Alley-Oop – Vancouver

“My example of a quality lived experience is a semi-permanent laneway transformation in Vancouver called Alley-Oop. It is an example that demonstrates the potential to transform under-utilized public space with minimal investment. It was intended to start a conversation about how scare public space is prioritized.

In 2015, the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association (DVBIA) conducted ‘Re-imagine Downtown Vancouver 2040,’ a collaborative visioning process. Public space emerged as a major theme; 11,000 Vancouverites said they wanted “more public space, including plazas, rooftop patios and alleyway activations”. hcma partnered with the City and the DVBIA to transform alleyways from utilitarian service corridors into bright, playful public spaces. These spaces are shared by people and vehicles, which continue to access the lane from service purposes.

Each laneway transformation has an identity and theme in contrast with its surrounding area. In juxtaposition to its location in the heart of the business district, the reimagined Alley-Oop laneway is themed “Play”. Bold pink and yellow paint, basketball hoops and furniture act as a beacon to those working in Vancouver’s business quarter, encouraging them to play, exercise and socialize in the space.

Since opening in 2016, the number of pedestrians using Alley-Oop has more than doubled (from 30 an hour to 73), and where men made up about 75% of alleygoers before, they now represent only about 58%. These numbers suggest that the #MoreAwesomeNow project has created a much busier, more welcoming place.” (Booklet Positive Lived Experiences of Quality in the Built Environment 2023, p.160).

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