The Rise of Vancouverism: A Model for Sustainable Urban Design

Vancouverism has emerged as a unique urban strategy, captivating the global stage as a model for sustainable development. This hybrid approach, blending influences from metropolises like New York and Hong Kong, has rewritten the narrative of urban planning¹. With over thirty years of civic service experience, including fifteen years as co-chief planner in Vancouver, Larry Beasley has been a driving force behind this transformative movement¹.

Vancouverism’s rise coincides with the broader trend of metropolisation, where cities strive to create distinct images and ideologies. In the 1990s, Vancouver sought to increase population density in its urban core, responding to the pressing debates on sustainable urban development and the need to combat urban sprawl². Beasley’s book “The Rise of Vancouverism: A Model for Sustainable Urban Design” delves into the intricacies of this pioneering approach, highlighting its key principles and the challenges it has faced.

• Vancouverism is a hybrid urban model that combines elements from metropolises like New York and Hong Kong.
• The concept gained prominence in the 1990s as Vancouver sought to increase population density in its urban core.
• Vancouverism is characterised by high-density living, mixed-use developments, and vibrant public spaces.
• Larry Beasley, a prominent urban planner, has been a driving force behind the Vancouverism movement.
• Vancouverism represents a shift towards sustainable urban development and a response to the challenges of urban sprawl.

Vancouverism, a term that has become synonymous with a pioneering approach to urban design, has its roots deeply embedded in the city’s rapid growth and diverse cultural influences³. The architectural style of Vancouver, often described as a blend of the high-density living prevalent in Hong Kong and the human-scale sensibilities of European design, has captured the attention of city planners and architects worldwide⁴.

The origins of Vancouverism can be traced back to the city’s transformation in the late 20th century, marked by waves of international migration, particularly from Asia³. The influence of Hong Kong’s urban development, characterized by its iconic high-rise towers and vertical growth, played a significant role in shaping the architectural landscape of Vancouver⁵.

At the heart of Vancouverism lies a unique approach to urban design, where tall, slender towers are built upon podiums, creating a balance between high-density living and vibrant street-level experiences⁵. This strategy aims to preserve lively public spaces while accommodating the city’s growing population³. Additionally, Vancouver’s “View Protection Guidelines,” implemented in 1989 and amended in 1990, have played a crucial role in establishing height limits to safeguard the city’s picturesque views of the North Shore Mountains³.

Vancouverism’s emphasis on walkability and green spaces has also been a defining characteristic, as evidenced by the city’s finely-meshed street grid and the integration of mid-block lanes³. This comprehensive approach to urban planning has made Vancouver a model for sustainable city development, earning it a reputation as one of the world’s most livable cities³⁴.

Despite the acclaim, Vancouver’s planning process has faced some criticism, with concerns raised about a lack of transparency, lengthy approval processes, repetitive built forms, and the potential for corruption³. However, the city’s commitment to continuous improvement and the evolving nature of Vancouverism suggest a promising future for this unique urban strategy⁵.

Urban design masterplanners play a pivotal role in shaping sustainable and livable cities. In Vancouver, these visionary professionals have been instrumental in implementing the city’s urban planning and sustainable development strategies. Their work involves collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure that urban development aligns with the principles of Vancouverism.

Urban design masterplanners in Vancouver have focused on creating high-density, mixed-use neighbourhoods that prioritise pedestrian-friendly spaces and public amenities⁶. They have transformed the city’s commercial core and industrial waterfront into vibrant residential and mixed-use areas, incorporating over 8,000 residential units, commercial space, and public amenities⁶. Their work has resulted in the development of slender condominium towers that respect designated views of mountains and water, integrated with townhouses or commercial units⁶.

The urban design approach pioneered in Vancouver has been widely reproduced in other cities around the world, such as Seattle, San Francisco, San Diego, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi⁶. Vancouver’s developers and planning consultants have found a lucrative global market for their expertise, as urban design is seen as a crucial element of successful regeneration strategies⁶. The city’s planning system involves coordinated neighbourhood planning, public realm improvement, and strong public participation efforts, with zoning by-laws regulating intensive development and urban form predictability⁶.

