4. THE TEAM
THE TEAM
THE TEAM
KARA
SINGBEIL
Kara Singbeil has future
ambitions of becoming a
professor who focuses on
Landscape Architecture and
Urban Design. Throughout
the project, Kara was respon-
sible for in depth research of
the existing site and sustain-
able technologies; also she
assisted with site design.
Laine Watson plans on doing
his Masters of Landscape Ar-
chitecture and one day open-
ing up his very own design
firm. Laine was responsible
for supporting diagrams, site
plans, assisting with site de-
sign, and report writing.
LAINE
WATSON
5. Nader Alkadri dreams of
one day pursuing his Mas-
ters of Architecture, and
has talked about opening
up an extremely ambitious
and successful firm with
team partner Laine Watson.
Nader took a lead role with
designing the road networks
and building footprints, and
was responsible for the UW
Designerz amazingly realistic
renderings and perspectives.
Maxime Grandmasion also
plans on becoming a land-
scape architect, and played
an active role through site
design and assisting with
composing the design report.
Perhaps the greatest
strength of the UW Design-
erz is the integrated and
organized manner in which
they complete their work.
Weeks before the report was
due, the team was together
every minute of the day
working as one cohesive, and
extremely effective team.
However, it is crucial to note
that the UW Designerz suc-
cess and talent is closely tied
to Karen Hammond, who
serves as their academic ad-
visor. Karen has been read-
ily available to answer any
questions, and has served
as an inspired, creative, and
thoughtful advisor to the
group. Other faculty mem-
bers have also been con-
sulted throughout the design
process, which has proven
useful when gathering infor-
mation from various different
sustainability perspectives.
NADER
ALKADRI
MAXIME
GRANDMAISON
OTHER
CONTRIBUTIONS
7. DESIGN ABSTRACT
Across the world, Glasgow Fields will be studied by urban designers as a source of inspiration
known for its economic, environmental, and social sustainability. In order to maximize the sus-
tainability of the Glasgow Fields, the UW Designerz have taken a completely innovative design
solution that places the main focus on sustainable urban form, promoting alternate modes of
transportation, the creation of a distinct sense of place, intensification, and the creation of a
thriving urban buzz.
In order to achieve sustainability through the Glasgow Fields, various innovative and extremely
effective mitigation measures have been incorporated throughout the built form, landscape de-
sign, energy production, storm water management, waste management, the use of construction
materials, transportation systems, social sustainability, and economic sustainability.
Sustainable built form will result in the creation of walkable streets and neighbourhoods with a
distinct sense of community. Additionally, sustainable landscape design includes utilizing per-
meable surfaces, xeriscaping, planting with native vegetation and the implementation of green
roofs and urban farming throughout the Glasgow Fields. These landscape mitigation measures
will result in local food production and increasing the amount of water returned to the hydrolog-
ic cycle through infiltration. The Glasgow Fields will reduce its environmental footprint by utiliz-
ing technologies such as motion sensor lighting, automatic shading, heat recovery ventilators,
efficient built form, and promoting the adoption of bylaws that restrict energy and water con-
sumption during peak periods. Furthermore, stormwater management will be enforced to re-
duce the amount of stormwater runoff and increase the amount of water infiltrated into ground-
water sources. The Glasgow Fields will also utilize waste management that includes recycling,
and local composting. The construction materials for buildings and structures in the Glasgow
Fields will include recycled materials and locally produced goods. Another major emphasis of
the Glasgow Fields design is sustainable transportation, which includes; public transportation
and a rapid transit stop off of Highway 407, the creation of a grid network throughout the com-
munity, urban design that promotes alternative modes of transportation, car share programs,
and pedestrian orientated street-scape design. Perhaps most importantly, social sustainability
will be fostered in the Glasgow Fields by creating central public spaces with a distinct sense of
place, the establishment of an ecotourism museum that creates interactive educational oppor-
tunities, the Seaton School of Flight and Aviation, various community amenities, and a mixture
of housing types and choices. Economic sustainability will be fostered through a variety of
employment opportunities, and sustainable technology manufacturing. The ecological integrity
of the surrounding area will be respected and improved through rehabilitation measures, the
creation of constructed wetlands, green connections, and the fusion of man and the environ-
ment through the incorporation of natural heritage systems and green spaces throughout the
Glasgow Fields.
The UW Designerz have taken the term, “sustainability” to a different level that not only en-
compasses the environment; but also includes sustainable built form, landscape design, energy
production, stormwater management, waste management, construction materials, sustain-
able transportation, social sustainability, economic sustainability, and ecological integrity. The
Glasgow Fields, a new definition of sustainability.
