through iteration towards synthesis. First,
the studio worked together and integrated a goal for the project. Then, the 16 stu-
dents were split into two teams and each team created different design results.
Combining and weighing the pros and cons of all the previous work, the class HOUSING STRATEGY COMMERCIAL IDENTITY PLA
came to a final master plan.
PHASE 2 - TEAM DON

Team Don’s strategy was to incrementally replace the
mall with some smaller scale comercial features and
open it up.
PHASE 1 - FIRST DRAFT
The process was intiated by deciding what to preserve and enhance.The goal
for the Guildford region is to add vibrancy to the 104 Ave. and focus on the com-
mercial hub i.e. the mall.
HOUSING STRATEGY COMMERCIAL IDENTITY PLA
77
Discovering Guildford’s Framework through
Iteration towards Synthesis
5
Siyuan Zhao
PHASE 4 - FINAL DRAFT

Based on Team Scot and Team Don’s work, the final draft opened up the N-S
axis by creating a hub and designing more connections with the surrounding
environment such as the cultural center and green space.
PLACES AND CULTURE MOVEMENT, WATER ECOLOGY
AND ENERGY
PHASE 5 - FINAL MASTER PLAN

In the final master plan, the team broke down the details of the draft and
refined our ideas and strategies for the Guilford region.
PLACES AND CULTURE MOVEMENT, WATER ECOLOGY

AND ENERGY
78
A Humanized Transit Corridor

Welcome Mats an the Heart
104 Ave. is the main transit corridor in
the neighbourhood of Guildford. A light
rail transit is proposed on 104 Ave.
until 156 St. The strategic location of
the vibrant mall on the transit corridor
enhances its ability to be the heart of
the neighbourhood. The two welcome
mats act as gateways for the region.
These mats serve as an opportunistic
feature, also focusing on the new im-
migrants.
The Welcome Mats
The Guildford mall

Fig. 1: 104 Avenue, with Guildford mall at the centre as the heart of the neighbourhood and the east and west welcome mats
The Green Loop

Green areas are a treasure to the City
of Surrey. Almost 34% of the land cov-
erage is comprised of the ALR / green
spaces. Green Timbers Urban forest to
the southwest and the Guildford Brook
to the northeast of the study area,
leave a possibility to connect the eight
blocks. The basic idea here is to en-
courage pedestrians to use the natural
spaces which would be complemented
by a significant reduction in automobile
industry. The addition of green spaces
considering the existing topography
serves the environmental concerns as
well.
Fig. 2: The existing and the proposed green spaces, interconnected with the greenways, parks and the existing forest areas
The green loop
79
Guildford’s Framework Features 5
Prachi Doshi
The Contextual Quilt

It considers aspects such as Guild-
ford’s existing development, ethnicity
of the neighbourhood, energy usage,
environmental issues, cultural neces-
sities, commercial opportunities and
future possibilities.
Gentle intensification
Multi Family Residential Refresh
New Multi Family Residential 1
Mixed Use 1
Mixed Use 2
Fig. 3: The contextual quilt replicating mosaics of land-use

Mixed Use 3
Commercial Refresh
The Cultured Pearls

Surrey as a City amalgamates various
ethnic groups. People from various
cultures are known to form communi-
ties and settle in Surrey. For it to be an
Arrival City, various cultural elements
need to satiate the demands of these
communities. Guildford exhibits such
few precious features. Apart from that,
new features have been proposed in-
cluding the area to the east of the mall,
known as ‘The Guild’, which provides
opportunities for various activities.
These cultural elements range from a
physical to an experiential space.
Fig. 4: The existing and the proposed cultured pearls which are interconnected to make ithem more accessible Cultural Pearls
80
Manali Yadav
Fig.1: West Side welcome mat Fig.2: Heart of Guildford - the mall Fig.3: East Side welcome mat
The vision of this project aims to create a more humanized, walkable and visually-engaging corridor, and the arrival of light rail transit
in the region will facilitate this transition. The highlighted region that forms the two ends of the quilt are the welcome mats. The mats
serve as gateways to the area, and new developments within these welcome mats give cogency to the corridor’s visual signature
through human scale frontages and a new rhythm of mid-rise residential buildings (Fig.1). The design is occasionally interrupted by
natural features such as urban forest, streams and parks (Fig. 3). Furthermore, the mats deliver a more local and distinctive community
experience for residents and visitors. Similarly, the mall situated at the heart of the quilt acts as a cultural and commercial center for
Guildford (Fig. 2). In summary, the design creates a dynamic pedestrian experience by strengthening the social, cultural and business
realms within Guildford.
81
Welcome Mats and the Heart & The Green Loop 5
Simone Levy
Enhanced Existing Green Space

New Green Space &
Connections
Guildford’s proposed Green Loop offers a special opportunity to improve upon the area’s existing natu-
ral resources and connect them in order to make them a prominent part of the neighbourhood’s new urban framework.
Existing green spaces in the study area include parks, school fields and Serpentine Creek. In addition to enhancing the health and biodi-
versity value of these areas, the plan adds new public spaces through the centre of the site in order to connect the northern and south-
ern sysems. This also adds much needed open space for the new residents in the higher density developments across the study area.
The entire Green Loop acts as a place for recreational opportunities, community self-expression, continuous habitat and the move-
ment and production of local food. The connected system is meant to become a unique asset for Guildford, and a destina-
tion for residents of the entire region along the new 104 Ave. LRT line. The Green Loop also serves as a means for connect-
ing the individual neighbourhoods within Guildford to each other, and to the central commercial and cultural zone of the area.
82
The Contextual Quilt
This map shows proposed residential and commer-

cial buildings for the Guildford neighbourhood. The
contextual quilt is comprised of a series of patches
that indicate different uses. The patches are col-
oured in different tones, each representing a par-
ticular strategy for that area.
Black: Areas to be preserved (status quo).
Yellow: Gentle intensification areas to undergo

low-level intensification through an infill strategy,
featuring either lane ways or culs-de-sac.
Very light orange: Multi-family residential re-

fresh: multi-family residential housing to be built on
existing footprints or to conform to new construction.
Medium orange: Multi-family residential No.1:

multi-family residential housing to be built on non-
arterial roads.
Dark orange: New multi-family residential No. 2:

areas with tremendous potential for new develop-
ment to introduce new units.
83
The Contextual Quilt 5
Nastaran E.Beigi
Light red: Mixed use No. 1: mid-rise, six-storey,

podium-style building, with the bottom two floors al-
located for commercial use and the remainder for
residential use.
Medium red: Mixed-use No. 2: mid-rise, eight-

storey, podium-style building with the bottom two
floors allocated for commercial use and the remain-
der for residential use.
Dark red: Mixed-use No. 3: mid-rise, 12-storey,

podium-style building with the two bottom floors al-
located for commercial use and the remainder for
residential use.
The height of these buildings establishes a

hierarchy. Interestingly, their height increases with
distance from the edge of the site.
Darkest red: Commercial refresh, with no

residential or other uses permitted.
Reference:
Resource: UBC Geography Information Center
84
Fig 1: Site Location

This diagram shows cultural pearls on
the site, with each pearl representing
distinct cultural characteristics. (Fig 2)
Fig 3: The Mixed neighborhood precedents

1. The first pearl is the mixed neighbourhood, which provides 30% af-
fordable rental units and shared studio spaces. This means the crea-
6
tion of market housing on the site of former parking lot (Fig 3).
5
Fig 4: The Guildford Mall
3
2. The next pearl is the mall. It is celebrated as the existing cultural
hub of the Guilford area until it is ready to utilize its full capacity for
future renovation (Fig 4).
2 8
1
Fig 5: Veccio Bridge and New York Highline- The Transit Bridge precedents
3. The transit bridge is the next cultural pearl that has the potential to
become a unique architectural feature of the area. The most relevant
visual reference could be Veccio Bridge and New York Highline (Fig Fig 2: Culture Pearls and The Guild
5).
85
The Culture Pearls and the Guild 5
Hedieh Rashidi
4 & 5. Next is the cultural commons. It is located on the north side

of 104 Ave. Created as a new central open space for the region, it is
big enough to hold concerts, ceremonies, and citywide festivals. The
next pearl is complementary to the cultural commons called Framing
the Commons. It is a new cultural infrastructure including relocated
theatre, concert hall and public art. The most relevant visual reference
is the Pritzker Park in Chicago (Fig 6).
Fig 6: Pritzker Park, Chicago-The Cultural and framing the commons precedent
6.The Art Walk represents another pearl, as a pedestrian connection
between the commons and the cultural campus (Fig 7).
Fig 7: The Art Walk precedent 7. The cultural campus is the site of the former auto mall, which has
the potential to be re-imagined as a creative hub. For instance, institu-
tion, film industry, production facilities, etc. (Fig 8).
Fig 8: The Cultural Campus precedent

8. The last pearl is The Guild. A Grandville Island-like neighborhood
that signifies another cultural destination. This incremental open
space will accommodate local activities including gatherings and fes-
tivals (Fig 9).
Fig 9: The Guild Precedent
86
Contextual Housing Opportunity Case Studies
Reviewing Vancouver Housing Catalog’s Best Practice Case Studies, Guild-

ford’s housing opportunity is categorized into nine categories as follows:
Status Quo: Areas designated relatively young age of development, and/or
challenges of unwinding existing strata corporations, and related market rental
capacities that should be preserved. No new units are included in the specula-
tive housing capacity total. 1 2 3
Laneway Gentle Intensification 1: It introduces laneway single family
dwellings, laneway duplexes, laneway triplexes and laneway multiple dwellings. 1. 1868 West 7th Avenue
The density ranges from .6 to 1 FSR/two-storey height with 335 units anticipated 2. 320 West 15th Avenue
at an average UPA of 30. 3. 1634 Grant Street
Laneway Gentle Intensification 2: It introduces culs-de-sac oriented in 4. 560 Hawks Avenue
addition to live-work on fronting driveway footprints contiguous with internalized 5. 2632 Hemlock Street
garage volumes. The density ranges from .6 to .75 FSR/two-storey height with 6. 1347 West 7th Avenue 4
160 units anticipated at an average UPA of 10.
Multi-Family Residential Refresh: It intensifies,
without displacement, existing older market/rental hous-
ing stock by incrementally upgrading with more intensive
wood frame format on existing footprints with additions.
The density ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 FSR/four to six-storey
height with 2000 units anticipated at an average UPA of 5 6 7 8
60.
New Multi Family Residential 1: It replaces un-
der-developed areas within 5 minutes walkability to new
transit investment. Proposed typologies are reflective of
local scale/frontage and are intended to strengthen com-
munity and social exchange. The density ranges from 9 10 11 12
1.5 to 2.5 FSR/four to six-storey height with 300 units
anticipated at an average UPA of 75. 7. 2588 Adler Street (@ West 10th)
New Multi Family Residential 2: It is a distinct, 8. 2052 Cypress Street
residentially intensive precinct with predominantly market 9. 700 West 12th Avenue
housing (towards value creations and mall transformation 10. 2250 West 10th Avenue
of existing parking lots/relocation of the Cineplex). The 11. 2036 West 10th Avenue
density ranges from 2.0 - 3.0 FSR/four to eight-storey 12. 2137 West 10th Avenue 13 14
height with 885 units anticipated at an average UPA of 60.
13. Arbutus Walk