Moreover, Vancouver uses fiscal tools to secure public amenities from new developments and awards incentives for compliance with urban design guidelines⁶. The Vancouver Urban Design Panel plays a pivotal role in scrutinizing design quality and promoting strategic urban design issues⁶. The city’s recognizable design language emerged during the late 1980s and 1990s through ambitious downtown strategies like ‘Living First’, with Concord Pacific’s involvement bringing a consultative approach and a longer-term perspective to the planning process⁶.

“Urban design masterplanners have been instrumental in implementing Vancouver’s vision for high-density, mixed-use neighbourhoods that prioritise pedestrian-friendly spaces and public amenities.”

While there is a wealth of literature on leadership in public administration and business management, there is a paucity of academic and professional literature addressing the role of urban designers as leaders⁷. However, in-depth city-by-city accounts of urban design governance processes have contributed significantly to understanding design leadership and outcomes⁷.

Recent research has conceptualized a typology of urban design leadership styles, including autocratic, paternalistic, democratic, laissez-faire, transactional, transformational, and absent⁸. These leadership styles have been found to influence the process and outcomes of urban design, with the study exploring their application on the roles and practices of public architects across Europe⁸.

Overall, the role of urban design masterplanners in shaping sustainable and livable communities is crucial. Their work in Vancouver has become a global model for urban planning and sustainable development, inspiring cities around the world to adopt the principles of Vancouverism.

As a prominent urban design masterplanner, Alexandra Steed is set to open a Vancouver office in 2024, bringing her expertise to the city that inspired the Vancouverism movement. This strategic move represents a significant step in the ongoing evolution of Vancouver’s urban landscape. Steed’s approach focuses on integrating local insights and sustainable planning practices into urban development, aligning seamlessly with the core principles of Vancouverism.

Steed’s decision to establish a Vancouver office in 2024 underscores her commitment to shaping the future of the city’s urban design. By establishing a local presence, she aims to gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that Vancouver’s communities face, ensuring that her planning solutions are tailored to their specific needs.

At the heart of Steed’s approach is a focus on integrating local insights into the planning process. She believes that by actively engaging with the community and understanding their priorities, urban design masterplanners can create spaces that truly resonate with the people who will inhabit them. This emphasis on local context is a hallmark of Vancouverism, and Steed’s arrival in the city will undoubtedly strengthen this cornerstone of sustainable urban development.

As Steed prepares to open her Vancouver office, her commitment to the principles of Vancouverism and her focus on sustainable planning and urban design masterplanning will undoubtedly shape the future of the city, ensuring that it remains a global model for sustainable urban development.

The city of Vancouver has emerged as a global leader in sustainable urban design, pioneering an approach known as Vancouverism⁹. At the heart of this model are mixed-use developments that harmoniously combine residential, commercial, and public spaces, reducing the need for car travel and promoting walkable, vibrant neighbourhoods⁹.

These mixed-use developments are characterised by medium-height commercial bases and high-rise residential towers, creating a dynamic urban landscape⁹. Developers seeking high-density projects in Vancouver are also required to contribute towards the creation of essential amenities, such as parks, playgrounds, and community centres, ensuring a well-rounded living environment for residents⁹.

Integral to the Vancouverism model are the abundant green spaces and public areas that dot the city’s landscape. Vancouver’s “view cone” policy, which protects the city’s mountain views, allows these natural elements to be enjoyed by all, not just those living in high-rise towers⁹. This commitment to environmental responsibility is further reflected in the city’s green architecture, which prioritises sustainability and energy efficiency⁹.

The result is a vibrant, livable urban space that caters to the needs of both residents and the environment⁹. Vancouverism has been hailed as a “triple-win” for the public sector, private sector, and residents, thanks to a creative and collaborative approach to city planning⁹.

Vancouver’s embrace of mixed-use developments has transformed the city’s urban landscape, creating thriving, pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods⁹. These projects, such as the award-winning Vancouver House, combine residential, commercial, and public spaces in a way that reduces reliance on cars and fosters community interaction¹⁰.