2
9. SITE CONTEXTThe Seaton lands are Provincial lands located in the city of Pickering, located just east of the
Greater Toronto Area and the Duffin Rouge Agricultural Preserves. The province announced a
plan in 1972 to develop a new community paralleled with the construction of a proposed federal
airport. However, because of fierce public opposition to the proposed airport it wasn’t until 1995
that the province decided to take a second look at the development of the Seaton lands. The
UW Designerz are currently taking part of a design competition for the Seaton lands with five
other talented teams.
Pickering has anticipated that Glasgow Fields will attract approximately 8,000 residents and
10,000 occupations. The UW Designerz have designed Glasgow Fields to accomodate approxi-
mately 10, 000 Office jobs, 1500 Industrial, 3,800 Mixed use units, and 14, 000 residential units.
Glasgow Fields has clearly redefined the term “sustainability” and will infuse the area with life,
vitality, and smart growth.
SITE DESCRIPTION
As seen in Appendix A, the majority of the Seaton lands currently consist of agricultural lands,
of which a significant amount has been designated as natural heritage systems. The residen-
tial units in the area (specifically Brougham), have significant character that adds symbolic and
historical significance to Glasgow Fields. The preservation of this space is crucial to keep agri-
cultural heritage as a significant feature of the site. Existing road networks are quite simple and
minimal throughout Glasgow Fields; these road networks include the Highway 407 toll route,
Brock Road, Sideline 16, and Whitevale Road. The existing road network leaves excellent oppor-
tunities for future development and thus the establishment of a new road network. Also, there
are 4 privately owned parcels of land, which could cause future tension between existing resi-
dents and redevelopment plans.
11. SWOT ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
A- PROXIMITY TO THE GTA AND PICKERING
B- BROCK ROAD EXPANSION PLANS
C- EXISTING SITE/VACANT LANDS
D- HIGHWAY 7/407 CONNECTIONS
A
A- LIMITED SOCIAL ACCESSIBILITY (407 TOLL ROUTE)
B- ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS
C- NOISE POLLUTION AND SAFETY CONCERNS
D- PROPOSED BROCK EXPANSION SERVING AS THOROUGHFARE
E- NO INFRASTRUCTURE PRESENT
F- LIMITED ROADWAYS THROUGH SITE
G- HEAVY PESTICIDE USE
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
A- LIMITED SOCIAL ACCESSIBILITY (407 TOLL ROUTE)
B- ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS
C- NOISE POLLUTION AND SAFETY CONCERNS
D- PROPOSED BROCK EXPANSION SERVING AS THOROUGHFARE
E- NO INFRASTRUCTURE PRESENT
F- LIMITED ROADWAYS THROUGH SITE
G- HEAVY PESTICIDE USE
WEAKNESSES
A
A- CULTURAL HERITAGE OF BROUGHAM
B- ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
C- ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION
D- POST SECONDARY EDUCATION
E- GO TRANSIT
F- INCORPORATION OF ENVIRONMENT
G- LOCALLY GROWN FOOD
B
C
D
E
F
G
A- CULTURAL HERITAGE OF BROUGHAM
B- ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
C- ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION
D- POST SECONDARY EDUCATION
E- GO TRANSIT
F- INCORPORATION OF ENVIRONMENT
G- LOCALLY GROWN FOOD
A
B
C
D
A- PROXIMITY TO THE GTA AND PICKERING
B- BROCK ROAD EXPANSION PLANS
C- EXISTING SITE/ VACANT LANDS
D- HIGHWAY 7/407 CONNECTIONS
A
A- NATURAL HERITAGE SYSTEMS
B- ENVIRONMENTAL DEGREDATION BECAUSE OF FARM LANDS
C- POSSIBLE AIRPORT LOCATION
D- WATER BODIES AND FLOODPLAINS
E- ECOLOGICAL CONNECTIONS
F- NIMBY ATTITUDES
G- INCREASED TRAFFIC
B
C
D
E
F
G
A- NATURAL HERITAGE SYSTEMS
B- ENVIRONMENTAL DEGREDATION DUE TO FARM LAND
C- POSSIBLE AIRPORT LOCATION
D- WATER BODIES AND FLOODPLAINS
E- ECOLOGICAL CONNECTIONS
F- NIMBY ATTITUDES
G- INCREASED TRAFFIC
OPPORTUNITIES THREATS
6
N N
N N
13. SITE RESEARCH
Thorough research was completed in regards to the Seaton lands, which can be found in Ap-
pendix One: Inventory and Analysis. Key findings that were crucial to site design fell under the
categories of Land Use, Built Form, Street Analysis, Open Spaces, Surrounding Context, Natural
Areas, Heritage and Morphology, Higher Level Policy, and Microclimate and Nuisance.
