Today I entered a speech competition at Ryerson University called Three Minute Thesis or 3MT. I was challenged to present my Masters Research Project (MRP) in 180-seconds, showing only one static slide, and without any notes or cue cards of any kind. Although I did not win, I received great feedback and I was happy to embrace the opportunity distil the key messages of my research, and try to communicate my work to an audience with no urban planning background. Here is what I can up with, as performed live today:
This presentation provides an introduction to a new community park that is generally referred to as Hinge Park, although has not been formally named by the Vancouver Parks Board. This park is located next to the 2010 Olympic Athletes Village, or what is now known as the Southeast False Creek Neighbourhood. Overall this park is a wonderful example of a master planned site that provides unique elements for play and relaxation.
The presentation includes a unique site tour created using Google Earth Pro, and it describes the park design elements and how they support the broader design goals of the community. There is also discussion of the artificial habitat island (or beer island as it is often called), the planning policies of the city that are supported by this project. The presentation also describes the Seven Cs, an evidence-based framework for evaluating the quality of natural outdoor play spaces for children. Several lessons for the City of Toronto are also suggested.
This presentation was delivered in an urban park planning class in the Master of Urban Planning program at Ryerson University in Toronto.
The following slide summarizes my own personal evaluation of this space:
Below are my first three design projects from my Masters of Planning in Urban Development at Ryerson University. Each project required specific elements - some of which I did not agree were worth including. These are far from perfect, and I was always impressed by seeing my classmates work. Also big thanks to Kelly for being my partner on Site One. I am sharing these in the spirit of sharing and learning from one another. Please provide any comments you think of at the bottom, thanks!
Site One: Gould Street on Ryerson campus adjacent to the future Student Learning Centre
Site Two: HtO Park on the Toronto Waterfront, along Lakeshore Boulevard
Site Three: Bloor Street between Avenue Road and Yonge Street
This area recently underwent a $10 million dollar 'Transformation'. The two boards below were intended to be viewed sequentially.
