Case Studies 

Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

*Nominee 

Alley Oop

Vancouver

BC

Canada

Contributed by 
Tara Gloster, Former Placemaking Lead at the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association
Project for Public Spaces
 on 
February 12, 2019
May 1, 2024

What makes it Great?

Why it doesn't work?

Alley Oop transformed an existing, underutilized laneway and reshaped it into an engaging public space that is accessible to everyone and contributes to the liveliness of the city.

The theme of the space is play. People come here to relax, take a break, and play a game of basketball or hopscotch. Sometimes people even engage with strangers through these play elements. This laneway is located in the business district so you will often see people in suits socializing and playing games.

The space is very eye catching due to the bright colors and at night the suspended, illuminated orb attracts people to the space. Seating and tables are in the space to provide comfort as well as garbage receptacles and a dedicated clean team who ensures the space is always kept clean and tidy. The local businesses have taken ownership over the space always providing eyes on the street.

Reimagining and reconfiguring this laneway as a vibrant space injects a new type of fine-grain activity into the urban commons. Over time, this could develop into a robust network of interconnected lanes, each with its own sense of place and continually-evolving identity, increasing the public pedestrian area of the city by as much as 30%.

Access & Linkages

Comfort & Image

Uses & Activities

Sociability

How Light?

How Quick?

How Cheap?

History & Background

Related Links & Sources

Images courtesy of Kim Bellavance

https://www.downtownvancouver.net/programs/activities-of-the-dvbia/placemaking/laneways

Alley Oop
Alley Oop
Alley Oop
Alley Oop
Alley Oop
Alley Oop
Alley Oop
Alley Oop

*Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

NOMINATE A PLACE

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