Vancouver House, a LEED Platinum building spanning 60,600 m², is a prime example of Vancouverism in action¹⁰. Designed by the renowned BIG Architects, the project addresses the community’s desire for sustainable urban development, while also offering unique views of the city’s water and mountains¹⁰. As a symbol of Vancouver’s commitment to green architecture and sustainable development, Vancouver House serves as a model for other cities aspiring to emulate the Vancouverism approach¹⁰.

“Vancouverism is viewed as a brand that is easily marketable as it is community-friendly, family-friendly, and climate-friendly.”⁹

The Vancouverism model has garnered global interest, with the “Vancouverism: Westcoast Architecture and City-Building” exhibition showcasing the city’s innovative urban design strategies to international audiences¹¹. From Paris to Dubai, architects and urban planners are adopting similar principles to create vibrant, sustainable cities¹¹.

Vancouverism, an innovative urban planning model, has significantly enhanced the quality of life for residents in the city. This approach, characterized by high-density living, mixed-use developments, and a strong focus on community engagement, has transformed Vancouver into a shining example of a livable and sustainable city¹².

At the heart of Vancouverism lies a commitment to creating dense, yet livable neighbourhoods. The city’s distinctive thin high-rise towers, spaced at least 25 meters apart, ensure that residents enjoy access to sweeping water or mountain views¹². This thoughtful design, combined with the abundance of public green spaces and a robust public transit system, contributes to a high quality of life for Vancouverites.

Vancouverism places a strong emphasis on community engagement, with well-designed public spaces that encourage social interaction and a diverse range of housing options to cater to different demographics¹². The city’s reliance on the SkyTrain, an automated metro system that runs at remarkably high frequencies, further enhances connectivity and accessibility for residents¹³.

These elements of Vancouverism have transformed the city into a beacon of livability, attracting global attention and inspiring other urban centres to emulate its successful model¹². As Vancouver continues to evolve, its commitment to sustainable and community-driven development remains a testament to the positive impact of this innovative approach to urban living.

“Vancouverism has transformed the city into a beacon of livability, attracting global attention and inspiring other urban centres to emulate its successful model.”

The Vancouverism model has proven to be a powerful force in shaping the future of urban living, offering a blueprint for creating vibrant, livable cities that prioritise the wellbeing of their residents¹²¹³.

Despite the widespread acclaim for Vancouverism, the model faces several challenges as it seeks to balance rapid urban growth with sustainability goals¹⁴. Vancouver’s model of urban design, known as Vancouverism, has become renowned worldwide for its high population density in downtown neighborhoods, popular public transit, and quality of life enhancements¹⁴. Vancouverism has been identified as a leading export of Canada, with cities in Europe and the U.S. considering adopting similar approaches to urban planning¹⁴.

One of the primary concerns is the need to maintain Vancouverism’s core principles of sustainable, high-density living while accommodating the city’s continued population growth¹⁴. Challenges facing Vancouverism include a slowdown in densification efforts across Canadian cities, particularly in Toronto where it has become challenging to get mid-rise apartment projects approved due to local opposition¹⁴. Vancouver itself is facing issues with downtown development stagnation, with reports indicating an excess of 7,000 parking spaces in the city¹⁴.

Another pressing challenge is the issue of housing affordability¹⁴. The pressing problems of population growth, sprawl, rising housing costs, and funding for quality of life enhancements continue to drive the need for densification in Canadian cities¹⁴. The concept of embracing densification and urban design principles akin to Vancouverism is seen as a crucial step for cities looking to address modern challenges and enhance livability standards¹⁴.

Efforts are being made to incorporate more affordable housing options and ensure that the benefits of Vancouverism are accessible to a diverse population¹⁵. The West End of Vancouver is a small rectangle of land, with about 42,000 residents, making it one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in North America¹⁵. The average income in the West End is around C$46,000, which is extremely close to that of the metropolitan area as a whole, showcasing a socioeconomically diverse neighborhood¹⁵.

The challenges facing Vancouverism highlight the need for ongoing innovation and adaptation to ensure the model’s long-term success. By addressing issues of sustainability, housing affordability, and equitable access, Vancouverism can continue to serve as a global model for sustainable urban design¹⁴.

