Join us for Park It + Plant It: a biophilic design charrette, where creativity meets nature! This interactive, hands-on event invites participants to reimagine how our public infrastructure can foster connections within community and to the natural world. Focusing on the Johnson Street Parkade, this charrette asks community members what future you envision for this site.

We will begin by exploring the layers of historical ecology buried under the city, supported with archival maps and photos offering clues of this buried landscape. Did you know the parkade is built within a ravine where a creek once flowed?

Participants will brainstorm, sketch, and share ideas, considering ways this site can support public and ecological well-being, while honouring the site’s complex history. No prior design experience is needed – bring your curiosity and a willingness to think outside the box! Our facilitators will guide you through the process, providing prompts and inspiration along the way. At the end of the session, groups will present their ideas, and reflect on key takeaways that can inform future design efforts.

Park It + Plant It: a biophilic design charrette offers a unique opportunity to co-create solutions for a future where people and nature thrive together.

SCHEDULE

✦ 10:30 am – Introduction

• Ice breaker/name tags and or prompt question

• Outline schedule and goals

✦ 10:40 am – What is biophilic design?

• Description of biophilic design supported by precedents and the Living Building Challenge

✦ 11:00 am – Gathering Context

• Discuss reference habitat and site context (Johnson creek)

• Site visit

✦ 11:30 am – Design

• Divide into groups, distribute materials, workshop ideas

✦ 12:45 pm – Share

• Informal presentation of designs and group discussion

✦ 1:20 pm – Conclusion

• Advocating for biophilic design in Victoria

Return to this page as we get closer to the event for more details, happening May 3, 2025!