14. 1820 Bayswater Street
15. 507 West Broadway
16. 125 East 8th Avenue
15 16 17 18 19
Mixed Use 1: It replaces under-developed and arterial fronting ar-
eas within 5 minutes walking to new transit investment. Proposed typolo- 17. 2770 Sophia / 368 Kingsway
gies are reflective of local scale/frontage and are intended to strengthen 18. 2528 Maple Street
community and social exchange while minimizing livability impacts of 19. 2515 Ontario Street
transit corridor adjacency. Residential mid-rise slab buildings atop a com- 20. 320 west 15th Avenue
mercial podium are oriented away from the arterial noise while also maxi- 21.1634 Grant Street
20 21
mizing southerly natural light to penetrate the 104 Ave. corridor and resi-
dential blocks further north. The density ranges from 2.0 to 2.5 FAR/two Reference: Housing Best Practice Case Studies, City of Vancouver.
to six-storey height with 1459 units anticipated at an average UPA of 90.
87
Status Quo
Contextual Housing Opportunity 5
Maryam Mahvash
Laneway Gentle Intensification 1

Mixed Use 2: It replaces under-developed, arterial fronting areas within 5 minutes walk-
ing distance to new transit line. Proposed typologies are reflective of local scale/frontage and
are intended to strengthen community and social exchange while minimizing livability impacts
of transit corridor adjacency. Residential mid-rise slab buildings atop a commercial podium and
are oriented away from the arterial noise while also maximizing southerly natural light to pen-
etrate the 104 Ave. corridor and to the residential blocks further north. The density range from
2.5 to 3.0 FSR/two to six-storey height with 900 units anticipated at an average UPA of 100.
Cul-de-sac Gentle Intensification 2 Mixed Use 3: It replaces under-developed, arterial fronting areas within 5 minutes walking dis-
tance to new transit line. Proposed typologies are reflective of local scale/frontage and are intended
to strengthen community and social exchange while minimizing livability impacts of transit corridor
adjacency. Residential mid-rise slab buildings atop a commercial podium are oriented away from
the arterial noise while also maximizing southerly natural light to penetrate the 104 Ave. corridor
and residential blocks further north. The density ranges from 3.0 to 3.5 FSR/two to nine-storey
height with 3000 units anticipated at an average UPA of 110 (Relavant cases: 15, 16, 17, 18 & 19).
Multi Family Residential Refresh Status Quo Laneway Gentle Intensification 1 Cul de Sac Gentle Intensification 2 Multi Family Residential Refresh
New Multi Family Residential 1 New Multi Family Residential 2 Mixed Use 1 Mixed Use 2 Mixed Use 3
Proposed Housing Strategy and Typology

0 400 800
Mixed Use 1 3-FSR3.5 Height (Storey) UPA Units

Point towers were considered as a strategy
3-3.5
to create economic value that could be at- 2-9 110 3000
tributed to local amenity in the early design 2.5-3 2-6 100 900
process. However, they will not be as suc- 2-2.5 2-6 90 1459
cessful as in other contexts and further, they
symbolically compromise our intentions for 2-3 4-8 60 885
Mixed Use 2 Guildford to remain as an Arrival City. Point 1.5-2.5 4-6 75 1300
towers may motivate higher land costs given
expectations by land owners should they be 1.5-2.5 4-6 60 2000
introduced. Guildford must remain relatively 0.6-0.75 2 10 160

affordable as an Arrival City. Hence there are
no residential point towers in this proposed ur- 0.6-1 2 30 335
ban framework. Notwithstanding, our total an-

ticipated new housing units is approximately Total units 10000
10000 units.
88
Map showing the different commercial strategies
89
Services and Strategic Commercial Opportunities
At Varying Scales
5
Amal Wasfi
Our proposed commercial strategy on varying scales are as follows:
1- Mom and Pop Down on the Corner - Small scale, local-serving retail that includes fresh produce, milk, coffee and a pub, all within 5 minutes
walk.
2- Transit Oriented Retail - General stores at varying frontages and typically associated with mixed use residential development opportunities.
3- Transit Oriented Retail - Special 1 “Cars R Us” associated with existing car lots and to create a branded retail experience with long, yet
vibrant frontages and to facilitate decanting of the northerly, suburban style Auto Mall in favor of a special “Cultural Campus”.
4- Transit Oriented Retail - Special 2 (Commercial Refresh) AKA “The Guild” that is intended to become a special, small scale, business “incu-
bator” precinct for new immigrants/start-ups, that could accommodate incremental increase from idea to pilot to production scale, a visual place
of making, light (non-noxious) industrial and generally unique, gritty and a distinctive community of innovators. The precinct is anchored by a
tall tower/hotel that emphasizes the connectivity to the commercial patronage of the mall and the new Cultural Precinct north of the mall.
5- Transit Oriented Retail - Special 3 “The Big Pearl” (Guildford Mall) that is recognized as the commercial, and perhaps cultural, heart of the
community and is positioned as the largest of a string of commercial/residential/public open space and amenity/cultural string of pearls about
the north-south axis of the existing bridge. The mall is viewed as an important asset to the local, and transit oriented larger community, and
could have many futures including shifting existing floor plates/tenancy to a more urban fronting relationship with the 104 Ave. Transit Corridor,
or promote visual engagement of the mall’s outer edges, or a re-configuration to a pronounced axial arrangement, with possibly exterior public
open space or high street experience contiguous with the existing bridge. Recent substantive investment is recognized. The mall’s future is
economically strategic towards the introduction of improved bridge infrastructure/visual identity and a strengthened cultural and open space
precinct further north.
6- “Twin” Office/Hotel Towers - To assist with the above listed economic strategy, we are proposing the introduction of a single, large floor
plate office and/or hotel tower of a height up to 300’ to be located on the northeast corner of the site. The plan anticipates a floor plate shape
orientated to minimize shading impacts on the public realm. Further, this location is preferred given the “pairing” with a “twin” office/hotel tower
immediately east as both will visually announce the “heart” of Guildford in the larger Surrey region. This would occur, along with the anticipated
new amenities, and immediately adjacent special cultural/commercial precincts.
90
1. Educational &
Cultural Route:
Guildford as a “place
of culture”, the strat-
egy is to build on
recent cultural and
recreational invest-
ment on the north
side. There is po-
tential to decant the
auto mall by replac-
ing it with a vibrant
Cultural Campus.
2. Religious & Cul-

tural Route:
Guildford accom-
modates a large
number of diverse
immgrants, this
route represents the
cultural diversity.
91
Guildford as the Cultural Hub for Surrey and the
Region
5
Xinyun Li
3.First Nation Cul-

tural Route: The
east side of Guild-
ford, the existing
natural forest and
green space, more
local landscape
and culture rep-
resents the local
culture though
sculptures and
art installations.
4. Core Cul-
tural Area:
The string of
“Cultural Pearls”
denotes that the
bridge could be-
come a signature
architectural piece,
while also pro-
viding a weather
protection shelter
to transit patrons
and pedestrians.
92
Road Network
LEGEND To transform the existing car-oriented pattern of the site for greater connectivity, the road network, as
the essential element of the movement system, is carefully examined and improved to become more
interconnected in the scheme. New roads and paths (including back lanes) are proposed to increase the
local permeability and walkability (as highlighted in red in the diagram above). The reduced site frontage
lengths will respect neighbourhood scale. Moreover, the new proposed streets and paths will directly
connect to 104 Ave. and will enhance economic value through increased developable frontage in the
transit-oriented, intensive development corridor.
93
Movement and Connectivity towards a Shared
Community
5
Lilian Zhang
Comprehensive Movement System
LEGEND The new LRT line running along 104 Ave. will be the spine of the comprehensive movement system leading
the site towards a more low-carbon, transit-oriented developing mode. The rapid transit line, supplemented
by the local bus routes proposed in the scheme, will cover most of the neighbourhoods in this area within 5
minute walking distance from transit stops.
There are three development nodes around LRT stops proposed in the scheme: two mixed-use welcome
mats and a “Heart”—the New Guildford Center regenerated from the existing mall. An alternative LRT stop
is suggested to be located under the existing skywalk of the mall so as to take full advantage of the bridge.
It will also provide an extra pedestrian connection between the south and north sides of the Heart.
Parks, sports fields and urban forests in the site will be linked together with a “Green Loop” in the scheme.
New local greenways and bikeways will be integrated into the Green Loop to encourage healthy travel
modes.
94
Guildford’s Identity--Scale
From the model, we can see the
ascending mid-rise buildings
reach up towards the twin office
buildings. There are respective
scales between the Welcome Mats
(smaller) and the Heart (larger).
This trend not only exists along the
104 Ave. transit corridor, but also
exists along the north-south orien-
tation streets.
Figure 1: Ascending trend from the Welcome Mats to the Heart (showed by 3D model).
Through the master plan, we tried

to break down the existing long
frontages and improve walkability
by introducing more north-south
local streets. This will achieve
more permeable and visually en-
gaging frontages. Besides, each
frontage will need to work hard to
further break down frontage length
through various architectural ex-
pressions. Furthermore, we also
propose more north-south orien-
tated, mid-rise structures which will
achieve a more open corridor ex-
perience while maximizing natural
light and good views.
Figure 2: Respective frontage scale along 104 transit corridor.
95
Managing Image and Scale towards Strengthening
Guildford Identity
5
Saki Xueqi Wu
Guildford’s Identity--Image
5
7
2
Figure 3: Images of selected housing typologies chosen from the case study catlog for the residential patches of the contextual quilt.
Furthermore, we also selected residential typologies to emphasize on relative scale for the location and housing capacity for each patches of
the “quilt”:
1. Case6: 1868 W 7th Ave 5. Case60: 2528 Maple St
2. Case28: 2588 Alder St 6. Case65: 507W Broadway
3. Case48: 2137 W 10th Ave 7. Case62: 368 Kingsway
4. Case2: 1634 Grant St 8. Case63: 125 E 8th Ave
Reference: Vancouver Building Typologies List
96
Reference : “Rory Tooke, Community Energy Planner, City of Surrey”
The guidance of Rory Tooke, the community energy planner for the City of Surrey, was instrumental in understanding the energy
systems of Guildford. The above diagram illustrates the building emissions for the area of interest: Guildford. In conversation with
Rory Tooke, he explained the above schematic. According to the summary made from that discussion, here are the following key
factors of the building emmissions analysis.The Energy use intensity (EUI) of buildings is taken from Canadian residential and
ICI surveys conducted by NRCAN.The Appropriate EUIs are multiplied by floor area of buildings on each lot. Most of the City of
Surrey’s building types are aligned with closest match from surveys. The Split in energy sources assessed using same fraction
as Community Energy and Emissions Inventory (CEEI) data.The Natural Gas fraction of energy load multiplied by Carbon-
equivalent content.The Aggregated results for the entire City of Surrey are within 3% of CEEI measurements. The T CO2 e / yr
represents the Tonnes of Carbon Dioxide equivalent per year and the value for Guildford is 40,000 T CO2e / year.
97
Water and Energy 5
Yashas Hegde
Legend
- concentrated energy demand
- Diffused energy demand
- Energy loop
- Serpentine Creek
The above diagram illustrates the conceptual idea for water, energy and movement. The light rail transit investment on 104 Ave. has significant
impact on the use of land parcels along the 104 Ave. The basic need to shift from the current typologies to compact urban typologies is an
inevitable urban design strategy. Consecutively, this strategy ensures a more energy efficient use of the district energy line along the 104 Ave.
It is economically not viable to connect district energy to buildings that are old, hence the district energy lines do not extend to zones where
development of land is minimal. Geo-heat exchangers ensure a positive energy dissipation which results in a smarter energy grid. This strategy
contributes to an energy loop around the Guildford Mall which shall be dissipated to the surrounding parcels of land which use significantly less
energy. The district energy system shall get connected to the Sewer Heat Recovery Plant at Port Kells.
98
These six diagrams below incrementally layer to combine into one inclusive master plan layout.
Master Plan Master Plan + Contextual Quilt
Master Plan + Contextual Quilt + Green Loop Master Plan + Contextual Quilt +
+ New Streets + New Streets + Green Ways
99
Integration and Whole Systems 5
Weicen Kate Wang
ilt Master Plan + Contextual Quilt + Green Loop
uilt + Green Loop Master Plan + Contextual Quilt + Green Loop

