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 | Jul 14, 2016
Portland, Ore., City Council approves construction excise tax for affordable housing
Expected to raise $8 million annually on commercial and residential projects.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 7, 2016
Courtyards make Brooklyn’s Bushwick II residential development its own miniature city
Bushwick II will feature light-filled plaza spaces, a roof for urban living, and more than 800 apartment units.
Market Data | Jul 7, 2016
Airbnb alleged to worsen housing crunch in New York City
Allegedly removing thousands of housing units from market, driving up rents.
Market Data | Jul 6, 2016
A thriving economy and influx of businesses spur construction in downtown Seattle
Development investment is twice what it was five years ago.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 5, 2016
Apartments continue to shrink, rents continue to rise
Latest survey by RENTCafé tracks size changes in 95 metros.
High-rise Construction | Jun 29, 2016
Best Tall Buildings around the world favor unusual shapes and hybrid functions
The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat selects winners in four regions.
Multifamily Housing | Jun 22, 2016
Can multifamily construction keep up with projected demand?
The Joint Center for Housing Studies’ latest disection of America’s housing market finds moderate- and low-priced rentals in short supply.
Urban Planning | Jun 15, 2016
Swedish ‘Timber Town’ proposal from C.F. Møller provides a unique blend of nature and city
The development acts as a transition area between a traditional urban landscape and parklands.
Multifamily Housing | Jun 14, 2016
San Francisco voters approve tougher affordability requirement on new housing development
Critics charge that the measure may backfire and actually reduce new affordable units.
Building Team Awards | Jun 1, 2016
Multifamily tower and office building revitalize Philadelphia cathedral
The Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral capitalizes on hot property to help fund much needed upgrades and programs.