Vancouverism - Softcover

Beasley, Larry

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0774890312 ISBN 13: 9780774890311

Publisher: UBC Press, 2020

Synopsis

Until the 1980s, Vancouver was a typical midsized North American city. But after the city hosted Expo 86, something extraordinary happened. This otherwise unremarkable urban centre was transformed into an inspiring worldclass city celebrated for its liveability, sustainability, and competitiveness. This book tells the story of the urban planning phenomenon called "Vancouverism" and the philosophy and practice behind it. Writing from an insider's perspective, Larry Beasley, a former chief planner of Vancouver, traces the principles that inspired Vancouverism and the policy framework developed to implement it. A prologue, written by Frances Bula, outlines the political and urban history of Vancouver up until the 1980s. The text is also beautifully illustrated by the author with two hundred color photographs depicting not only the city's vibrancy but also the principles of Vancouverism in action.

About this title

About the Author

Larry Beasley is the Distinguished Practice Professor of Planning at the University of British Columbia and the founding principal of Beasley and Associates, an international planning and urban design consultancy. He sits on the boards of TransLink, British Columbia's integrated transportation agency; the National Capital Commission in Ottawa; and the Canadian Urban Institute.

Review

Until the 1980s, Vancouver was a typical mid-sized North American city. But between Expo 86 and the Olympic Games in 2010, something extraordinary happened. This otherwise unremarkable Canadian city underwent a radical transformation that saw it emerge as an inspiring world-class metropolis celebrated for its livability, sustainability, and competitiveness. City-watchers everywhere took notice and wanted to learn more about this new model of urban growth, and the term “Vancouverism” was born.

This book tells the story of Vancouverism and the urban planning philosophy and practice behind it. The author, Larry Beasley, is a former chief planner of the City of Vancouver and a leader at the heart of the action. Writing from an insider’s perspective, he traces the principles that inspired Vancouverism and the policy framework developed to implement it. The prologue, written by Vancouver journalist Frances Bula, outlines the political and urban history of Vancouver up until the 1980s as background. The text is also beautifully illustrated by the author with more than 200 colour photographs depicting not only the city’s vibrancy but also the principles of Vancouverism in action.

Cities everywhere are asking the same question. Shall we shape change or will change shape us? This book shows how one city discovered positive answers, and it offers the principles, tools, and inspiration for others to follow. While the emphasis is on the accomplishments of Vancouverism, Beasley also discusses the problems now facing the city (especially affordability) and offers suggestions for refining and enhancing the Vancouver model, as well as thoughts on the applicability of Vancouverism to cities and suburbs worldwide.

About this edition

• Publisher: UBC Press
• Publication date: 2020
• ISBN 10: 0774890312
• ISBN 13: 9780774890311
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 424