LAND USE
Glasgow Fields has designated land uses of conservation, recreational, and areas of environ-
mental protection. Brougham, which is currently owned by the federal government, is located
directly north of Glasgow Fields. The following diagram clearly depicts the desired future land
uses of Glasgow Fields, which include natural heritage systems, prestige employment, residen-
tial, and medium density.
BUILT FORM
There are few buildings located on site; however, the buildings on site and in the surround-
ing area of Brougham have a very distinct historic character that can be reflected throughout
Glasgow Fields.
STREET ANALYSIS
The existing road networks on site are small and have minimal impacts on the current environ-
ment. However, Highway 407 and Brock Road act as throughways and encourage fast speeds
of cars, thus removing visitors from the site and causing safety and noise issues. Sideline 16 and
Whitevale Road are local collectors and act as secondary roads for movement throughout the
site.
OPEN SPACE
The Open spaces throughout Glasgow Fields consist of mainly agricultural lands, with areas of
natural vegetation. As there are large amounts of vast open spaces, the Seaton lands have ex-
cellent opportunities for development.
SURROUNDING CONTEXT
It was crucial to consider the surrounding context of Glasgow Fields through site design.
The Greater Toronto Area is located west of the site, Pickering is located to the south, and
Brougham is located immediately north.
15. SITE RESEARCH
NATURAL AREAS
The Seaton lands have some of the healthiest watersheds in the Greater Toronto Area, the water
bodies flow south to Lake Ontario and groundwater sediment impact the quality and quantity of
surface water deposits. Due to the close proximity to the Great Lakes, the Pickering lands have
unique marshes, swamps, and boreal bogs. Recently, there has been a significant impact on na-
tive flora and fauna in Pickering because of current development practices. Additionally, the ag-
ricultural use of lands has resulted in the removal of native vegetation with exotic and cultivated
species. The forested areas are primarily coniferous, and most woodlots are found in areas of
agriculture such as in Glasgow Fields. Soil conditions in Glasgow Fields consist of type one and
two soils, which limit the crops that can be grown on site. Overall, the Pickering site has natural
habitats representative of southern Ontario including animal communities, forested lands, river
valleys, and naturalized habitats.
HERITAGE
Settlement of the Pickering lands began in the 1970s, which consisted of barns and farmhouses
reminiscent of nineteenth century settlement patterns. In 2002, an inventory was completed
that identified 91 heritage properties in Pickering.
HIGHER LEVEL POLICY
The UW Designerz have completed an extensive policy research, which can be found in Ap-
pendix one, examining the Ontario Heritage Act, the Planning Act, the Greenbelt Plan, Places to
Grow Act, the Pickering Official Plan, and the Highway 407 Economic Development Plan.
MICROCLIMATE AND NUISANCE
There are a few safety concerns that were identified throughout the site research phase. Most
significantly is the danger on the site because of fast moving vehicles and agricultural equip-
ment. During summer and spring months, farmers utilize fertilizers that leave uncomfortable
smells for surrounding citizens and residents. Additionally, there is some noise pollution from
agricultural equipment and traffic moving throughout the site. Overall, there are very few and
insignificant safety concerns, smells, and noise pollution created throughout Glasgow Fields.
10
17. SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DESIGN
When designing a sustainable community, design has a start, middle and end. The first step is
simply trying to achieve sustainability. Creating a place that is not only environmentally con-
scious with technologies and materials, but also socially and economically sustainable. Examples
of attempting to achieving environmental sustainability include the greening of buildings, educa-
tion, and working with each other to learn and assist businesses with environmental initiatives.
In the middle we start to see our development objectives develop into tangible and realistic suc-
cesses. Sustainability carries different meanings for different people. The purpose of the middle
stage is to balance the objectives for sustainable design (materials, technologies, inclusion). We
see the middle stages as the growth of the community, the expansion of the technologies and
the development of economic growth.
The end is the objective criteria for judging success. A truly successful community would have
no end but in this case we are speaking about the end of the development stages. Our objective
criteria would be finalized and reviewed by a ‘judging panel’ such as a firm or the province.
There are three key dimensions, listed below, that are key to sustainable community develop-
ment that will be considered in Glasgow Fields design.
1. The Social Dimension:
• The development of social and community services and the protection of cultural re-
sources.
• Establishing policies and programs for equality, tolerance, inclusiveness, fairness, acces-
sibility and affordability.
With social sustainability it is important to build the immortal neighbourhood, with natural
growth rather than artificial growth.