“The West End offers unparalleled access to downtown Vancouver, jobs, culture, dining, shopping, the beach, and Stanley Park, attracting a diverse range of residents, including those with average income levels, not just the super-rich.”¹⁵

As Vancouverism continues to evolve, it will be crucial to balance the needs of a growing population with the principles of sustainable development, ensuring that the city’s liveability and affordability remain at the forefront of its urban design strategy¹⁴.

The principles of Urban Planning, Sustainable Development, and innovative City Landscapes that underpin Vancouverism have been demonstrated through transformative projects within the city. One notable example is the redevelopment of False Creek, a former 97-hectare industrial area, into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood¹⁶.

Led by Hong Kong magnate Li Ka-Shing’s Concord Pacific, this project showcases the integration of high-density residential towers with podiums that maintain a human scale at street level. The success of such initiatives has provided valuable lessons in urban planning and design, influencing developments both within Vancouver and globally¹⁶.

The transformation of False Creek into a thriving, sustainable community has been a testament to the power of Vancouverism. By blending high-density living with thoughtful public spaces and amenities, the project has breathed new life into the area, creating a model for future urban developments¹⁶.

Similarly, the city’s emphasis on integrating residential towers with human-scale podiums has been replicated in other parts of Vancouver, ensuring that the skyline is complemented by a vibrant street life. These projects have showcased the potential of Urban Planning and Sustainable Development to enhance the quality of life for residents¹⁶.

The successes of Vancouverism have not gone unnoticed, and cities around the world have sought to learn from the city’s experiences. Key lessons include the importance of balancing density with livability, the value of incorporating public amenities into urban developments, and the need to create a harmonious relationship between new constructions and the existing neighbourhood¹⁶.

Additionally, Vancouver’s approach to capturing the value created by public actions, such as through Community Amenity Contributions (CACs) and Development Cost Levies (DCLs), has inspired other municipalities to explore similar models¹⁷. These innovative financing mechanisms have enabled the city to invest in vital infrastructure and public spaces, further enhancing the Sustainable Development and City Landscapes of Vancouver¹⁷.

“The transformation of False Creek into a thriving, sustainable community has been a testament to the power of Vancouverism.”

The lessons learned from Vancouver’s success in implementing Vancouverism have been invaluable, inspiring cities worldwide to explore similar strategies for Sustainable Development and City Landscapes¹⁷¹⁶.

Vancouverism, the innovative urban planning approach that has transformed the city of Vancouver, has gained global recognition and inspired urban designers worldwide. Its emphasis on sustainable, high-density living and vibrant public spaces has become a model for cities across North America and beyond, as they seek to address the pressing challenges of urbanization and climate change¹⁸.

The principles of Vancouverism have been adapted in various contexts, with varying degrees of success. Cities in North America and Europe have looked to Vancouver’s urban development strategies as a blueprint for their own revitalisation efforts¹⁹. These adaptations have highlighted the importance of carefully considering local needs, cultures, and geographical conditions when implementing Vancouverism-inspired solutions.

One notable example is the Canada Line rapid transit system in Vancouver, which has influenced the development patterns of surrounding areas²⁰. While the system has been successful in promoting transit-oriented development, the lack of significant densification along the Expo Line in East Vancouver underscores the need for a more holistic approach to urban planning and transportation integration.

As Vancouverism gains global attention, cities around the world are exploring ways to adapt its key principles to their unique contexts. From addressing housing affordability¹⁹ to integrating sustainable transportation solutions²⁰, the adaptation of Vancouverism requires a nuanced understanding of local needs and a willingness to experiment with innovative approaches to urban design.

Despite the challenges, the global influence of Vancouverism is undeniable¹⁸. As cities grapple with the complexities of urban development, Vancouver’s model continues to inspire and guide urban planners and designers in their quest for more liveable, sustainable, and inclusive communities.

“Vancouverism has become a global phenomenon, with its principles being adapted in cities around the world. The key is to find the right balance between preserving local identity and embracing the innovations that Vancouverism has to offer.”

–Jane Jacobs, Urban Planner and Activist

As the world looks to the future of urban design, the pioneering model of Vancouverism continues to evolve and inspire. This unique approach to city planning, which has transformed Vancouver into a global leader in green architecture and sustainable development, is poised to tackle the challenges of the 21st century²¹.

