Context Analysis
In January 2020, Vancouver Island University’s Master of Community Planning students spent the entire day at the Diana Krall Plaza to map out the existing opportunities and constraints of the Plaza in context with multiple parameters explained below.
The site is bordered by the Bastion Hotel, Coastal Community Credit Union, Nanaimo Downtown Library, and the Port Theatre.
Zoning
Diana Krall Plaza is surrounded by a mixed-use commercial zone, with an assorted character of buildings creating an interesting street wall that attracts pedestrians making the area lively and interesting. The map depicts the different land use around the Plaza within a 10-minute walking proximity.
Adjacent Permeability
The permeability of Diana Krall Plaza with the neighbouring buildings is good due to the welcoming facades of retails, coffee shops and other businesses on Commercial St. While the glass facades of the Library and the Coastal Community encourages permeability for two-thirds of the site’s area. The blank walls of the Bastion Hotel and the Port Theatre creates unwelcoming spaces in the remaining one-third of the Plaza.
Pedestrian Movement
The sidewalk on Commercial St. is designed to encourage pedestrian movement and enhance user experience. The wide sidewalks with trees and benches and the use of more earthy materials over asphalt adds to the user experience.
Accessibility
Located in the heart of Downtown Nanaimo and connecting Commercial St. to Front St., Diana Krall Plaza is accessible from four sides encouraging natural through circulation. However, access from Commercial St. is the most ideal for people with mobility concerns due to the absence of ramps and elevators on the other three sides.
Road Network
Diana Krall Plaza is well connected with the adjacent road network. Terminal Avenue, Bastion St. and Front St. are heavily trafficked streets allowing fast moving through traffic. Due to a good peripheral road network, the fast-moving traffic does not penetrate to Commercial St. allowing great opportunities for pedestrian movement.
Nodes Corridors and Landmarks
A node is a centralized hub where there is activity and the infrastructure to support it. There are three main nodes connecting Commercial St. to Bastion St. and Front St., several downtown landmarks around Diana Krall Plaza, and a view of the waterfront that draws people to the site.