2. The Economic Dimension:
• Initiate a framework for acquiring and managing money, goods, resources and services.
• Generating policies and programs to attract investments and promote local entrepre-
neurship.
3. The Physical (built and natural) dimension
• Development Patterns
• The form and design of buildings
• Streets and infrastructure
• The protection and advancement of supporting natural systems
Throughout site design, the UW Designerz have carefully considered the above dimensions nec-
essary for the creation of a sustainable urban village (CMHC, 2003).
12
19. SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DESIGN
When designing a sustainable community, design has a start, middle and end. The first step is
simply trying to achieve sustainability. Creating a place that is not only environmentally con-
scious with technologies and materials, but also socially and economically sustainable. Examples
of attempting to achieving environmental sustainability include the greening of buildings, educa-
tion, and working with each other to learn and assist businesses with environmental initiatives.
In the middle we start to see our development objectives develop into tangible and realistic suc-
cesses. Sustainability carries different meanings for different people. The purpose of the middle
stage is to balance the objectives for sustainable design (materials, technologies, inclusion). We
see the middle stages as the growth of the community, the expansion of the technologies and
the development of economic growth.
The end is the objective criteria for judging success. A truly successful community would have
no end but in this case we are speaking about the end of the development stages. Our objective
criteria would be finalized and reviewed by a ‘judging panel’ such as a firm or the province.
There are three key dimensions, listed below, that are key to sustainable community develop-
ment that will be considered in Glasgow Fields design.
1. The Social Dimension:
• The development of social and community services and the protection of cultural re-
sources.
• Establishing policies and programs for equality, tolerance, inclusiveness, fairness, acces-
sibility and affordability.
With social sustainability it is important to build the immortal neighbourhood, with natural
growth rather than artificial growth.
2. The Economic Dimension:
• Initiate a framework for acquiring and managing money, goods, resources and services.
• Generating policies and programs to attract investments and promote local entrepre-
neurship.
3. The Physical (built and natural) dimension
• Development Patterns
• The form and design of buildings
• Streets and infrastructure
• The protection and advancement of supporting natural systems
Throughout site design, the UW Designerz have carefully considered the above dimensions nec-
essary for the creation of a sustainable urban village (CMHC, 2003).
14
21. VISION STATEMENT AND DESIGN OBJECTIVES
Glasgow Fields will be an economically and environmentally sustainable urban village that cre-
ates a well connected and integrated sense of place, promoting interactivity, walkability, edu-
cation through ecotourism and sustainable technologies, while upholding the integrity of the
surrounding context such as the Hamlet of Brougham.
DESIGN OBJECTIVES
In order to achieve sustainability, various innovative and extremely effective mitigation measures
have been incorporated throughout built form, landscape design, energy production, stormwa-
ter management, waste management, the use of construction materials, transportation systems,
social sustainability, and economic sustainability.
SUSTAINABLE BUILT FORM
KEY DESIGN FEATURES: MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT, MEDIUM DENSITIES, PEDESTRIAN
FRIENDLY STREETSCAPES, CONNECTIVITY, NEW URBANISM, AND SMART GROWTH DESIGN
PRINCIPLES.
It is crucial to note that built form and density have the most significant impact on the level of
environmental sustainability achieved by a community (Grace, 2010). Although there were sev-
eral reports that were released to the city of Pickering that made recommendations pertaining
to densities and form, such as the Highway 407 Economic Development plan, the UW Designerz
decided that in order to create a truly sustainable community it was essential to reach higher
than the recommendations already laid forth. Thus, Glasgow Fields focuses on mixed use de-
velopment, medium densities, limited parking spaces, creating pedestrian friendly streetscapes,
high connectivity between city blocks through a grid network, and avoiding the use of big box
development and single detached suburban housing. Furthermore, new urbanist design prin-
ciples, Allan Jacobs methods of streetscape design, and smart growth principles were utilized
throughout site design (Moore, 2003).
16
23. DESIGN OBJECTIVES
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
KEY DESIGN FEATURES: PERMEABLE SURFACES, XERISCAPING, NATIVE VEGETATION, OR-
GANIC GARDENS, PRESERVATION, PROTECTION, AND REHABILITATION OF WATER COR-
RIDORS, GREEN CORRIDORS, AND NATURAL HERITAGE SYSTEMS, REHABILIATIVE WET-
LANDS, GREEN ROOFS, AND URBAN FARMING.
Throughout Glasgow Fields, the use of permeable surfaces, re-use of top soil, xeriscaping, and
native vegetation will be strongly incorporated throughout landscape design. Additionally, site
design will avoid using turf and lawns that rely heavily on pesticide and herbicide use, which
have drastic ecological impacts on the surrounding environment. The use of perennials, which
consume less energy then annual plants, and organic gardens will be utilized throughout design.