+ New Streets + Green Ways + Welcome Mats
100
Master Plan + Contextual Quilt + Green Loop + New Streets + Green Ways + Welcome Mats + Cul
101
Integration and Whole Systems 5
Cultured Pearls
The master plan design includes the Contextual Quilt, the
Green Loop, the Movement Systems with New Streets and
Greenways, the Humanized Transit Corridors with Welcome
Mats and the Heart, and the Cultured Pearls. In conclusion,
this design is the result of an integrated urban design frame-
work. At the same time, it is based on the whole systems
thinking.
102
6
Chapter 6: Framework Investigations
To reveal, and emphasize, the deeper potential embed-

ded in the proposed urban framework for Guildford, each
designer produced a concluding vignette. These vignettes
investigated specific proposals for urban systems, strate-
gic sites and innovative commercial/residential typologies
with each demonstrating the potential for interpretation, and
expression, of the unfolding Guildford Community. The stu-
dio’s overarching proposed urban framework demonstrates,
through the vignette investigations, the potential for many
and varied “design outcomes” that may, or may not be pre-
dictable at this time. This important idea remains central
to effective urban design strategies that are always imple-
mented over longer periods of time. The studio’s work in
Guildford is transferable to any context, culture and scale.
104
6 FRAMEWORK INVESTIGATIONS
Interconnected Naturehood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Naturehood Food Exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
The Food Loop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Contextual Quilting Through Scale and Typology. . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Guildford’s Image of Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Cultured Pearls The South Side 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Cultured Pearls The South Side 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Cultured Pearls The South Side 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Cultured Pearls The South Side 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Cultured Pearls The South Side 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
105
FRAMEWORK INVESTIGATIONS 6
Cultured Pearls The North Side. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
The East welcome Mat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Implementing Guildford’s Urban Fabric. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
The Promise of Guildford: Humanizing the 104 Avenue Corridor 159
The Promise of Guildford: Arrival City Opportunities 1. . . . . 163
The Promise of Guildford: Arrival City Opportunities 2. . . . . 167
106
Fig 1: The green system
Green System: Green Space+ Green way

The Guildford green system serves as a habitat and a recreation corridor by linking the site to the parks and natural forests. The use of neigh-
bourhood grid is to design the green ways that connect the neighbourhood, green space and creek as a whole green system. The green way
ensures that cars, bicycles, and pedestrians can always travel through the most direct route. The green system includes several types of green
space, parks, street parks, natural forest and community gardens. These different types of green spaces contribute to the neighbourhood‘s
ecological and sustainable development.
The Flood Plan

The flood plan has six different strategies to deal with the rainwater collection: park, urban plaza, street, green street, natural creek, urban
creek. The rain water flowing along the neighbourhood grid is necessary to be allowed to flow with a natural and gradual path along the sides of
the streets. All neighbourhood stormwater is brought to the rain water collection system, where it is collected in channels and artificial marshes.
As more water gets collected, the rain water collection widens the green street decreasing the speed of the flowing rain water. The natural
creek also becomes a main recreational amenity and visual landmark for the district.
107
Interconnected Naturehood 6
Xinyun Li
Fig 2: The flood plan, it resolves and gather all the stormwater run-off delivered by the
roadside swales and water collection system.
108
Fig 3: The accessible community garden and urban farm
Community Garden and Urban Farm

Approximately 12% of people in Canada are disabled, so it is significant to make provision for accessing the community garden plots. These
lowest incomes and those with extremely low home ownership possibilities are unlikely to have their own gardening space. The community
garden can plant local foods to create urban agriculture, however, it is not just a place to grow vegetables. The place has multiple uses, such as
a farm, a playground, a sanctuary and a habitat for wildlife. The community garden promotes communication among people and grow stronger
engagements when they work together. Community gardens teach and celebrate values to cherish, including cooperation, volunteering, respect
for bio-diversity and ecological awareness.The urban farm is a kind of a urban agriculture that includes the process of cultivation, processing
and distributing local food in Guildford. The urban farm plays a significant role for growing sustainable communities. The urban farm can be
used to grow more organic local food, provide easy access to fresh fruits and fresh vegetables. It can also improve the food security and food
safety for the region.
109
Interconnected Naturehood 6
Xinyun Li
Fig 4: For instance, the community garden design is not just

a garden, but can also be a playground, gym for people to
interact and do perform various agriculture-related activities.
110
Green Spaces
Urban Agriculture
Markets
Schools
LRT Stop
104 AVE
5.8 km south
to the ALR
0 100 400 m
The Food Loop looks at Guildford’s proposed green loop through an agricultural lens. New community gardens and urban farms are highlighted
among the existing green spaces. Local food markets are also proposed within walking distance of residential areas and in relation to the final
stop of the LRT line along 104 Ave. A larger farmers market in the centre of the site can work with neighbouring commercial, cultural and com-
munity amenities.
Main Food Loop (30 min cycle)
Loop Extension
N-S Shortcuts
N-S Route to the ALR (156 ST)
This diagram shows the
20 min cycle
10 min drive
proximity of the Agricultural
Land Reserve (ALR) to
60 min walk
Guildford. 156 St. repre-

sents a direct path of travel
for produce from local,
larger scale farms to the
study area. This distance
can also be traveled com-
fortably by bicycle as an
extension to the Food Loop
bike route.
ALR Guildford Study Area
The Food Loop is envisioned as a bike loop. The main recreational path takes 30
minutes for an experienced rider, but can also provide a day-long activity for families.
There are also possible extensions and shortcuts within the network.
111
The Food Loop 6
Simone Levy
The conceptual site plan

for the area northwest of 0 10 20 40 80 m
the final LRT stop shows

examples for courtyard and
podium building typologies
that can accommodate Urban Farm
urban agriculture. It also
features an urban farm
neighbouring the riparian Typical Courtyard
green spaces surrounding
Serpentine Creek. This
district can become an area
showcasing local, sustain-
156 ST
able farming strategies at Podium
varying scales, and can link
the final stop of the LRT line
to Surrey’s rich agricultural
identity. It can also become Mixed-Use Building
a place of local produce With Local Food
distribution that is grown on Market
site or in the more robust,
nearby ALR.
Shared Farming
104 AVE Private Agriculture
Native Pollinator Buffers
Courtyard Strategy
Replicated
Urban Farm Bike Courtyard

Path
This section shows the relationship between the new multi-family residential buildings, public urban farm, bike path, and agricultural courtyard.
The streetscaping features edible plants, including fruit trees, in order to mark this area as a food-focused district.
112
Courtyards
Podiums Garden Plots
Single-Family for Building
Residents
Communal
Agriculture
Space
Native
Pollinator
Habitat
Three different strategies for small-scale, productive urban agriculture

are proposed across the Guildford study area: (1) Courtyards, (2)
Mid-rise Podium Rooftops, and (3) Single-Family Shared Yards. The
prevalence of these strategies across the site can be seen in the
diagram above.
Courtyard buildings are used across Guildford to provide highly livable
multi-family housing with access to open space. A strategy for design-
ing these courtyards to allow farming at multiple scales allows for the
production of local food and opportunities for community building.
Courtyard Strategy
Communal agricul-
ture areas can be
used for farming
practices requiring Private-scale, Native pollinator
more space, and more intensive hedgerows. These
can be shared garden plots for provide buffers
among local residents of the between agricul-
residents. Pos- buildings surround- ture and natural
sible uses for these ing the courtyards. green spaces, and
spaces include or- A diversity of provide habitat
chards, vineyards, produce crops can for pollinators that
and shared chicken be grown for each improve the health
coops. household. of the agriculture.
113
The Food Loop 6
Simone Levy
Higher
Intensity
Farming
Communal
Open
Space
Native
Pollinator
Habitat
Midrise
Structure
Roof Planted
With Natives
104 AVE
Similar to the proposed courtyard strategy, mid-rise podium
structures can include multiple forms of agriculture. Higher
intensity farming beds and communal open space are acces-
sible to residents, with drought-tolerant pollinator habitat at
Podium Strategy the highest rooftops. These habitat patches are not acces-
sible to people and help improve the biodiversity value of the
surrounding neighbourhood.
In preserved single-family neighbourhoods, back

yards and front yards can be shared between
neighbours in order to create larger, and more
productive spaces for local farming. This strategy
works along with proposed sensitive infill housing
to create a more diverse character within these
residential areas.
Front Yard Farm Potential Combined Backyard Farm Potential Single-Family
Infill Housing “Food Loop” Extension Housing Strategy
114
Introduction
Agriculture is one of Surrey’s many identities. Surrey’s 2013 Official Community Plan (OCP) argues that urban agriculture is able to
“resolve rural-urban conflicts and provide healthy and affordable food” (Surrey OCP 2013). The plan also suggests that Surrey should promote
a safe and convenient transportation network and new development opportunities that support agriculture, economy, and communities. This
project tests methods of how to integrate locally supported agriculture into existing neighbourhoods and potential new urban developments. The
project site is bounded by the 154 St., 156 St., 100 Ave., and 104 Ave. (Figure 1). It is located on a edge that transitions from an urban context to
rural condition. The key strategy of this project is to sustain both the urban characteristics of varied economic activities and develop a sense of
suburban village, nature, and visual aesthetics.
Existing Conditions
The site is comprised of several pieces of residential ar-

eas, a natural landscape with urban forest and a creek, two car deal-
ers along the 104 Ave., and a large unutilized green space (Figures
2 and 3). There are some constraints in terms of applying the idea of
agriculture. First, the existing building density is so high that there is
not much vacant space left to locate agriculture (Figures 4 and 5).
Second, the existing street network is automobile oriented, with poor
workability, connectivity, and safety for pedestrians (Figure 6). Thirdly,
the edge between the site and the 104 Ave. is not active. However,
there are a few economic activities and interactions on the street (Fig-
Figure 1: Site location. Source: Google Map
ure 1, 3 and 4).
Figure 2: Site’s aerial Figure 3: Existing Figure 4: Existing Figure 5: Existing Figure 6: Existing
map land uses building footprint vacant space street network
115
Naturehood Food Exchange 6
Chen Fan
Design Concept
According to the analysis, the following

