Members & Industry Partners Day — June 9th at InformProjects
On June 9th, the Urban Experience Alliance gathered at Inform Projects for a day that captured exactly why this community exists.
An Introduction to “Culture in Place”
At this year's Symposium, Melissa Higgs opened the day by setting the stage with our theme: Culture in Place. What does it mean to design for it — and why does it matter?
Engagement, Expectations, and the Reality of Public Process
Molly Steeves and Josh White explored the tensions in public engagement — consultation vs. participation, community vs. expertise — arguing that trust is cultural infrastructure built through transparency.
The Next Generation of Urban Blue Zones
Spencer Coppin, Angela Hartman, and Dai Manuel explored the future of urban wellness — unpacking barriers to wellness in cities and the case for a new urban Blue Zone.
Manifesting Asian Experience in the Public Realm
Kelty Miyoshi McKinnon and Brian McBay explored Manifesting Asian Experience in the Public Realm — how storytelling and heritage, tangible and intangible, can shape distinctive, resonant neighbourhoods.
Sticky Places: The Economics of Placemaking
Brad Jones and Michael Mortensen explored the economics of placemaking — why "sticky" places require investing ahead of returns to unlock lasting cultural and economic value.
The Shift from Perfectly Designed Spaces to Imperfect Cultural Spaces
Josh Vanderheide and John Negrin explored hospitality's shift toward raw, imperfect, culturally grounded spaces — and how authenticity is reshaping connection, engagement, and a renewed sense of place.
Unlocking Granville: Development Strategies for a Cultural Comeback
Andrew Emmerson and Saadi D'hoore explored Granville Street's cultural decline — and the development strategies that could reimagine the district as a vibrant cultural destination once more.
Beyond the Algorithm: Why Human Insight Still Shapes Great Places
Norbert Jakubke moderated Derek Lee and Calum Srigley on why human insight — intuition, empathy, trust — still shapes great places that AI's speed and analysis can't replace.
What does it mean to “uplift” a neighbourhood?
Steve Johnston and Rebecca Bligh explored what it means to "uplift" a neighbourhood — unpacking access, affordability, and dignity in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside policy landscape.
Indigenous Knowledge and the Future of City Building
Cory Douglas and James K. M. Cheng explored how Indigenous knowledge systems — rooted in place, ecology, and community — can inform architecture and reshape city building.
Revitalizing Ancient Knowledge Throughout the Cultural Ribbon
Working with collaborators Ginger Gosnell-Myers, Principal at Ginger Gosnell-Myers Consulting, and Cory Douglas, Owner of Modern Formline Design, Chief Ian Campbell of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw showcases efforts to embed Indigenous knowledge into urban design—from planning frameworks to tangible projects.
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Our Alliance Members
- Craig Stanghetta Ste. Marie
- Andrew Emmerson GBL Architects
- Joseph Fry Hapa Collaborative
- Jess Reno Nemesis Coffee
- Andrea Piccolo Prado Cafe
- Jorden Foss Steel & Oak Brewing
- Adam Mills Four Winds Brewing
- Josh Vanderheide Field House Brewing
- Janay Koldingnes Edit Studios
- Taizo Yamamoto Yamamoto Architecture
- Melissa Higgs hcma
- Andrew Laing, Adam Krahn & Mike Simpson Quarterhorse
- Matthew Thomson Matthew Thomson Design
- Ginger Gosnell-Myers Ginger Gosnell-Myers Consulting
- Ali Kenyon hcma
- Laura Potter hcma
- Mitchell Reardon Happy Cities
- Cory Douglas Modern Formline
- Miki Ellis Niwa & Dachi Restaurants
- Sunny Hahm Tandem Real Estate Strategy
- James Harry James Nexw’Kalus-Xwalacktun Harry
- Derek Lee PWL Partnership Landscape Architects Inc.
- Kelty McKinnon PFS Studio
- Sebastien Panouile ThinkL Studio
- Denis Agar Movement YVR
- Camila Ramos InformProjects
- Steve Bonini InformProjects
- Nick Rossi Kitchen Table Restaurants
- Spencer Coppin Life Protocol
- Shanti Williamson Modern Formline
- Stephen Whiteside Niwa & Dachi Restaurants
- Seng Sengsavanh Wilson School of Design (KPU)
- Trish Almedia Green Theory
- Bella Franske Green Theory