An innovative and crucial component of Glasgow Fields design is the rehabilitation, preserva-
tion, and protection of Natural Heritage systems, green corridors, and water corridors. Addi-
tionally, the health of water bodies on site will be drastically improved through the construction
of rehabilitative wetlands. When installing shallow utilities, cables will be buried in clusters to
reduce land disturbances. Throughout Glasgow Fields, green roofs will be constructed with an
emphasis on proper construction that reduces the heat island effect, breaks down pollutants,
improves insulation, and provides a more stable microclimate indoors. Additionally, Glasgow
Fields has avoided the implementation of water intensive plants to reduce the amount of irriga-
tion needed for successful growth. Scatter planting will be avoided, which greatly increases the
amount of erosion and promotes the creation of a common root system that protects plant spe-
cies from the sun and wind (Casello, 2010; Mendler, 2006).
Perhaps one of the most important design features of Glasgow Fields is the strong presence of
urban farming within the community. By consuming food grown on site, Glasgow Fields dras-
tically reduces the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere, and creates a
distinct sense of community through the innovative design of these community farms. The stra-
tegic location and design of urban farms throughout the community will encourage all residents
and visitors to utilize these gardens by promoting social interactions and sustainability.
18
25. DESIGN OBJECTIVES
ENERGY PRODUCTION
KEY DESIGN FEATURES: MOTION SENSOR STREET LIGHTING, AUTOMATIC SHADING, HEAT
RECOVERY VENTILATORS, OPTIMIZATION OF DAYLIGHTING OPPORTUNITIES, BYLAWS RE-
STRICTING WATER AND ENERGY CONSUMPTION, EFFICIENT BUILT FORM, AND LANDSCAP-
ING.
Sustainable energy production will be incorporated across Glasgow Fields through the use of
sustainable technologies, local bylaws, vegetation, and the construction of buildings.
The sustainable technologies utilized throughout site design include motion sensor street light-
ing, automatic shading materials that reflect sunlight, and photovoltaic cells that are responsible
for water heating. Additionally, the majority of buildings on site will be utilizing heat-recovery
ventilators, which utilizes storing the temperature of air as it exits buildings to perform heating
and cooling operations. Glasgow Fields will also incorporate systems that optimize day lighting
opportunities such as shading for windows, skylights, and walls (Mendler, 2006).
Although we have incorporated some energy producing technologies throughout Glasgow
Fields, we have also incorporated various other means of reducing energy consumption. For
example, it is strongly recommended that bylaws are enforced to restrict energy and water
consumption during peak times. Also, one of the most effective solutions to reducing energy
consumption is through effective built form where the long facades of buildings are facing north
and south, and the shorter sides of buildings are facing east and west. However, buildings along
Old Brock Road couldn’t be orientated this way because of our groups desire to utilize exist-
ing transportation infrastructure. In this circumstance we have designed the homes to step
back, increasing the amount of surface area facing the north and south. Additionally, strategic
landscape design will be utilized in order to mitigate inefficient building orientations where this
situation could not be avoided. It should also be noted that all parcels within the community will
place emphasis on the utilization of deciduous trees along the south side of buildings, providing
shade in summer and passive heating in the winter.
STORM WATER MANAGEMENT
KEY DESIGN FEATURES: GREY WATER COLLECTION AND RE-USE, POROUS MATERIALS,
BIOSWALES, AND SILT FENCING.
Sustainable storm water managements practices are crucial to improving the hydrologic cycle,
which has significant impacts on all forms of life. Stormwater best management practices that
will be incorporated throughout Glasgow Fields will include grey water collection and re-use,
the use of porous materials on roadways and parking that increase the amount of water infiltrat-
ing ground water tables, the use of bioswales, silt fences that filter water before it enters the
storm sewer, and the incorporation of efficient water appliances throughout buildings on site.
Essentially, the combination of these measures will result in an increased amount of cleaner and
healthier water reaching groundwater supplies, and a decreased amount of stormwater runoff
that carries pollutants and heavy metals (MOE, 2003).
20
27. DESIGN OBJECTIVES
WASTE MANAGEMENT
KEY DESIGN FEATURES: LOCAL COMPOSTING AND RECYCLYING.
Glasgow Fields will establish sustainable waste management through the provision of local com-
posting, and recycling programs that are convenient and easily accessible (Haight, 2010).
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
KEY DESIGN FEATURES: LOCALLY PRODUCED CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS, RECYCLED MA-
TERIALS, INSULATION, AND SUN CONTROL GLAZING.