design concepts were considered:
1. Developing agricultural opportunities on the site

and thus creating a unique and memorable sense of
place for this community;
2. Promoting a pedestrain-oriented street network

that makes this site more walkable and accessible
for pedestrians (Figure 7);
3. Encouraging mixed use development, such as

grocery stores and seasonal farmers markets on the
edge of the 104 Ave. (Figures 8 and 9); and
4. Adding public realms that could catalyze economic Existing street Mixed-use Existing buildings
activities and social interactions. In particular, they New pedestrian path Public realm Proposed buildings
can be used as celebration spaces whenever there Figure 7: Proposed pedestrian Figure 8: Proposed mixed-use Figure 9: Proposed buildings
are events such as harvesting, fruit selling and out- network development and public realms
door cooking (Figure 8).
Five Strategies of Agriculture
The agriculture opportunity is undertaken based on the inventory of land availability for the given site, including public lands such as
parks, public spaces, rights-of-way, and rooftops, as well as private lands such as courtyards of multi-family housing and backyards of single-
family housing. These lands could potentially be used for urban agriculture. The proposal develops five specific strategies of urban agriculture
and selects optimal locations respectively. The five strategies include: 1. Private homestead gardens in single-family housing; 2. Semi-public
community gardens in the courtyard of multi-family housing; 3. Agriculture on the flat rooftop of buildings with concrete structures; 4. Centralised
urban farms; and 5. On-street, small scale agriculture.
Figure 10: Five Strategies of agriculture: single-family homestead, multi-family court yard, on roof top, centralised urban farm, and on-street small agriculture (from left to right).
116
Concept Plan
The concept plan is synthesised by the locations of the five agriculture strategies, public realms, natural assets, new development
opportunities, and transportation system (Figures 11 and 12). Two sub areas (site A and site B) are designed in detail in the next section.
Site A
New buildings
On-street agriculture
Homestead garden
Centralised urban farm

Site B
Rooftop garden
Courtyard garden
New street network
Mixed-use program
and public realm
homestead courtyard on street
rooftop centralised
Figure 11: The idea of “community agriculture + walkable neighbourhood + vibrant
street + public realm” Figure 12: Locations of the five agriculture strategies.
117
Chen Fan
Detailed Design: Site A
In Vancouver, most crops require six hours of direct light (Vancouver Community Agriculture Network 2008). This generally means
good southern exposure, so agriculture sites must be carefully planned if there are tall trees or large buildings along the south end. A sunlight
analysis is done first in order to observe the site in the morning and afternoon and determine which areas could receive adequate sunlight (Figure
13).
Spring Summer Autumn
8:00
12:00
15:00
Figure 13. Sunlight analysis.
Figure 14 illustrates the final master plan of Site A. All the buildings are five stories high. The first floor is proposed to be commercial
while the other four floors on top are residential. The buildings on the bottom of the plan have podiums on the third floor. The containers in the
courtyards are located based on the shade analysis above. The spaces between buildings and all the paths add permeability to the site. Taking
advantage of the light rail transit (LRT) station, a small urban plaza is proposed to the northeast corner of the site. More design characters are
shown in Figure 15.
104 Ave.
Figure 14. Site A Master Plan
118
Green spaces inside courtyard

provide opportunities for semi-public activity
Podiums provide space for rooftop garden
and the ground could receive more sunlight
Open corner
adds visibility and permeability
to the court yard
Corner plaza
for relaxing and gathering
Four metres wide continuous setback

provides safe walking & biking opportunities
On-street commercial developments
(retail, service, and fruit/vegetable market)
provide vibrant economic activities and social interactions
Spaces between plant containers
as pedestrian paths
Mid-block paths
provide block permeability and accessibility
Continuous canopies provide

weather protections and pedestrian amenity
Figure 15: Design characters of Site A
119
Chen Fan
Detailed Design: Site B New System: Food+Nature+Community
This unutilized space is redesigned to be an agriculture Figure 17 shows that the two sites, the natural park, the new
park (Figure 16). The spatial pattern and circulation network are de- pedestrian system, and the transit-oriented 104 Ave. corridor integrates into a
signed based on existing paths. A variety of crops are planted here, productive, pedestrian-friendly, green and accessible system. On one hand,
which create job opportunities such as maintenance, management agriculture and relavent lifestyles create a sense of village. On the other hand,
and technology. There are some public lands on the south side and new commercial opportunities and potential informal food markets sustain certain
the west side of this site. They can be used as parks, ochards and economic activities. They together build an unique sense of place that would
vegetable markets, and celebration space. Moreover, the existing attract more citizens and visitors.
building on the southwest corner of the site is redeveloped as two
mixed use buildings. There are some restaurants and retail on the first 104 Ave.
floor while the other two floors on top are residential. In addition, the
site is connected with the existing natural park to the north. Together
they generate more possibilities for economic activities, recreational
opportunities, and social interactions.
Figure 16: Site B Master Plan Figure 17: Final integration illustrates the concept of “food + nature + community
Reference
City of Surrey. “Official Community Plan” Adopted Oct. 20, 2014.
Vancouver Community Agriculture Network. “Growing Community Gardens: a guide to farming food in
Vancouver.” 2008
120
148 AVE
Fig 1: Site Location
The study area is located one block towards the north side of 104
SITE LOCATION
Ave. and the south part of Holy Lane Park on 148 Ave. (Fig1). The
site is a gated community segregated from its residential neigh-
bours, local school and park. The dominant structural character of
the site is two-storey townhouses (total of 186 dwelling units) with
plenty of surface parking, mostly built in 1980 (Fig 2).
104 AVE
Due to the site’s closeness to community amenities such as park,

school, church, and city centre, the site has a potential to be consid-
ered for housing refreshment (Fig 3). In addition, having proposed
the LRT stop close to the site (at the intersection of 104 Ave. and 148
Ave.) expands the practicality of the plan in the real world. Transit will
boost the market and encourage redevelopment in the area.
P
HOLY LANE PARK S HOOL
P P
P RESIDENTIAL
STUDY SITE
P ENTER ALL
RESIDENTIAL
Fig 2: Existing building, tree and parking footprints
Fig 3: The site potential to be more integrated and connected with the rest of the
neighborhood
121
Contextual Quilting Through Scale and Typology 6
Hedieh Rashidi
The design proposal aims to create a more integrated community with higher
density with respect to the existing conditions.
Four strategies are considered as following:
1. Retrieving the site’s connectivity (Fig 4)
2. Keeping the footprint of the building, while adding density
3. Retaining the existing trees
4. Phasing the construction in order to decant the residents on the site and
make the development process smoothly
Fig 4: Retrieving the site’s connectivity by adding new shared pathways for
walking, biking, and local vehicles. In addition, replacing the surface parkings
with public spaces with an emphasis on quality of the public realm as shown in
the sketches below.
Fig 5: Conceptual Perspective of the site
Proposed Dwelling Unit: 800 to 900 DU

Site Size: 14.8 acre
Building Typology 1:
4 to 6-storey woodframe buildings
Building Typology 2:
2 to 3-storey stacked townhouses
Fig 6 & 7.:Public Spaces
1. Three major public spaces along the south-north pathway,
the precedent for these public spaces, shown above.
2. Semi-public open spaces located in the entrance of the

buildings with maximum permeability and the visual reference,
shown left.
http://imgarcade.com/1/urban-design-concepts-sketches/
122
Fig 9: First Phase of refresh-

ment
Fig 10: Second Phase of

refreshment-Stage one
Fig 11: Second Phase of

refreshment-Stage two
Fig 11: Third Phase of refresh-

ment
Fig 8: Refreshment of the existing footprints in 3 phases
123
Contextual Quilting Through Scale and Typology 6
Hedieh Rashidi
The first phase – two to four year period

The new building (colored in red) is built with maximum density on the
former parking lot at the start of site refreshment. The residents are
moved to the new building and the other two old buildings are decanted.
The newly designed building is located in the same position with an
expanded footprint that includes the existing parking lot. The arrows
show the residents’ movements to the red building and their way back
to their newly built apartments.
The second phase – four to six year period

This phase will take place in two separate stages with the same move-
ment as previous construction. The south part of the site will be reno-
Phase 3
vated one at a time. The new buildings in the second stage are primarily
a townhouse as it compliments the neighbouring building (colored in
black). This will allow the developers to utilize the money generated
through community amenity contribution to develop more open spaces
on the site (Fig 4).
Phase 1
The third phase – two to four year period

The refereshment project in its final leg will be completed in the third
Phase 2
phase. In addition to this redevelopment, special attention has been

given to establish a connection with the site and the Holy Lane Park.
With this project, the previous gated community is now open to the
public. The residents of Guildford and the new immigrant can now en-
joy the amenity and live as an integrated community within the larger
Guildford region.
phases
124
The Urban Fabric of Guildford
The City of Surrey is comprised of six neighbourhoods including

Guildford which has an opportunity to become an arrival city due to its
strategic location within Metro Vancouver with an additional benefit of
Highway 1. A light rail transit is proposed to be developed on 104 Ave.
while 144 St. and 160 St. serve as welcome mats to this neighbour-
hood with Guildford Mall as the heart. The existing fabric allows for
additional density which would extrovert the vibrancy of the mall to its
surrounding blocks.
Existing streets need to have a refined grid network to enhance the
gradual loudness at the heart. The concept of spatial arrangement High connectivity streets
calls for enlarged spaces, however at the risk losing a sense of cohe-
sion. The entire idea behind Guildford’s image is to create a green
neighbourhood with optimum utilization of space in relation to human
Low connectivity streets
anthropometry. In the end, efficient urban fabric leads to:
(i) Better performance of the city
(ii) A design that saves energy Fig. 1: Connectivity of the existing streets which derives the pattern for every block
Fig. 2 shows the proposed structures taking into consideration the volumetric spaces in relation to the height of a building
125
Guildford’s Image of Place 6
Prachi Doshi
Neighbourhood Dynamics
(i) Systems Thinking – It drives the pattern of these relationships and

the way they translate into emergent memberships.
(ii) Complexity – Several possible future scenarios among the
dynamics that may exist.
(iii) Self organization – How patterns of relationship internally
structured develop over time that needs to be considered.
Fig. 3: Building fabric comprises 22% The interaction of building parcels and parcels of land create a mean-
ingful space for human use. We exhibit a certain threshold limit for pro-
portions and fulfilment of these threshold limits drives our behaviour
and leads to a sustainable and resilient community. With the benefit of
green areas, Guildford owns land but they do not create a meaningful
space. Enlargement loses the sense of enclosure. European cities like
Rome are popular for their spatial environment and it is the factor that
eventually gives a sense of identity and belonging to the place.
Fig. 4: Paved surface fabric comprises 13% Volumetric Spaces
The stream and the green coverage are vital components contributing
to the use of a space. Guildford has the benefit of a green bedspread
as a means to connect the varied building typologies. An overall in-
crease in density with a gradual change in building types creates a
harmonious diversification.
All the built forms have been extended up to property line to enhance
the street life and the podium style structures maintain the streetscape
while travelling along 104 Ave. The change in land coverage from the
Fig. 5: Green network fabric comprises 25%
built form is from 22% to 29% with an additional 10,000 units. The
built forms have been proposed in accordance to the space created
at street level. All the spaces are in proportion between 1:1 and 1:3.
Further elongation leads to a sense of street. Space allocation can be
a derivative of a combination of conventional and form based codes.
The spatial arrangement of these unique elements further allots a
meaning to the space. Although volumetric space is the least consid-
ered aspect while designing a form, it is the only factor which drives
human behaviour and the generated phenomenology as a place.
Fig. 6: The stream corridor
126
Gentle Intensification of Single Family

