Research Proposal

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North Kamloops community revitalization, urban infill and Brownfield redevelopment project

“The Tranquille Shelter”

Research Proposal

Darren Fransen

ARET 2220

Summary statement of proposed project:

This research proposal is intended to address the idea of urban infill, Brownfield redevelopment, and community revitalization in the north Kamloops community. The project is located at 742 Tranquille Road and will require first and secondhand research to produce a feasible mixed-use building, which is capable of making a lasting and positive community impression.

Purpose:

The purpose of this project and associated research is to apply the idea of  “Urban Infill” to a abandoned service station, also know as a “Brownfield property”. According to Rob Gregory (2008) “ Urban infill is simply building within the city instead of expanding out to minimize travel and infrastructure expansion while encouraging a more efficient quality of life”(Gregory, 2008, p. 8). The Idea of urban infill is to centralize people, necessities and amenities, which will in turn reduce the amount of vehicle traffic and promote an environmentally conscious life style. One of the main benefits of developing in this way is that it takes an uninviting or abandoned property such as a Brownfield site, and restores it to an inviting and productive place. British Columbia Brownfield Development have defined Brownfield’s as “abandoned, vacant, derelict or underutilized commercial or industrial properties where past actions have resulted in actual or perceived contamination and where there is an active potential for redevelopment” (B.C. Brownfield Development, 2013). By developing these damaged urban sites community can begin to rejuvenate and reinvent public perception, which will in turn attract business, entertainment and additional government funding.

The research will benefit a wide range of people and organizations including the student, university and people in the community. The researched information will be directly applied to the infill project, giving the student the knowledge and understanding of what is required to successfully create a functional and vibrant community building. The student will be acquainted with an in depth look at urban infill, Brownfield redevelopment and, community redevelopment. Not only does the student benefit from this research but the school and community do as well. The school benefits from this research because it shows that Thompson Rivers University is interested in moving local communities forward, while show casing the type of creativity and talent the school is producing. The community benefits from the research because it uncovers how urban infill can positively affect their community. The proposed building will complement the already changing landscape, which includes the library square development that has already brought a sense of vibrancy and pride back to the community with business opportunities, hotels and restaurants. The research will also reveal what the north shore wants, needs and enjoys about their part of town.

Goals and objectives of the project:

The Goal of this project is to create a feasible building design that benefits and supports the community, while reclaiming a Brownfield building lot. One of the main objectives of this research is to help create a positive space, while at the same time eliminating an eyesore in the community. The positive space will provide the community with more social settings, such as community gardens and recreational areas. All of this and more, will help revitalize the Kamloops north shore community by bringing reputable business, fresh culture and affordable housing to a once lively area in Kamloops. Another main objective, is to make the surrounding streets more welcoming, while providing a more compact and environmentally conscious lifestyle.

Methodology and analytical approach:

The information used in this project will be first and second hand research that will be directly applied to the proposed building lot and building. The first hand research will be gathered using casual survey distributed to local residents and business throughout the north Kamloops community. The survey will address what the participants think the positive and negative qualities of the north shore are, as well as what the community needs. These surveys will be distributed through different medias such as the local newspaper, project blog and social media. The second hand information will be derived from government agencies, published books and industry professionals specializing in development and reclamation process of Brownfields.

Previous Studies:

Preliminary research shows that urban infill, community revitalization and Brownfield redevelopment have already been researched and reported on in a broad scale, which makes for a good starting reference. The Official Community Plan (OCP) and North shore development guidelines are two main existing studies that will be utilized. The majority of the research will be based on previous case studies and their success rates, along with the thoughts and ideas of industry professionals.

Plans for dissemination:

The research and work will be displayed for all to see on a public blog that will be open to share information, ideas and public opinion. The blog will act as the main communication method for the project as industry professionals and participants will be able to interact with community members. This will be possible by attaching the blog spot link to every survey and relevant project email requesting information or support.

Budget:

The budget for this research project is primarily based on making contacts and collecting information to apply to the proposed building. The information will be collected from attending seminars, public surveys and meeting with industry professionals. The budget takes into account travel, events and business materials. I plan on attending a land remediation conference on March 7^th and 8^th, as well as the Vancouver Buildex show on Feb 13^th and 14^th. Both of these events are being held at the Vancouver convention center and will allow me to gain innovative project knowledge and make valuable industry contacts. The projected costs for the research will be approximately $1000, this covers entrance admissions to the seminars and trade shows as well as travel expenses and accommodations. The research will also require in town travel expenses and office supplies.

Career Goals:

This project along with the and applied research is going to provide for me a good understanding of what it takes to work within site parameters and restrictions to achieve an enthusiastic goal. This project applies directly to my long-term career goals of becoming a registered architect. My past construction history as a certified carpenter will allow me to apply my construction knowledge towards a design that is feasible and functional that I can use in my design portfolio.