The incorporation of sustainable building construction will also be implemented throughout
Glasgow Fields, which will drastically reduce the environmental footprint of the area. All build-
ings and structures will be created with locally produced materials, and recycled materials
where possible. It is crucial to note that the heavy focus on building insulation has also been
utilized, which substantially improves environmental and economical efficiency. Glasgow Fields
also includes the use of sun control glazing for south facing surfaces, and steel roofing that has
a very high recycled materials composition (California Department of Resources Recycling and
Recovery, 1996).
SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION
KEY DESIGN FEATURES: PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, TRANSIT STATION, GRID SYSTEM, AL-
TERNATIVE MODES OF TRANSPORTATION, CAR SHARE PROGRAMS, PEDESTRIAN ORIEN-
TATED STREETSCAPE DESIGN, AND POROUS PAVING MATERIALS.
One of the most important design components of Glasgow Fields is the Transit station located
on the south side of highway 407, which will provide quick and efficient connectivity to sur-
rounding cities and areas. Public transportation will also be provided throughout the site, which
will allow for future connections to Pickering and surrounding municipalities. Also, the utilization
of a grid system throughout Glasgow Fields forms a more efficient layout than the cul-de-sac
focus of suburban sprawl. Glasgow Fields has provided many means for alternative modes of
transportation through the strong focus on bicycle lanes, the promotion of car share programs,
sidewalks, and streetscape design. Glasgow Fields will achieve a more focused balance on the
relationship between pedestrians and automobiles. Additionally, the sidewalk, road, and path
components will utilize porous materials that allow water to infiltrate into the groundwater table
(Lewis, 2010).
22
29. DESIGN OBJECTIVES
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
KEY DESIGN FEATURES: CENTRAL COURTYARDS, PUBLIC SPACES, NATURAL AREAS, SO-
CIAL INTERACTIONS, ECOTOURISM MUSEUM, SEATON SCHOOL OF FLIGHT AND AVIATION,
A MIXTURE OF HOUSING CHOICES AND TYPES, AND COMMUNITY AMMENITIES.
An extremely important component of creating a sustainable urban village is, creating and fos-
tering social sustainability, which is crucial to the success of a community. Social sustainability
has been a primary focus throughout Glasgow Fields site design throughout every decision. The
buildings have been orientated to provide central courtyards that will connect residents with
their neighbours and visitors to the site. Public spaces and natural areas have been provided
throughout the area that have been designed with place making principles that create a place
(place is used within this sentence too close, but not sure what is trying to be said) attachment
with visitors and users of the space, which creates a crucial link between the community and
residents. Also, these public spaces and natural areas provide an exemplary location for social
interaction between residents and visitors who may not work or live in close proximity.
The UW Designerz have done extensive research into current socio-economic demographic
trends in order to ensure the sustainability of Glasgow Fields. For instance, strong attention
was paid to Richard Florida, an academic who argues that there has been a socio-economic
shift that is known as the “rise of the creative class”. Essentially, the creative class is known for
a drastically increased spending power, higher educational goals, higher levels of independence,
and the utilization of creativity in all aspects of personal and career life. Florida further argues
this class has started to create a social and economic evolution that will only be increased as the
baby boomer generation continues to retire from the workforce. Thus, the UW Designerz have
done extensive research into the creative class, and have strived to attract this demographic
cohort to Glasgow Fields through city design, employment opportunities, and community ame-
nities.
The provision of an ecotourism museum off highway 407 will be an excellent way to bring visi-
tors into the community to showcase its sustainability. Essentially, the museum will showcase
environmentally sustainable technologies in a very interactive manner, while also providing edu-
cational experimental farming that visitors can explore through. The Ecotourism museum serves
as an outstanding gateway feature into Glasgow Fields, and will attract visitors from across the
world to experience one of Canada’s most innovative and sustainable communities.
The Seaton School of Flight and Aviation has also been located on the new Brock Road, in a
very centralized location of medium density, mixed use development. The school will attract
leaders in the industry to teach extremely talented and dedicated students, which will also pro-
vide a strong attraction to Glasgow Fields. Also, the extremely innovative design of the campus
building and surrounding landscape will serve as a landmark coming off of Highway 407 into the
community, and will attract vast numbers of visitors to the area.
A mixture of housing choices and types have been provided throughout Glasgow Fields, which
will attract a variety of citizens from different socio-economic groups. Also, the provision of
live-work units will attract a variety of residents to the area. Amenities have been provided
throughout Glasgow Fields such as libraries, community centres, and other recreational and in-
stitutional uses. A key design feature of Glasgow Fields that will also attract younger families to
the area is the provision of a medical center, serving the residents and visitors to the area. Thus,
Glasgow Fields will achieve social sustainability through a wide variety of housing choices, the
provision of live-work units, and the provision of community amenities.
