A study of built form and public life in Downtown Vancouver's Central šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl'e7énk Plaza

This project examines the design flexibility, functionality and use of the šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl'e7énk Plaza as a central gathering space for multi-uses including large events, formal and informal programming, as well as smaller, more intimate social interactions. It seeks to determine whether šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl'e7énk Plaza needs design and functional improvements to perform successfully as a central plaza for Vancouver and to identify key priorities to enhance public life in the plaza. Data utilized for this study included City of Vancouver documents outlining the key decisions that were made to redesign the space in 2017, along with an observational checklist of the site's design features and user interactions with the site's design features. This study determined that while šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl'e7énk Plaza can function as a gathering space for multi-use activities, essential design enhancements will increase its performance and affirm its role as a successful central plaza.