Confluence

For years the Heritage communities have called for a safer, more convenient transit hub. A place where they can socialize, get groceries, and feel safe walking home. In collaboration with the Acadia CA, we created a conceptual rework of Heritage LRT station (Acadia Design Schemes, 2016) to respond to this call. Feedback was collected through online engagement, door-to-door surveys, and in-person engagement at community events.

This project was scaled out into the Anderson-Heritage Design Project (2018), in which a similar design intervention was created. Collaboration was expanded to include additional community associations and feedback was collected through a similar process. Both projects were guided by research into the socio-economic profile and urban topology of the area.

The pandemic has only the increased the need for such a space. Transit ridership has plummeted and numerous lifestyle changes have occurred that favour those with cars. Most worryingly, the curb-side or drive-thru substitutes to in-person services are generally inaccessible to those unable to drive or afford a car. In response, Confluence integrates a variety of amenities and programming directly into the community transit hub itself, such that recreational, commercial, and social activity is easily accessible to all.

This project is generously funded by the City of Calgary, ActivateYYC, and Take Action Grants.

A pop-up transit plaza at heritage lrt

Heritage LRT is a point of convergence for Calgary’s Heritage communities. It’s a transfer point between multiple transit routes, stitching together these neighbourhoods with each other and the rest of the city. What do locals have to say about it? It is well-used, but could use a little love! More walkability, more convenience - with amenities like groceries and coffee - and more sense of safety through on-site activity. So we’re gave it a whirl. Confluence was a pop-up transit plaza with games, coffee, fresh food, markets and concerts. It showcased an alternative use of land surrounding the LRT, that provided more walkability and convenience to the average commuter and surrounding community.