Homes
The existing fabric of Guildford is comprised of

extensive single family houses. To increase the
population, townhouses are proposed on the back
lane, which can be constructed by combining
more than one property. Fig. 7: Gentle intensification of single family homes and a conceptual built form
Multi Family Residential Refresh
Residences have been proposed, which add to

the existing low density without disturbing the ex-
isting structures. These buildings take into consid-
eration the existing condition and the added struc-
tures are in proportion to the space and creates a
Fig. 8: Addition to the residential areas and a conceptuall built form
space between the structures as well.
New residences have been proposed in the ar-

eas away from 104 Avenue and they are four to
six-storey structures. Groups of these structures
form a space between them, which is used as a
courtyard. The south facing buildings have been
Fig. 9: Medium density residences and a conceptual built form
kept low to cast less shadow in the courtyards.
The south of the mall until 100 Ave. has a potential

to be adjacent to the Heart, the Guild and the LRT
stop. Hence, six to eight-storey buildings would
encourage more people to access the utilities at a
walking distance. The building form is a derivative
Fig. 10: Higher density residences and a conceptual built form
of volumetric spaces and shadows.
127
Guildford’s Image of Place 6
Prachi Doshi
Mixed Use 1
This category is comprised of the Guild area and

at the intersection of 104 Ave. and welcome mats.
These buildings are next to the commercial heart
of the neighbourhood and provide an opportunity
for immigrants. These are four to six-storey struc-
tures promoting business corridor. Fig.11: Mixed use 1 buildings and a conceptual built form
Mixed Use 2
These mixed use buildings form a transition from

the welcome mats to the core of the neighbour-
hood. They exhibit podium style typology with sev-
en-storey structures above that and townhouses
on the back lane. It provides an optimum use of
Fig.12: Mixed use 2 buildings and a conceptual built form
the space at street level and cast lesser shadow.
Mixed Use 3
Surrounding the Guildford Mall are the mixed

use buildings which operate in service to the cre-
scendo at the core. They are two-storey podium
with a ten-storey structure above it. They maintain
the podium streetscape on 104 Ave. allowing for a
higher density set back from the corridor.
Mixed Use 4
Easy access to the LRT stations, the Guild and

the Heart leaves room for two towers on 104 Ave.
These thirty-storey structures are oriented diago-
nally so as to cast their thinner shadow on 104
Ave. Such office buildings have the potential to
balance the demand for space.
128
Design Goals for the Mall Area:

The design goal is changing the current tendency favoring a large
isolated mass over an urban environment towards one generat-
ing life and contributing to a vibrant cultural hub. Our main goal is
to turn the mall into an urban village with high street experience.
Picture taken of the existing mall from the southeast side
Walkways and Automobiles Paths:

- The Walkway Paths:
Strong access will draw people from the LRT station
to a plaza in the middle of the village, directing flow to
left and right pathways.
-The Automobile Routes:

Turning inwards breaking one big mass into smaller mases The concept limits car movements inside the village to
a “U” circle road between the retail and the mixed use
buildings, giving car acces to the entire village.
Side view of the proposed village showing the podium buildings
A transit-oriented active village is a strategic key component for Guildford

Town centre to solve the dispersed suburban sprawl. It would generate a
concentration of activities that bonds the area together. It will encourage a
walkable heart which brings life to the Guildford centre.
Design Strategies:
-Breaking the one big mass into smaller walkable masses
-Shaping the masses to create hubs and shopping paths
-Opening up the indoor mall to the outdoors
-Replacing the open parking around the mall with underground parking The proposed Walkways ( Presented in green color)
-Introduce mixed use buildings to intensify land uses and Automobiles Paths ( Presented in brown color)
129
Cultured Pearls The South Side 1 6
Amal Wasfi
In this proposal, the LRT station will be in the middle front of the
village. Stairs will take the people from the station to the midpoint
of the above bridge which connects this north side to 104 Ave. The
bridge have decks enabling people to a wide pleasant view of the
arterial supported with cafes.
The bridge configuration is a strong access with glass arches, that
orient the people to a plaza in the middle of the village. To allow
more than one shopping routes, the plaza opens up to two routes
that guide the visitors to the other end of the village.
Moving the station to the middle front
The pedestrian paths will come from the middle LRT station
Stairs will take the visitors from the station to the Bridge
130
Land Uses:
Part of the goal is to increase
vibrancy and street life. We pro-
pose a concentration of commercial
and other land uses, where people
work, shop, relax, meet friends and
also live. These are:
- Mixed use typology with ten
residential buildings (800units)
above the commercial, adding
vibrancy and paying off the cost of
the underground parking
-The office tower will provide a
concentration of job opportunities
in the area and be a landmark for
the village.
-Rooftop gardens will control tem-
perature and improve quality of life.
Green Roofs with flowers and vegetation makes higher level gardens available for all
Placemaking:
The aim is to open up the commercial centre to the beautiful natural British Columbia. In the village plazas, we provide advantages of attractive
outdoors places, (fresh air, friendly urban environment), flavoured by features of the indoor places, (stairs /escalators, canopies/rain shelters,
benches, outside showcases, attractive lighting, artwork, and fountains). Accordingly, spaces are designed to encourage people to move com-
fortably between the inside and the outside spaces enjoying the coziness. For example, the food courtyard is an open circular plaza connected
visually to the below inside and complementing the continuation of the inside.
Stairs and escalators guide people to the plaza effortlessly The new open food court ( at the top of the ground floor )
131
Amal Wasfi
Creating a vibrant street

life:
We are pushing for changes to
transform the city from auto zones
to pedestrian-friendly zones. This
transformation of spaces will
welcome people walking and in-
teracting, while making “downtown
living possible for a broader range
of people.”
To increase the integration between

the buildings and the different
spaces the design works towards:
- Blending the edges between
inside/ outside.
- Creating bridges connecting build-
ings (including residential podiums
connected with commercial).
Turning inwards breaking big mass into smaller mases with vibrant street life
- Providing intermittent roof shelters

- Creating defined pathways and plazas
- Providing seating available for anyone’s use in an inviting
and attractive setting
All of this will contribute to a vibrant urban village to be the
heart of Guildford Town Centre.
Outdoor spaces have the feel of the indoor places Different uses and paths integrated together
132
Initial Observations: Design Concept:

- Preserve the mall and emphasize its entrances and link them to the
external green ways.
- Keep the bridge and remove the Sears building completely so that
we bring some light under the picturesque bridge, which already has
its unique identity and great potential, but needs some refining.
- Link the existing recreational building to the mall via a piazza that is
surrounded by some cultural and mixed use buildings. The residential
area will serve the cultural area and vice versa.
- Add two towers that could help the area economically, socially and
physically.
- Create volumetric spaces that will lead to the design of the buildings.
The design scope will be more likely Phase One of the design. It will
more likely be an intervention that is sensitive and selective of what to
remove, adjust and add to the area.
- Integrate few purely pedestrian streets that are branched from the
main street such that they include some restaurants, coffee shops, Fig.2: Sketches showing the combination of inspiring key words with some doodling.
pubs and clubs.
- The slopes around the mall can help create a memorable place.
Site Location:
Fig.3: showing the existing conditions.

A fine pattern is clear but what is lacking is a sense of life, vibrancy,
Fig.1: A diagram showing the stretch of area thought off. connectivity and maybe sensuality. Trying to integrate the new design,
The major idea is how to combine all these pearls in an uninterrupted an architectural icon into the existing conditions.
way and think about the experience from a pedestrian’s point of view.
133
Haneen Abdul Samad
Piazza
Stairs
Bridge
Fig.4: A conceptual future vision.

An intention to give the center of the mall the major role of holding the
area together. Extrovert the mall and reflect all the internal circulation
pathways on the roof as skylights and all the way to the street level
forming teasers and points of attraction.
Park
Fig.6: A Glimpse of the Combination of Jeffersonian Grid & Washington’s Radials.
Fig.5: Urban Orienteering and Sequential Experience
- Emphasize all the entrances with minimal changes on their loca-

tions. (as shown in Fig.5 in light red) Cultural
- Find the major transit points, which can lead to major pedestrian tour
locations. (as shown in Fig.5 in light blue)
Commercial
- Link all these strategic points together. (as shown in Fig.5 in blue)
The result is a glimpse of a square and radial grid as shown in this Mixed-use 3
sketch.
Fig.6: Land use map

134
Concept Proposed Land Use

The vision of this proposal is to create Guildford as a new cultural
and commercial centre of Surrey and build the old town center as the
vibrant central heart of Guildford. The dashed line shows the study
area and the chosen site is indicated in red.
New Westminster
Guildford
Surrey
Figure 1: Site location. The site is located along the 104 transit corridor and between 150
St. and 152 St.
existing green space

