Downtown Halifax Urban Design Study

Harbour Master

A great Canadian city plans for change on the waterfront

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Downtown Mixer

This urban design study focuses specifically on the downtown area of the Halifax peninsula — an area rich with history set amidst a mix of cultural, commercial, and academic uses, as well as the vibrant Halifax Harbour.

Forward Thinking

The objective of the study was to determine how the downtown should develop in a way that respects its history, natural context, and responds to the emerging development market.

Frameworks

Working closely with businesses, local developers, senior city staff, and council, a comprehensive framework for growth and development was created. This provided direction for enhancement of open spaces, pedestrian connections, and cultural precincts as a way to frame economic development.

City Guide

The study also included the creation of urban design guidelines that are precinct-specific and respond to the unique needs of emerging downtown hubs.

3D

A 3D model of the downtown was created to facilitate discussion and explore preferred scenarios. What resulted was a clear vision and set of priorities for downtown Halifax.

Project facts

Completed : 2008
Client: Halifax Regional Municipality