E7 : Greenifying Downtown Hamilton

The goal of this project is to create a solution that can increase foot traffic in the Downtown Hamilton BIA using a small-scale placemaking initiative to promote small businesses in the area. A crucial component of this project is to come up with an answer to this problem that takes into account many socio-cultural and environmental factors. This leads to a design that is sustainable, and one everyone and anyone is able to benefit from.

Community members were also interviewed for important feedback on the progress of the project and to answer various questions posed by the team on the specifics of the BIA. This gave the team an excellent understanding of some shortcomings that existed and improvements that could be made.

The team then created three prototypes with their various benefits and drawbacks. This was narrowed down to the final solution through an analysis of each prototype’s viability.

The final proposed solution is a transformation of a small unused plot of land close to Jackson Street East and Hughson Street South. New plants will be planted, including grass and trees. A bench will be added as a resting area for pedestrians. A wall will also be added around the area as a canvas for street art and murals by local artists.

Team E7 performed thorough research, analysis, and talks with community members, to ensure the final solution would be successful and foot traffic would increase in the area.

• A small area that contains a bench, trees, and a mural from local artists. Can serve as a resting spot. May also have a glass roof to provide shelter.

• Beautification of an alleyway with: lights on left side wall; repainting and mural on left wall; a bench; a small, raised garden; a garbage bin (and possibly recycling and compost); and possible paving of the alley way. Inviting artists to use alleyway, such as the street name and business names in the area.

• A huge mural on one side for local artists to demonstrate their talents as well as flowerpots and trees to improve the aesthetics of the neighborhood

Our final solution is an enhancement of a small unused area near Jackson Street E, and Hughson St S. Our solution involves planting new plants in the space that includes trees, and grass. It will also have a bench for pedestrians to use and rest. The railings would be removed to install a sort of wall that can be used as a space for murals and art by local artists. This solution provides a green space and by also providing a bench and street art, it promotes more pedestrian activity around the area. This idea is viable due to its small-scale, its accessibility, and how it does not work against anyone's interests. Furthermore, it is scalable, and can be reproduced in many areas of the same size. Our team has carefully researched various papers on effective methods of placemaking and increasing foot-traffic in a given area, including case studies that showed why certain solutions worked and certain ones failed. Thus, we are confident in the design's effectiveness.