existing commercial area
potential green corridor
potencial precinct axis
proposed LRT station
view corridor
Figure 2: Opportunities and existing land use Figure 3: Proposed land use
Based on the existing condition, there are some opportunities here. vertical axis forms the main structure of the site.
Firstly, there is a potential to propose a linkage between the two big The existing land use is taken up by a large part of commercial area.
green parks, creating an open corridor. Second, because in this Besides, the site lacks an organized road network and this big-box
scheme, the proposed future LRT station will be under the bridge, so fabric isn’t a friendly and of walkable scale. Figure 3 shows the pro-
considering the main circulation, there is a potential to create an axis posed land use, it will include cultural areas, commercial areas, mixed
connecting the north part to the south part. The horizontal corridor and use areas, residential and green spaces.
135
Saki Xueqi Wu
Street Hierarchy
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
Figure 4: Street hierarchy, street’s scale and selected section of each type of road.
Then, how can we achieve a vibrant heart? As we know, in addition ary roads (150 St. and 152 St.) will be used mainly as bus routes.
to the buildings, the space between the buildings also plays an im- Besides, there are community roads which are used by private cars.
portant role, which means a good street framework is required. That Furthermore, there are other two types of roads used only by pedes-
promotes diverse human activities on the streets. Figure 4 shows the trians that are cultural/commercial in nature and a market street. The
street hierarchy in this area, which indicates five different types of market street exists inside the residential blocks, so that people could
streets. The main transit corridor will also be used by LRT. Second- sell fruits and vegetables produced by urban agriculture.
136
Master Plan
[5]
[6]
[7]
[8] 0 30 60(m)
Figure 5: Master plan and selected images of nodes.
Based on the previous analysis, Figure 5 shows the master plan. There will be a theatre and recreational centre, a library, a museum and a
science and technology centre in the northside cultural precinct area. Mixed use forms will be built along the 104 St. main transit corridor which
are eleven stories with two-storey podiums. The mall will be developed in several phases, surrounded by the new parking and retail buildings.
The big box fabric will be broken down by some internal roads and a central court yard. A bar street will be a transition between the commercial
area and the residential area. The south park will act as the end of the axis, used for outside concerts for people to get together. Besides, there
is a community centre surrounded by the neighbourhoods and inside each neighbourhood blocks. We want to create diverse types of courtyards
which will also be used for urban agriculture.
137
Saki Xueqi Wu
Perspective
Figure 6: 3D model of the Guildford Town Centre and surrounding areas.
The perspective view model shows the relationship between the site and the surrounding areas. The bridge will be the connection between the
north and the south part through the roof gardens. Therefore, people can directly enter the mall from the second level.
Image sources:
[1].http://thetysonscorner.com/impacts-of-the-freddie-mac-wind-down-in-tysons/ [5].Southbank Cultural Precinct, Melbourne. http://www.fjmt.com.au/projects/pro-
[2].http://gardensofmylife.blogspot.ca/2011/12/walkside-cidade-feita-para-pessoas.html jects_scpr.html
[3].http://ottawa.ca/en/city-hall/planning-and-development/community-plans-and-design- [6].Highline park in NYC. http://inhabitat.com/photos-iconic-high-line-park-in-nyc-opens-
guidelines/design-and-planning-0-1-7-4 final-section-to-public/
[4].East Baltimore Urban Mixed-use District Design [7].European city. http://www.big.dk/#projects-eur
[8].Southbank Cultural Precinct, Melbourne. http://www.fjmt.com.au/projects/pro-
jects_scpr.html
138
Low density
Middle density
High density
LRT
Stops
Figure 1 - The ascending trend of density
In the Guildford’s proposed master plan, there is an ascending trend of density and building height from the Welcome Mats towards the
Heart (Figure 1, refer to Managing Image and Scale Towards Strengthening Guildford’s Identity). The site located in the urban centre of
Guildford and is surrounded by 101 Ave., 104 Ave., 150 St., and 152 St. The site consists of several pieces of Guildford Town Centre Mall,
parking area and some residential buildings.
Figure 2: Mall and LRT stop Figure 3: Parking lot Figure 4: Culture centre Figure 5: Residential Buildings
The LRT system is proposed in Guildford’s master plan. A stop The north side of the site has a proposed culture centre, which
under the bridge will connects mall and northern extension area includes Guildford recreation centre and swimming pool (Figure 4).
(Figure 2). Figure 3 illustrates the mall is surrounded by the park- The location of the site is within a high density blocks (Figure 5).
ing lot.
139
Siyuan Zhao
Guildford Town Centre Mall located in the central part of Guildford, is the second-
largest shopping mall in British Columbia. For the vitality of the city, the mall just
started a new redevelopment in 2010. Therefore, the mall has earned a value that
must be retained. Considering the parking lot, the current mall is like a giant island
isolated by the surroundings. The aim of design is to solve this problem, in terms of
opening the mall and creating connections with neighbours.
Figure 6: The Idea of open the mall
There are three strategies across the study area that aims to open the mall: 1) from
street to square, 2) place retail into mall extension, 3) bridge the gaps. The details of
these strategies can be seen in the diagrams and images below.
Redesigning the boring street into a square, from mall facade to residential building
facade, could change boundary of the mall into a sharing space. The activities, such
as the outdoor Cafe, can be an attraction for gathering people and to improve the
quality of life. Placing retail into the mall extension is also a strategy to maximize the
use of the mall and save valuable space. Transparent texture (Figure 8) can soften
the concrete edge of the mall and create a more urban atmosphere. Bridging the
gaps is also a way to enhance the connection with surroundings and increase the
Figure 7: Guildford Town Centre Source:Dareell
shopping environment.
From street to square Place retail into mall extension Bridge the gaps
Figure 8: Three strategies of open the mall
Figure 9: Redesign of Stationsstraat Figure 10: Building on Water Street Figure 11: Bridge links Pacific Center and office tower. Source:
Source: Grontmij Source: Googlemap Googlemap
140
The Master Plan
Office Tower
Office Tower
Retails
Parkade
A
Street-Square
A
B B
Green space
Six floor buildings
Figure 12: The main architectural structure in the northern part of the site is the Guildford Town Centre. It has retail as an extension and office
tower linked with bridge. A proposed parkade replaces the current ground level parking lot. The connection between the commercial area and
residential area is a street square. All the buildings in the southern part of site are all six stories high. Some buildings are pure residential. While
some of them have commercial on the first floor and the top five floors are residential. The spaces between buildings is the green way and green
space. The central green space emphasizes the central axis.
141
Siyuan Zhao
A-A Section
Commercial Building
Mixed-use Building
Residential Building
Figure 13: The land use of the site has a shift from pure commercial to Figure 15: The street square is a combination of open space and typi-
pure residential.The buildings near mall and arterial roads have some cal street. It provides multiple functions and different space experience.
retails on their first floor.
B-B Section
Vehicle Road
Bike Lane
Pedestrian Only
Figure 14: In order to increase the connectivity and walkability on the site, Figure 16: The section shows a typical street scale between residential
the roads are divided into several hierarchies. The streets serve pedestri- buildings. The on-street parking is provided instead of underground
ans and cyclists, helping to create small-scale neighbourhoods. parking.
142
STUDY AREA
The study area covers the mall site
LEGEND including the commercial block on the
east and the plot of Guildford Recrea-
tion Center on the north. The scheme
focuses on the larger area so the
development on the surrounding par-
cels can interact with the regulation of
the existing Guildford Mall. Covering
both sides of 104 Ave., the site illus-
trates the potential to form additional
north-south green connections to
enhance the interconnectivity of the
“Green Loop” for the overall master
plan. The established local character
as a retail hub is proposed to upgrade
with greater diversity, reinforcing New
Guildford as a welcoming place for
everyone.
REGENERATION STRATEGIES OF THE GUILDFORD CENTER

GROUND FLOOR PLAN[1] REGENERATION STRATEGIES
Various regeneration strategies are
LEGEND proposed for different parts of the
suburban mall site, adapting it to the
future urban context. The flat mass-
Sears ing is proposed to be disassembled
(Two-story) along the indoor pathways of the
west wing and the northern demar-
cation of Walmart. These two disas-
Guildford sembling corridors are proposed to
Town Center be opened up to become in-block
(Two-story) access streets. The major part of the
mall will be reconstructed more inten-
Walmart sively. New constructio infilling the
+Parking existing parking lots will form coher-
(One-story) ent human-scale frontages for street
retail and accommodate current tene-
ments in the mall to ease the regen-
eration process.
Fig 1: Guildford Town Center Ground Floor Plan, Paul Hillsdon, Guildford Mall set for phase two of expansion, renewal. http://www.metro604.com/2011/07/26/guildford-mall-set-for-
phase-two-of-expansion-renewal/, July 26, 2011.
143
Lilian Zhang
MASTER PLAN
DESIGN CONCEPTS
Two Retail Cores
Mini Green Loop
Five Integrated Function

The scheme reinforces the characteristics of the site as the retail landmark in the arrival community Clusters
via diversifying the pedestrian experience for both the residents and the customers.
The retail circulation of the new urban mall will be stretched out from its daylighted east-west cor-
ridor to the east block. Linking the mall with the other key commercial element, the new proposed
Guildford Marketplace. In addition, the indoor retail circulation of the mall and the street market
along 153 St. will connect the 104 Ave. corridor and the neighbourhood on the south.
The mini “Green Loop”, formed by the surface landscaped plazas and parks, roof gardens on the
overbridge and the mall, and the boulevard of the neighbourhood, will integrate into an overall open
space system for the New Guildford. This will thus enhance the interconnectivity of the “Green Loop”
in the overall master plan.
The circulation network waved up by the commercial corridors and green spaces, will link the five
clusters with various functions together and radiate the vibrancy to the surroundings.
144
FUNCTION LAYOUT & PHASING STRATEGY
Phase I - 104 Ave. Frontage & Advanced construction for anchor • Complex block 1 on the northwest of the mall site (supplementing
stores relocation parking)
• Blocks along the 104 Ave. corridor Phase IV - Mall Regeneration II (Adequate market target )
• Mini mall, new Guildford Theatre, mixed use on Sears site • Complex block 2 (regeneration of the west part of the mall)
Phase II - Surrounding Construction I • Expansion of the mall on the east with apartment tower
• Gateway tower • Regenerating the bridge and the garden on its roof
• Regenerating Sears into cinema and mini mall Phase IV - Mall Regeneration III (Completion)
• Community along 152 St. • Adequate market targetting the regeneration of the principal part
Phase III - Surrounding Construction II & Mall Regeneration I of the mall (adding stories; daylighting east-west corridor; roof gar-
• Guildford Market Village (reinforcing local characteristic) den; townhouses and apartments on the top)
PHASE I • Community on the north part of the mall site (replacing Walmart) • Landmark tower
PHASE II PHASE III PHASE IV PHASE V
145
Lilian Zhang
EAST BIRDVIEW
B
B
A A
The New Guildford Mall integrates into the urban context creating a crucial node on the 104 Ave. corridor. The Guildford Market Village attracts
visitors and customers by the unique retail stores supported by local residents with various cultural backgrounds. New towers and the overbridge
highlights the site as the heart of this area. The site becomes a weekend destination with convenient rapid transit access.
With mixed use buildings with retail frontages along them, sidewalks become vibrant public spaces accommodating not only pedestrian flows but
also various social activities.
SECTION A-A (104 Ave.) SECTION B-B (153 St.)
146
Cultured Pearls The North Side
This design embodies the central idea underlying the Guildford Neigh- The structural forms are oriented in relation to five intersecting axes
bourhood Master Plan developed by a group of University of British that constitute the principal pedestrian desire lines that provide access
Columbia urban design students “Transit-Oriented Culture” . The prin- to the transit stops, mall and greenway (Fig. 3-4-5-6).
cipal aim of the Master Plan is to link together a series of six cultural Figure3. Pedestrian desire line from the
centres or hubs located throughout Guildford area, which is a neigh- proposed LRT stop toward the proposed
bourhood of Surrey, British Columbia. The hub featured in this plan, green way
which is the most important of the six, is located adjacent the north
side of Guildford Mall (fig. 1). It will include a new cultural complex
consisting of a Cineplex movie theatre complex, a library, art school,
museum, daycare centre, bowling alley, restaurant, coffee shop and
other cultural and recreational amenities. Figure4. Pedestrian desire line from
the Guildford mall toward the proposed
green way and existing recreational
center.
Figure5. Pedestrian desire line on the

proposed green way.
Figure6. Pedestrian desire line from the

Figure1: Site location and The Cultured Pearls in master plan proposed LRT stop toward the proposed
green way and existing recreational
center.
The site of the hub is strategically located near a proposed LRT transit
stop, Guildford Mall and a proposed greenway (fig. 2).
After intersecting the lines, which can be considered corridors or axes,

intersect each other, and in so doing dictate the shape of the structural
forms (Fig. 7).
Figure2: Site Analysis

