Planning for the future | EcoDensity Special

It turns out, people like being around each other—and they want housing options that support that

Many fear the word "density," imagining East Berlin-style conformist cement boxes where character and vitality do not live. But density, or EcoDensity as the City is branding it, is about more than just cramming more people into ever-smaller spaces.

It's about creating workable solutions to the region's growing housing scarcity, lack of affordable housing and transportation needs. It's about creating more livable neighbourhoods, with efficient means for heating and cooling, getting around and more.

It's about bringing people closer to work, closer to retail and entertainment, and, most importantly, closer together. Because as it turns out, contrary to decades of suburban development that separate and isolate us, people like being around each other. Not only do we crave it but it makes us safer, and more productive.

In this EcoDensity Special, we offer an insider's look into the workings of so-called Smart Growth, including interviews with Vancouver housing and density experts, a slideshow of EcoDensity in action, a tour of SFU's UniverCity development and more.

And check back with this page regularly as we are always updating it with more content.
 

FEATURE:  The E word By Adam Gaumont Vancouver takes a kinder, gentler approach to EcoDensity. Meet the local experts and weigh in on the discussion.	SLIDESHOW: What does EcoDensity look like? By Adam Gaumont The urban planning concept in action; see how EcoDensity has been applied to various communities around Vancouver.	GUEST BLOGGER SERIES: 10 acres and a car? By Stephen Rees, blogging for Granville Online Housing and transportation are but two sides of the same coin, says transportation expert Stephen Rees.	I have seen the future, and it is UniverCity By Adam Gaumont SFU's hilltop residential development is a model of smart, livable design.

The greenest city In the West By Jonathan Narvey Ecodensity is happening. And Vancouver is at the front line.	EcoDensity: Coming soon By Lance Berelowitz Vancouver's 'liveable city' rating depends on who does the rating.	Life in B.C.'s Green Communities By Christopher Pollon Rethinking livable space: British Columbia cities lead the way.	Gregor Robertson Goes green By Jonathan Narvey Gregor Robertson: organic farmer turned mayor of this wannabe sustainable city.

Laneway Housing approved for Vancouver By Leah Nielsen Vancouver takes a kinder, gentler approach to EcoDensity. Meet the local experts and weigh in on the discussion.	Cohousing, the future of homeownership? By Leah Nielsen The new "old fashioned neighbourhood" encourages both social interaction and individual space.	Vancouver in 2050 By Jonathon Narvey Looking at long-term solutions to food supply, transportation, energy and livability.