The second Panel Discussion of the UEA Symposium featured industry innovators Andrea Piccolo, President and Co-founder of Prado Cafe, Clare Warner, Manager of Placemaking for Downtown Van, Jordan Macdonald, Founder & CEO of Fabric Living, and moderator Ken Bautista of Makespace. Representing various facets of placemaking, the panelists explored the potential of small projects in transforming cities.
Small projects have been influential across various domains in the Lower Mainland - Andrea Piccolo discussed the opportunities and challenges of opening a new Prado location in a Surrey commercial hub, Clare Warner explored the potential behind permanent popups in Downtown Vancouver, and Jordan Macdonald demonstrated the viability of residential development in East Vancouver as a direct result of strong community roots. The panelists explored the intricacies of establishing effective popups, and notable findings included:
- Team Structure: Any effective project must have a dedicated team, with a clear understanding of who is leading and executing various components. After all, everybody has a role to play.
- Neighborhood Fit: All panelists expressed the importance of partnering with communities and neighborhoods that express interest in facilitating public activations.
- Logistics: Often, logistics can prevent small projects from getting off the ground. Teams need to consider realistic permitting timelines when embarking on a new venture.
Watch the panel discussion to learn more about transforming cities through small projects.
Andrea Piccolo, President and Co-founder, Prado Cafe
Andrea is the President and Co-founder of Prado Cafe, which first emerged as a single shop on Commercial Drive and 4th Ave, and has since expanded to include seven locations across Greater Vancouver. She and the team at Prado are inspired to cultivate connection and foster community by providing Vancouverites with an energized and top-quality coffee experience.
Clare Warner, Manager of Placemaking, Downtown Van (BIA)
As Manager of Placemaking for the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Placemaking team, Clare is dedicated to advancing the urban experience for those who live, work and play in the district. Her mission is to design and program public spaces to inspire spontaneous, heart-warming and meaningful moments. Many of her projects include public art activations, establishing live music venues, and city beautification.
Jordan Macdonald, Founder and CEO, Fabric Living
With a successful 20-year career in the real estate industry, Jordan Macdonald pivoted from commercial brokerage to found Fabric Living in 2015, a development company that specializes in East Vancouver residential projects. He leads the team at Fabric with the overarching goal of creating unique, thought-provoking human experiences that both serve and enhance local communities and the people who dwell within them.
Ken Bautista, Partner, Makespace
Ken is the founder of Makespace, an Edmonton-based real estate firm specializing in developing innovation campuses for science, technology and creative communities. An educator turned entrepreneur, Ken has over 20 years of insights exploring the intersection of tech, talent, and city building. He lends his unique perspective to developing founders, startup communities and city creators looking to drive innovation in their urban spaces.