Figure7.
147
Cultured Pearls The North Side 6
Nastaran E.Beigi
In addition, after intersecting, the axes open up a series of plazas, two

smaller ones on the west side of the site and two major ones located,
respectively, in the center and on the east side, which serve as an
urban extension of the buildings that will house cultural amenities.
This hierarchy of plazas will define the activities to be accommodated
at this part of the site (Fig. 8).
Currently, there is a pedestrian bridge connecting Guildford Mall to the
Figure 8.
Sears department store located on the other side of 104 Ave. The new
design calls for major modifications to the bridge so that it will serve
as a greenway (Fig. 9).
The design aim is to add value to the hub and provide access to its
inner spaces via the bridge and a series of green roofs, while at the
same time transforming the east plaza, one of four located in the hub,
and the adjacent staircase into a dynamic urban space (Fig. 10).
Figure 9.
Figure 10. Site of the proposed Concert Hall and Cineplex, with the new library to be located along their axis. These two buildings constitute one corner of the plaza.
Resource: UBC Geography Information Center

148
The pedestrian bridge and staircase provide access to the green roofs
and they also serve as cultural statements. Rome’s Spanish steps
provide a compelling example of what is intended here (Fig. 11-12-
13).
Figure 11. The master plan illustrates that the public square is capable of accommodat-
ing daily users and large cultural events, while connecting with other plazas ans cultural
centers. Figure 14. Entrance to the east side plaza
Figure 12. Section from the east side plaza and staircase.
Figure 15. A staircase for seating visitors attending outdoor concerts and theatre events
Figure 13. Case study of Rome’s Spanish steps which serves as a cultural statement. held in the east plaza.
149
Cultured Pearls The North Side 6
Nastaran E.Beigi
In conclusion, the design is intended to create a transit-oriented cultural complex

that provides a dynamic urban space in which people can move, communicate
and enjoy themselves, and at the same time have their needs met.
Figure 16-17. The green roof serves as the rooftop plaza.
Figure 18. An inviting public space accessible from 104th Avenue (the east side plaza).
150
THE CONCEPT THE MASTER PLAN
Figure 1: The site is located at the 104 Ave. and 152 St. In the future, there
will be a proposed LRT Station at the cross
Figure 2: This figure shows the land use of this design. The red boxes are
mixed use areas, and the yellow boxes are cultural areas
Figure 4: The Master Plan

Because of the Guildford Mall and the proposed LRT station, large amounts of human activi-
ties will happen in this area. According to the master plan (in the Figure 4), the green diagonal
will be designed as a green way for pedestrians. On one side of the diagonal, the existing
Sears building, which is beside the existing bridge, will be turned into a cultural park with some
low-rise buildings and green open spaces. Meanwhile, the other side of the diagonal will be
designed as a live-work area.
In order to increase the density, two towers will be added along 104 Ave. Another reason to put
Figure 3: In order to link the cultural areas together, a green linkage will be the towers there is to avoid their shadow falling on the buildings. The remaining part will be low-
used. At the same time, this linkage will link the recreation center and the rise and mid-rise buildings. The buildings along the arterial roads will have mixed use functions,
park beside the site
for instance, commercial use on the lower levels and residential use on the upper levels. The
detail of building typology will be introduced in the third page.
151
The East welcome Mat 6
Weicen Kate Wang
THE PERSPECTIVE
Figure 5 below is the overall perspective of this design. It shows that some low-rise buildings, as well as the podiums of the towers and mid-rise
buildings, will have green roofs. The New York Highline will be used as an example for the bridge extension design. The Railspur Alley in the
Granville Island of Vancouver will be the model for the pedestrian area design.
Figure 5 : The Overall Perspective
Source: http://lastblogonearth.com/2010/11/17/photos-of-new-yorks-high-line-park/ Source: http://peitolake.blogspot.ca/2014/01/granville-island-vancouver.html

Figure 6 : The example of the bridge Figure 7: The example of the pedestrian area
152
THE BUILDING TYPOLOGY
TYPOLOGY 1 TYPOLOGY 2 TYPOLOGY 3
This type is located along the Guildford Mall. It The second type is a mix of low-rise and The third type will be put along the 104 Ave. It
is mid-rise building. The first floor will be used mid-rise buildings. Functions such as retail, consists of low-rise buildings. Because of the
for retail. The lower levels will be the parking parking, and residential uses will be distrib- south-north orientation, the south part will be
area, while the upper floors will be residential uted in the buildings. A pedestrian area will two floors lower than the north part, so that, the
use. In order to let people easily access the be left for retail activities. sunlight will not be blocked.
mall, a path way will be left on the first floor.
Figure 8 - Schematics of the building typologies in this design
153
The East welcome Mat 6
Weicen Kate Wang
THE BRIDGE DESIGN
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Line_(New_York_City) Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Side_Line_(NYCRR)

Figure 9: The example of the bridge’s open space Figure 10: The example of the bridge’s grey space
Figure 11: The section of the bridge
Figure 12: The perspective of the bridge’s open space Figure 13: The perspective of the bridge’s grey space area
Instead of demolishing the old bridge, this design will keep the existing part of the bridge, which is upon the 104 Ave. It will extend the bridge to
become a linkage between the mall and the recreation center. Figure 11 above is the section of the bridge.
The existing part will be changed into a grey space with some stairs inside. It is shown in Figure 13. In this way, people who come out from the
mall can take a rest on the stairs after shopping. The expansion part will be an open space, with some landscape designs on the top of it. It will
directly stretch over the cultural park and connect to the recreation center. Figure 13 is a part of the landscape design of the bridge. On a sunny
day, people can stay on the bridge, enjoy the beautiful view and sunshine.
154
T1 Reflective of local porches, courtyards

scale/ frontage with shop fronts and greens
large courtyards natural tree T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T6
and are intended to planting GENERAL SUB URBAN OPEN URBAN CORE COMMERCIAL URBA
URBAN ZONE SPACES CORE
strengthen community URBAN HEART
ZONE ZONE
and social exchange.
T2 large landscape yards porches, Greens and

surrounding single fam- fences parks
ily detached houses. natural tree
planting
large landscape yards porches, Greens,

T3 surrounding single fam- shop fronts parks and
ily detached houses. natural tree courtyards.
planting
preserved parks to Natural tree Park.

T4 facilitate neighborhood planting.
interactions.
T5 residential midrise slab porches, Greens,

buildings atop a com- shop fronts parks and
mercial podium which natural tree courtyards. A transect was taken along the illustrated section represented in the
aids the new transit planting
Heights are purposefully neglected while tabulating the transect as t
investment.
approach towards generalizing the urban character for the overall ar
and diversifies harmoniously to result in the crescendo.
The existing commer- shops,front Squares,
T6 boulvards.
The character for Guildford is focused at ‘Urban - Nature Blend’ to e
cial hub of Guildford. Greens and
plazas.
nomics for the 104 Ave.
155
Implementing Guildford’s Urban Fabric 6
Yashas Hegde
buissiness hb that al- natural tree Courtyards,

lows for increased job planting. greens and
opportunities and adds squares.
economic vitality.
T6 T7 T8 T9 T 10
URBAN URBAN URBAN URBAN SUB URBAN
CORE commercial ZONE ZONE CREEK
CORE T7
residential midrise slab natural tree Courtyards,
buildings atop a com- planting. greens and
mercial podium which squares.
aids the new transit
investment.
T8
Compact courtyard natural tree Courtyards,

T9 typologies which planting. greens and
integrates with the sur- squares.
rounding open space.
in the above diagram to analyze the urban character of Guildford. Natural landscape with natural tree Creek.
ct as they are regulated by zoning laws. This decision is a pragmatic creek. planting.
erall area. The building density is maximum at the commercial heart
d’ to ensure the flow of green spaces while respecting the land eco-
T 10
156
sketch credit: Swapnil Valvatkar, principle

architect of Collage architecture studio.

This sketch clealry illustrates how the pedestrian realm is harmoni-

ously integrated with the built fabric. Swapnil’s ideology in this This sketch clealry illustrates how th
sketch to create the mix of materials, hard scape and soft scape unifies street life and vitalizes the bu
to create a vital pedestrian realm is integral to the place making creating a sense of place and conve
identitiy. an animated people’s place. All the
of Swapnil’s ideology, amalgamated
atmosphere.

sketch credit
This sketch clealry illustrates how the pedestrian experience is architect of C
split to break the monotony. This aids for a better pedestrian flow.
The landscape is flown into the built urban fabric which not just en-
sures visual connectivity but also aids in connected green network
which is essential for the a better ecosystem.
157
Implementing Guildford’s Urban Fabric 6
Yashas Hegde
“REVITALIZED URBAN CHARACTER”
how the central public realm

the built fabric. This is vital in
converts the built fabric into
All the sketches show a vision
mated to create a unique
The design ideologies of my mentor in architecture, Mr. Swapnil Valvatkar, for new multi-family residential housing are represented in this study to
represent how the flow of function should be arranged in order to attain a positive urban character. The duplicate trace off sketches of the original
represents an ideology that integrates both the pedestrian streets and the built fabric . By maintaining this function order and by following the
urban design principles, unique residential layouts that respect the needs of inner human desires, is amalgamated with land economics which can
provide for unique multi-family residential ideologies. The form must flow the function preset of the site’s urban character.
tch credit: Swapnil Valvatkar, principle
hitect of Collage architecture studio.
158
Transparent Facades and Permeable Blocks/Lots
The Promise of Guildford:

Humanizing the 104 Avenue Corridor
The project aims at creating a humanized, walkable, vibrant and

visually-engaging transit corridor at Guildford. In order to realize the
goals, the spatial configuration of plots along 104 Ave. as well as the
composition of rights-of-way were examined in terms of coherency,
permeability, accessibility, connectivity, livability and vitality. Contrib-
uting more local and distinctive community expression and achiev-
ing more sustainable solutions, the project offers design solutions to
create permeable blocks, well-connected green/open public spaces,
coherent urban facades, visually-harmonized spatial configuration,
human-scaled frontages, and a pedestrian-friendly transit-oriented Private land and pedestrian zone
corridor, all with regard to scale, nature and contextual considerations.
Building’s Orientation (Over podium)

Minimizing shading impacts on public realm
Northern sidewalk (Zone A:Mall): 10 m.