24
31. DESIGN OBJECTIVES
ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY
KEY DESIGN FEATURES: VARIETY OF EMPLOYMENT, PLACE MAKING TECHNIQUES, IM-
PROVED INTERIOR ENVIRONMENTS, AND SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING.
Glasgow Fields will also achieve economic sustainability through a variety of implementation
measures that will ensure the communities future fiscal success. A variety of employment op-
tions have been incorporated throughout Glasgow Fields including prestige employment near
Highway 407 that includes light manufacturing, some warehouse storage, and office uses,
commercial designations within mixed use areas and live-work units, and strategically located
employment near areas of residential. These employment areas have also been designed with
place making principles, in order to create a sense of community that is often missing in life-
less concrete jungle developments that most Canadians spend their career lives in. Addition-
ally, green roofs and urban farming have been located in areas of employment to provide areas
for tranquility and relaxation throughout the work day. Areas of employment have also utilized
methods necessary for creating an improved interior environment that further improves em-
ployee retention and satisfaction. Due to the environmental sustainable focus of the community,
it is recommended that Glasgow Fields attempts to attract manufactures of sustainable tech-
nologies that utilize the community to showcase their products. With the sustainability of our
site it is important to green the businesses that move into the area. It will be established that to
operate in this community businesses will have to undertake the process of greening. Further-
more, these businesses will be grouped together to educate and learn from each other. This way
an environmental initiatives program can be established to achieve progressive social and envi-
ronmental growth. It may even be worthwhile to consider Ecological Taxation. By implementing
a new tax to promote “green” living, it could attract spirited citizens with a desire for change
(CMHC, 2003).
ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY
KEY DESIGN FEATURES: REHABILITATION, SIDELINE 16 PARK, GREEN CONNECTIONS, CON-
STRUCTED WETLANDS, AND THE FUSION OF MAN AND THE ENVIRONMENT.
Glasgow Fields will be completely respectful of the surrounding environment and delicate eco-
logical processes that were established before development. Throughout site design, Natural
Heritage areas and Environmentally Sensitive areas have not only been respected, but drasti-
cally improved through rehabilitation measures. Sideline 16 has been removed, and replaced
with Sideline 16 linear park, which has drawn inspiration from the Highline park in New York City.
Streams running through Glasgow Fields will be rehabilitated through the construction of wet-
lands, which will also serve as distinct public spaces that will attract many visitors. The parks
and green connections designed to connect areas of Natural Heritage will infuse Glasgow Fields
with ecological diversity and life, and will foster a stronger connection between residents, visi-
tors, and the environment. Ronald Hester is an academic who strongly argues that the integra-
tion of environment within the urban landscape can have wide social benefits such as improved
quality of life, stewardship between residents and the environment, and overall improved happi-
ness of all users of the space (Hester, 2006).
26
35. ROAD NETWORKS
The above diagrams depict the changes that have been proposed for the roadways running
throughout Glasgow Fields. Only two existing roads have been removed from Glasgow Fields.
Additionally, the UW Designerz have created a very original grid network throughout the com-
munity that has drastically increased permeability and connectivity within the site, which will also
foster a distinct sense of community and social life through built form.
Throughout Glasgow Fields we have designed four different roadways: arterials, collectors, local
raods, and laneways. The arterial running throughout our site is Highway 407, which is a toll route
primarily used for the heavy movement of goods and people. Collector roads include new Brock
and old Brock road, which also mainly serve as a method of movement throughout the site to sur-
rounding cities. However, we have designed these roads to slow down traffic throughout Seaton,
and create a kinaesthetic experience that fosters a sense of place for those driving in vehicles. Our
local roadways serve as connections to areas of employment from Highway 407, and our laneways
serve as connections inside Glasgow Fields.
LEGEND
ARTERIALS
COLLECTORS
LOCAL ROADS
LANEWAYS
LEGEND
ARTERIALS
COLLECTORS
LOCAL ROADS
LANEWAYS
30
N
37. ROAD SECTIONS
4.0 m 4.0 m 2.0 m 15.2 m 4.0 m
5.0 m
NEW BROCK ROAD
4.0 m 3.4 m
5.0 m
3.4 m 3.4 m2.0 m
OLD BROCK ROAD
2.5 m 3.4 m
5.0 m
3.4 m 3.4 m 2.5 m2.5 m
LANEWAYS
32
39. CIRCULATION
CIRCULATION DIAGRAM
The following circulation diagram depicts the various means of circulation throughout the
site; features that stand out are the provision of bicycle lanes on all roads throughout the site,
the transit stop located south of Highway 407, and the 400 and 800 meter pedestrian sheds.
