Fusing residential, commercial, retail, and service properties creates an engaging environment with things to do day and night. Walkable neighborhoods bring people together, create life on the streets, and make good neighborhoods, not just good buildings.
Transit oriented developments (TODs) are emerging as vibrant urban neighborhoods, with strong gateways that ensure connectivity within and through the surrounding areas while ensuring streets, parks, and open space are "placemakers." In Vaughan, Ontario, Canada, the expansion of the VivaNext bus network and addition of a new subway station created an opportunity to transform this area into a dynamic urban hub.
Among the many design principles of high-quality design to create spaces with distinct character, is the directive to use unique, characteristic and high-quality materials that will harmonize with the architectural design and reduce long-term maintenance and life-cycle costs. The high-quality materials used for streetscapes, parks, and open spaces set the precedence for the quality of built forms within the community.
Unilock® Promenade™ Plank Paver was chosen for its shape, lending to trendsetting patterning, while the Series™ finish was chosen for its outstanding surface durability. Unlike standard thru-mix pavers, the Series finish will only look more beautiful as it wears, exposing more of the product’s natural granite and quartz aggregates.
Although the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre is in the early stages of its planned 30 city blocks, the first building features an elongated public park that will stretch across the heart of the area. Its stunning paving pattern has set the stage for future phases, and will serve to visually knit together the new downtown.
For more information, visit unilock.com.
Related Stories
Multifamily Housing | Mar 10, 2015
KTGY homes in on seniors with new studio
Its director, Doug Ahlstrom, says designs will emphasize socialization and community.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 10, 2015
Multifamily renovation now drives growth for national restoration business
Response Team 1 has established a national footprint through acquisitions.
Retail Centers | Mar 10, 2015
Retrofit projects give dying malls new purpose
Approximately one-third of the country’s 1,200 enclosed malls are dead or dying. The good news is that a sizable portion of that building stock is being repurposed.
Architects | Mar 9, 2015
Study explores why high ceilings are popular
High ceilings give us a sense of freedom, new research finds
Transit Facilities | Mar 4, 2015
5+design looks to mountains for Chinese transport hub design
The complex, Diamond Hill, will feature sloping rooflines and a mountain-like silhouette inspired by traditional Chinese landscape paintings.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 3, 2015
10 kitchen and bath design trends for 2015
From kitchens made for pet lovers to floating vanities, the nation's top kitchen and bath designers identify what's hot for 2015.
Sponsored | Modular Building | Mar 3, 2015
Modular construction brings affordable housing to many New Yorkers
After city officials waived certain zoning and density regulations, modular microunits smaller than 400 square feet are springing up in New York.
Modular Building | Feb 23, 2015
Edge construction: The future of modular
Can innovative project delivery methods, namely modular construction, bring down costs and offer a solution for housing in urban markets? FXFOWLE’s David Wallance discusses the possibilities for modular.
Multifamily Housing | Feb 23, 2015
Millennials to outgrow Baby Boomers in 2015
The Baby Boomer generation, once the nation's largest living generation, will be outpaced by the Millennials this year, according to the Pew Research Center.
Multifamily Housing | Feb 19, 2015
Is multifamily construction getting too frothy for demand?
Contractors are pushing full speed ahead, but CoStar Group thinks a slowdown might be in order this year.