Southern sidewalk (Zone A: Mall): 6.5 m.
104 Corridor Transit/LRT Station Guildford Town Centre Guildford Mall Bridge
Northern sidewalk (General): 6.5 m.
Southern sidewalk (General): 4.5 m.
Alternatives
Desired
Livability/Vitality
Pedestrian zoning/Green zoning
Private zone
Public land Private land
Property line
159
The Promise of Guildford: Humanizing the 104
Avenue Corridor 6
Maryam Mahvash
Public Realm
Blocks and Permeability
Park Semi public green/open space Plaza Iconic element Public art
Accessibility Urban Transect

Urban Core
Transition: General Urban Transition: General Urban
Existing Less Urban Medium Urban Most Urban Medium Urban Less Urban
New Arterial Collector/Local Walkway
Urban Coherency Vertical Rythm
160
Single row of trees

More challenging Relatively less challenging Double row of trees
Dimensional variation along the corridor, illustrated by sections, is a major challenge. Resolving this major issue (dimensional constraints), the project has
a specific focus on the design of rights-of-way and suggestions for both the configuration of mass and space and the determination of public (pedestrian)
and private zones.
Proposed Section
Desired section Proposed section (General) Proposed section (A: 150 St. - 152 St.)
161
The Promise of Guildford: Humanizing the 104
Avenue Corridor 6
Proposed Railbed for LRT for Surrey
104 Avenue
Maryam Mahvash
Proposed Railbed for LRT for Guildford

Fra
se
King George Boulevard
rH
igh
wa
y
Parks
Grass 1
ALR
Grass 2
Water Ocean
Considering Light Rail Transit (LRT) on 104 Ave., a proposed grass rail bed perfectly offers a pleasant, humanized and environmentally-friendly
corridor while the idea greatly meets some significant considerations of stormwater management. Based on this idea, a distinctive rail bed for two
other LRT lines on King George Boulevard and Fraser Highway in Surrey are proposed.
View Down Proposed 104 Avenue corridor
Reference:
Kellett, Ronald and Girling, Cynthia. “Elements DB”. elementsdb.sala.ubc.ca. 2010. WEB. November 29, 2014.
162
The Arrival City:

The Arrival City is a place in which the transition between rural to urban districts takes place. One of the main characteristics of the Arrival City
is immigration. Considering Surrey’s immigration rate, it is important to reflect the concept of the Arrival City. The Guildford area already serves
as an arrival district in Surrey, therefore this character is maintained and improved in this design.
Economic Opportunities:
Most of the immigrant population that arrive in areas like Guildford are from lower income families, seeking for new economic opportunities.
Hence this project mostly focuses on the economic aspects of the Arrival City, paying attention to opportunities such as small start-up busi-
nesses, retails and typologies including mixed use and live-work.
Location:
Accessibility is one of the main issues to be addressed regarding the implementation of small businesses and retails. Consequently, the first
approach would be to locate these uses along the 104 Ave., since it is the major transit arterial. Although according to some features such as
scale, width, traffic and noise along the 104 Ave., this design suggests to locate the site to the eastern side of the mall. This location is chosen
based on the following reasons:
1- This site is fairly accessible since it is located between two major transit stops (152 St. and 154 St.).
2- It contains a narrower street network which creates a more human scale and therefore it is more likely to encourage pedestrian activity.
3- It is in close proximity to the mall and consequently encourages visitors.
4- The proposed commercial character of this area is different from the mall, thus it compliments it instead of competing with it.
Amsterdam-Netherlands Istanbul-Turkey Valletta, Malta Vancouver-Canada

http://pixabay.com/en/ http://commons.wikimedia.org/ http://paradiseintheworld.com/
amsterdam-holland-rain- wiki/File: Downtown_Istan-
downtown-256946/ bul_(2835544190).jpg valletta-malta/
154 St.
152 St.
Figure 1: Proposed site
163
The Promise of Guildford: Arrival City
Opportunities 1 6
Avishan Aghazadeh
Primary Design Objectives
Figure 2: Permeability of
the site which creates a Figure 3: Many inviting
sense of continuity within entrance points. The
the fabric. Having various green open spaces, con-
veiw corridors creates nected through a network
curiosity and therefore of green pathways,
promotes walkability promote social commu-
which is essential for start- nication and create an
up businesses. opportunity for cultural
interaction.
Figure 4: Diversity in
building typologies which Figure 5: The Street
represent the cultural network, including
diversity in Surrey and pedestrian pathways
particularly Guildford. and car access.
It also shows different
layers of the fabric, where
these typologies are
located.
164
Figure 6: Site plan.

Buildings indicated in black are existing buildings. The
footprint of these buildings will be preserved with an added
density. The implementation of retail, offices, mixed use and
live-work units can occur only through a rearrangement of
the existing lots. The city may purchase some parts of the
land with private ownerships, in order to implement the new
design.
This design proposes implementation over different phases
of time and through a series of new zoning policies. The new
policies should address the need for having small busi-
nesses and therefore promote building typologies such as
commercial, light industrial, mixed use and live-work.
Figure 7: Existing lots Figure 8: Site Plan
Figure 9: Axonometric view of the site
Figure 10: Site Section
165
Opportunities 1 6
Avishan Aghazadeh
Figure 11. Axonometric view Figure 12. Perspective view
ue
h Aven
100t
t.
154 S
enu e St.
h Av 152A
104t
St.
152
Figure 13. Building Typology
Figure 1: Diversity in building typologies. The northern part of the152 St. corridor is the most accessible area to the mall and therefore mostly commercial and office
buildings with very small frontages take place along this corridor. As we get closer to 100 Ave. and further away from the mall, mixed use buildings are proposed
along the 152 St., and live-work units along the 152A St. At the north-eastern part of the site and along the 152A St., some office buildings as well as commercial and
mixed-use buildings are proposed. This figure also indicates the two centres of this area:
1- The green open space at the north-eastern side: This is the main public space where cultural celebrations and festivals take place.
2- The institutional zone at the center of the site: This area contains four educational building such as a language school, business school and others.
166
The majority of Guildford’s residents trace their origins to South Ko-

rea, China, Philipines and India (Fig.1). Major impediments experi- Guildford
enced by new immigrants to the area include a lack of housing options South
and employment opportunities, steep language barriers and difficul- Korea
ties in subscribing to social services. Consequently, the current pro- China
ject addresses the twin problems of affordability and housing demand
in Guildford for both, current residents and new arrivals. India Philippines
Housing Language Employment Family

acclimatization
Fig.1: Map indicating flow of immigrants into Guildford
No Intervention
Homogenous Organic growth &

Disorganized future
building typology diversification of resdients
Fragmentation
Multi-generational
Immigrant families Growing family
Students ? Senior citizens
Fig.2: Existing senario for housing in Guidford

Partners Single parent
As depicted in schematic two, the current housing senario is mostly homogenous. However, as the economic prospects of the region have picked
up in recent years, immigration into the area has increased significantly. The ensuing organic growth has resulted in fragmentation of building
typologies. If revised housing and zoning policies are not implemented, the region could face a disorganized future. In view of this, the proposal
aims to double housing capacity, release latent equity of the property, serve arrival city interests, and create value for home owners through rental
stock. This will also house multi-generational families, senior citizens, single parents and other clientele.
167
Opportunities 2 6
Manali Yadav
Fig.3: The desired transition in housing typologies will be acheived by moving away from RS/RT zones to RM or related zoning
Incremental development
By promoting small incremental development, as depicted in the schematic above, various building configurations such as row homes, infill houisng
and courtyard buildings achieve housing densities between 0.75 to 1.6 FSR. These design layouts also include affordable rental units and shared
open spaces that can by interpreted in many different ways. The spaces could be public, semi-private or private. The proposal encourages shared
equity by offering minimal parcel assembly, thereby avoiding speculations about the land value.
168
Schematic 4 provides the design template upon which success-

ful integration of the new arrivals could be effectively achieved
within the existing neighborhood. The development aims to en-
courage inclusionary zoning, which would free up as much as
25% of the housing in any newly redeveloped/rezoned residen-
tial area as rental stock. Such developments should be located
close to public transit as it will be convinent to newly arrived
families. The housing also offers live-work units, day-care cent-
ers, small community centers and assisted living for the sen-
ior citizens. Semi-private communal spaces are provisioned in
order to promote community gardens, and street closures can
encourage cultural and social events. As Guildford is one of the
most diverse regions in Surrey, events such as religious con-
gregations and food festivals will not only bring people closer to
one another, but also help to gradually integrate them into soci-
ety. The proposal caters to arrival city interests and emphasizes
shared equity. Figs. 5, 6 & 7 depict the evolution of a city block
Fig.4: Necessary design strategies such as redesigning rental building character, locating institu- over the course of 5, 10 and 15 years, respectively, based on
tional, recreational and social service agencies in close proximity are imperative for achieving a
cohesive development developments anticipated through implementation of the deisgn
stratgeies as listed in this proposal.
Suzie & Susan, owners

of a single family homes,
decide to consolidate
their plots
t--
tree
hS
50t
--1
--1
04t
hA
ven
ue
--
G
ui
l
M dfo
Fig. 5: 5 Years later al rd
l
169
Opportunities 2 6
Manali Yadav
Suzie & Susan enjoy their

shared equity through rental
earnings from the new court-
yard housing that offers as
much as 25% rental stock.
-
tre et -
50th S
--1
--1
04t
hA
ven
ue
--
G
ui
l
Fig. 6: 10 Years later M dfo
al rd
l
When similar approaches

are taken by the neighbors,
ownership is retained, the
character of the commu-
nity is preserved, and ar-
rival city interests are met.
-
treet -
50 th S
--1
--1
04t
hA
ven
ue
--
G
ui
l
M dfo
Fig. 7: 15 Years later al rd
l
170

c4067ec4-cddb-4816-ba64-2f02b7961a90

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

c4067ec4-cddb-4816-ba64-2f02b7961a90

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

c4067ec4-cddb-4816-ba64-2f02b7961a90

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

The Future Lives Here: Guildford as a 21st Century Transit City

A Visioning by the Class of 2015 UBC Master of Urban Design

Published by the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture

Editing by Korbin DaSilva, Manali Yadav, and Kristen Harrison

Contributions by Nastaran E. Beigi, Manali Yadav, Simone Levy, Amal

Includes bibliographical references

We want to acknowledge the many people who jointly participated in the

3 Policy and Programme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

4 Mall in? Mall out? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

5 Proposed Urban Framework .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

6 Framework Investigations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Overview of 2015 Winter Studio Academic Experience

Building on the efforts of the Winter Studio’s early weeks focusing on

Chapter 1: First Impressions

“Ready Fire Aim!” Absent of in-depth analysis, local insight

Existing Context Opportunities and Challenges

Figure 2: Existing urban facade on 104 Av.

Team Members: Yashas Hedge & Maryam Mahvash

Produced Urban Framework

Figure 5: Neighborhood parks and existing parks could be connected

Figure 6: The demonstra-

Figure 7: The sketch illus-

Figure 8: The park-

LEGEND: OPPORTUNITY OPPORTUNITY

MAJOR STREET CHALLENGE CHALLENGE

Existing Context Opportunities and Challenges

Team Members: Simone Levy & Siyuan Zhao

MODIFIED LOCAL ROAD

EXISTING CIVIC SPACE

NEW OPEN SPACE

EXISTING OPEN SPACE

Produced Urban Framework

Existing Context Opportunities and Challenges

Team Members: Hedieh Rashidi & Lilian Zhang

Produced Urban Framework

Existing Context Opportunities and Challenges

Streetscape of block 4 is dominated by green silhoutte as opposed to built forms.

Team Members: Manali Yadav & Saki Wu

Fig. 4: Proposed green connections

Fig. 5: Proposed bioswales for existing parking lots

Fig. 3: Proposed land use, road and green infrastructure

Existing Context Opportunities and Challenges

Team Member: Chen Fan& Kate Wang

Produced Urban Framework

Team Members: Haneen Abdul Samad & Nastaran E.Beigi

Produced Urban Framework

Fig. 1: The existing context of the site

Team Members: Prachi Doshi & Xinyun Li

Fig. 4: (left top) represents

Produced Urban Framework

Figure1. The selected area

Opportunities and Challenges

Team Members: Avishan Aghazadeh & Amal Wasfi

Produced Urban Framework

Chapter 2: Streetscape music

The organizing spine of Guildford is the 104 Avenue Corridor

Maryam Mahvash Simone Levy

Yashas Hegde Siyuan Zhao

Hedi Rashidi Manali Yadav

Weicen Kate Wang Haneen Abdul Samad