Again, it is crucial to emphasize the importance that was placed on the pedestrian experience as
visitors move throughout Glasgow Fields.
34
N
41. OPEN SPACES
The Open Space diagram on the following page clearly depicts a very unique design feature the
UW Designerz have incorporated throughout design, the strong connection between natural heri-
tage systems and parks throughout Glasgow Fields. These parks serve as a connection between
the areas of Natural Heritage Systems, which provides connectivity between these systems and
infuses Glasgow Fields with the natural environment.
LEGEND
NATURAL HERITAGE SYSTEMS
GREEN SPACES
HARD SURFACES
CENTRAL COURTYARDS
LEGEND
NATURAL HERITAGE SYSTEMS
GREEN SPACES
HARD SURFACES
CENTRAL COURTYARDS
36
N
43. LAND USE
The following diagram depicts the proposed land uses throughout Glasgow Fields, which include
residential, mixed use, institutional, commercial, and prestige employment. These land uses were
strategically located throughout the site to create a mixture of land uses necessary for smart
growth and sustainable development.
LEGEND
RESIDENTIAL
MIXED USE
PRESTIGE EMPLOYMENT
LIVE/WORK
INSTITUTIONAL
LEGEND
RESIDENTIAL
MIXED USE
PRESTIGE EMPLOYMENT
LIVE/WORK
INSTITUTIONAL
38
N
47. SITE PLAN
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
LEGEND
A- FORESTED AREAS
B- ECOTOURISM MUSEUM AND
INTERACTIVE EXPERIMENTAL FARMS
C- TRANSIT STOP
D- SEATON SCHOOL FOR FLIGHT AND AVIATION
E- MEDICAL FACILITY AND RESEARCH CENTRE
F- BOARDWALKS
G- REHABILITATED WETLANDS
H- LIBRARY AND COMMUNITY CENTRE
I- URBAN FARMING AND COMMUNITY GARDENS
42
N
49. PERSPECTIVES
Boardwalk surrounding Seaton’s wetland, a place for both education and recreation.
View down New Brock Road, an accurate representation of how narrow streets, and
mixed uses can engage the community and it’s surroundings in a vibrant yet sustain-
able environment.
44
A- BOARDWALK SURROUNDING WETLAND
B- VIEW ALONG NEW BROCK ROAD
51. PERSPECTIVES
Boardwalk surrounding Seaton’s wetland, a place for both education and recreation.
View down New Brock Road, an accurate representation of how narrow streets, and
mixed uses can engage the community and it’s surroundings in a vibrant yet sustain-
able environment.
Preservation of existing stream and farm networks bring education, and recreation to
Seaton’s community.
Pedestrian path towards Seaton’s school of Aviation. Soon to become onE of the
GTA’s most prominent Landmarks. 46
C- ECO TOURISM MUSEUM AND EXPERIMENTAL FARMING
D- SEATON SCHOOL FOR AVIATION AND FLIGHT
53. PERSPECTIVES
A typical day at Seaton’s premier transit node. Connections to the city, region, and
the rest of the globe with the possible development of Seaton’s international airport.
48
E- TRANSIT STATION
57. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Initials. (2003). Practices for sus- tainable com
munities. Ottawa, ON: The Government of Canada.
California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, C. (1998, January 1). Construc
tion and Demolition Case Study. Part 3: CANMET Advanced Houses Program. Retrieved
September 23, 2010, from CalRecycle: www.calrecycle.ca.gov
Casello, J. (2010, September 23). Sustainability Discussion. (M. Grandmaison, Interviewer)
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
Grace, M. 2010. Putting it into Practice for Maximum Benefit. BREEAM.
Hester, R. 2006. Design for Ecological Democracy. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
Ministry of the Environment. (March 2003). Stormwater Management Planning and Design
Manual. Government of Ontario.
Haight, M. (2010, September 21). Sustainability Discussion. (M. Grandmaison, Interviewer)
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
Kurzak, B. (2010, September 21). Sustainability Discussion. (L. Watson, Interviewer)
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
Lewis, J. J. (2010, September 21). Sustainability Discussion. (M. Grandmaison, Interviewer)
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
Moore, E. J. (2003, April 17). Kitchener/Waterloo Green Home. pp. 1-9.
Mendler, Sandra et. al. (2006). The HOK Guidebook to Sustainable Design (Second ed.). Ne
Jersey, United States of America: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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