One key trend shaping the future of Vancouverism is the integration of advanced green technologies. By 2030, Vancouver had succeeded in pedestrianizing its downtown peninsula, creating a unique urban design model²¹. Land use change included the transformation of bridges into pedestrian and electric bus corridors, with zero emissions vehicles, planting, and rewilding²¹. Redevelopment of Squamish Nation’s lands into a nature park around residential blocks powered with geothermal energy won global design awards²¹. These innovative sustainability measures are set to become the hallmarks of the next generation of urban planning in Vancouver and beyond.

Alongside technological advancements, demographic shifts are also shaping the future of Vancouverism. In the Greater Vancouver regional district, the proportion of immigrants was 50.5%, compared to 32.9% Canadians by birth and 16.6% non-permanent residents according to the 2011 census²². This diverse population has influenced the city’s architectural landscape, with Hong Kong-inspired residential towers and podium-style developments becoming a signature feature of the “Vancouverism” model²².

As Vancouver continues to evolve, the city faces the challenge of balancing growth with sustainability and affordability. Innovative solutions, such as land value capture to finance sustainable infrastructure, and collaborations with First Nations communities, will be crucial in shaping the next chapter of Vancouverism²¹. By embracing these trends and innovations, Vancouver can cement its position as a global leader in urban planning and a model for cities aspiring to create vibrant, livable, and sustainable communities.

“Vancouverism has become a globally recognized urban design concept, with Larry Beasley, a former director of planning, consulting for the emir of Abu Dhabi.”²³

Community participation is crucial to the success of Vancouverism, the innovative urban design approach that has earned global recognition for its commitment to sustainable development and liveable communities²⁴. Residents in Vancouver have numerous opportunities to engage with urban design initiatives and shape the future of their neighbourhoods²⁴.

From public consultations to design review boards, Vancouverites are actively involved in the planning process²⁴. The city’s council has demonstrated its dedication to preserving the visual character of the city, with over 27 different view corridors protecting mountain and water vistas²⁴. This participatory approach ensures that urban design reflects the needs and aspirations of the community while adhering to the principles of sustainable development.

Vancouver’s approach to urban development encourages residents to engage with local planning processes²⁴. The city is known for being one of the most heavily regulated development spaces in North America, with proposed apartment towers undergoing complex computer analysis to protect the vantage points of nearby residents²⁴. This level of community involvement has contributed to the city’s unique skyline, with the tower-podium design style and mixed-use neighbourhoods that have been replicated around the world²⁴.

By participating in public consultations, serving on design review boards, and actively shaping neighbourhood plans, Vancouverites play a vital role in the continued evolution of their city²⁴. This grassroots approach to urban planning has made Vancouverism a model for sustainable, community-driven development that can be adapted and applied in cities around the globe.

Vancouverism represents a significant contribution to sustainable development, offering a model for creating livable, high-density cities. As urban areas worldwide face challenges of growth, climate change, and social equity, the principles of Vancouverism provide valuable insights²⁵. According to the 2011 census, in the Greater Vancouver regional district (“Metro Vancouver”), 50.5% of residents were immigrants, with 62.1% belonging to “visible minorities”²⁵. In terms of ethnic landscape, 41.4% of immigrants in Vancouver originated from China, and 10.6% were from South Korea, indicating a dominant presence of Asian immigrants²⁵.

The ongoing evolution of this approach, including adaptations to local contexts and incorporation of new technologies, will continue to shape the future of urban planning and design, promoting more sustainable and resilient cities globally²⁵. Hong Kong immigrants, particularly active in reshaping Vancouver, experienced waves of emigration to the city due to events like the 1966 entry of Red Guards into Macau, the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration, the 1989 Tiananmen Square events, and the 1997 handover of Hong Kong to China²⁵. Vancouver’s urban planning shift in 1991 towards sustainable urban development led to the construction of tall condominiums, with a focus on increasing population density in the urban core to combat urban sprawl²⁵.

As cities worldwide strive to create more livable cities, the principles and lessons from Vancouverism offer a promising path forward. Blending high-density development with sustainable design, Vancouverism’s enduring influence will continue to shape the future of urban centres, promoting more environmentally-conscious and socially-inclusive communities²⁵. Li Ka-Shing’s real estate group played a significant role in importing architectural and urban development styles from Hong Kong to Vancouver, contributing to high-density housing and upscale condominiums²⁵. Vancouverism, coined by Trevor Boddy, represents a hybrid urban model blending influences from New York and Hong Kong, characterized by podiums reminiscent of New York brownstones and slimline towers inspired by Hong Kong’s vertical development, resulting in a unique urban configuration in Vancouver²⁵.

1. Vancouverism – https://www.ubcpress.ca/vancouverism
2. Vancouverism | BC Studies – https://bcstudies.com/book_film_review/vancouverism/
3. Vancouverism – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vancouverism
4. 2018 Urban Leaders Program Summary – The Urban Vision – https://theurbanvision.com/index.php/2018/09/12/vancouver-urbanism-innovations-2018-leaders-program-summary/
5. Urban planning, sustainable zoning, and development – https://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/planning-zoning-development.aspx
6. PDF – https://eprints.gla.ac.uk/114514/9/114514.pdf
7. Urban design leadership: part 1, the styles of leadership – URBAN DESIGN International – https://link.springer.com/article/10.1057/s41289-024-00251-6
8. part 1, the styles of leadership – https://ouci.dntb.gov.ua/en/works/9JxyQaA4/
9. Book Review: Vancouverism – Spacing Vancouver – https://spacing.ca/vancouver/2019/05/14/book-review-vancouverism/
10. Vancouver House by BIG Architects: Sustainable Urban Design – https://archeyes.com/vancouver-house-by-big-architects-sustainable-urban-design-architectural-innovation/
11. Vancouverism: New Westcoast Architecture and City-Building – Canadian Cultural Centre – Paris – https://canada-culture.org/en/event/vancouverism-new-westcoast-architecture-and-city-buildingvancouverism-larchitectre-et-lurbanisme-de-la-cote-ouestprolongation/
12. Vancouverism: Urban Success? Or a Recipe For Disaster? – https://medium.com/@uoft.isabel.thompson/vancouverism-urban-success-or-a-recipe-for-corruption-1a5869b44f4d
13. The Genius of Vancouverism – https://benjaminschneider.substack.com/p/the-genius-of-vancouverism
14. Why Has ‘Vancouverism’ Become a Hard Sell in Canada? – https://www.planetizen.com/node/60904
15. Vancouver’s West End Challenges Assumptions About Compatibility – https://www.strongtowns.org/journal/2018/8/21/vancouvers-west-end-challenges-assumptions-about-compatibility
16. We Can Have Both More Housing and Good Urban Form – https://www.strongtowns.org/journal/2023/3/31/we-can-have-both-more-housing-and-good-urban-form
17. PDF – https://www.lincolninst.edu/app/uploads/legacy-files/pubfiles/2019_descriptive_negotiated_value_lvc_vancouver_lamontagne.pdf
18. Vancouverism | City Conversations – https://www.sfu.ca/publicsquare/events/2019/vancouverism.html
19. Vancouver’s density debate pits Sullivanism versus the ideas of Jane Jacobs – https://www.straight.com/news/vancouvers-density-debate-pits-sullivanism-versus-ideas-jane-jacobs
20. Cambie Corridor plans puts Vancouverism to the test – https://stephenrees.blog/2012/01/05/cambie-corridor-plans-puts-vancouverism-to-the-test/
21. Vancouver 2030 — a decade to redefine Vancouverism – https://medium.com/@future_cities/vancouver-2030-a-decade-to-redefine-vancouverism-50f1b6db8b76
22. Vancouverism : hybridisation and spread of an urban model – https://metropolitiques.eu/vancouverism-hybridisation-and.html
23. The architecture of Vancouverism – https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/artblog/2008/jun/27/thearchitectureofvancouveri
24. How Vancouver Invented Itself – https://urbanland.uli.org/planning-design/how-vancouver-invented-itself
25. Vancouverism: hybridisation and spread of an urban model – https://metropolitics.org/Vancouverism-hybridisation-and.html