Robson Square Renovations

[trofirhen]

There were no glass barriers along these edges before the recent renovations of the past couple years. Waist-high plantings separated any edge from the pathways. Apparently, the people behind the renos considered it too much of a risk that people would climb over the shrubbery to hurl themselves over the edge.

Similarly, there are now barred fences along Hornby street at street grade, and there is chain link fence added above an underground parking exit. All added in past couple years. The barred fence might be security related, but I don't know.

While in keeping with the overall look of the design, these 'additions' are unwelcome barricades. Only exception might be the chain link over the parking exit, but I would have thought (and hope still) that a less visually jarring solution will replace it.
:previous:
:koko: yikes! I got it all wrong.Thanks for the update! guess being away so long did it to me.

[entheosfog]

I really can't wait for Robson to open up again, especially the sidewalk. Having one narrow path through there is insane on the weekends.

[BCPhil]

I really can't wait for Robson to open up again, especially the sidewalk. Having one narrow path through there is insane on the weekends.

Especially when that "dance crew" sets up at the corner.

[Chikinlittle]

What ever happened to the motion at City Hall to permanently close off that section of Robson?

[trofirhen]

... and those pagodas are STILL there ......

[WarrenC12]

The Robson square "renovation" is, frankly, horse-shit. Where is the outrage from the Hornby bike lane crowd?
:shrug:

[EastVanMark]

The Robson square "renovation" is, frankly, horse-shit.

Agreed. Lipstick on a very ugly, impractical pig :(

[trofirhen]

All this is a sad irony; when Robson Square opened in 1979, it was immediately celebrated and adored as the new "heart" of Vancouver. There were good restaurants. People sat out out (weather permitting). It all seemed so green and avant-garde.

But the years went by, public tastes changes, the city grew and changed, and now ......

[SpongeG]

we have many other places to go hang out that didn't exist back than

[trofirhen]

we have many other places to go hang out that didn't exist back than

... exactly

[SpongeG]

robson square gets well used as is - i can't imagine going down there to dine when there are loads of places at street level or waterfront to do the same

its use as UBC is good, nice and quiet during the day for the students

[entheosfog]

All this is a sad irony; when Robson Square opened in 1979, it was immediately celebrated and adored as the new "heart" of Vancouver. There were good restaurants. People sat out out (weather permitting). It all seemed so green and avant-garde.

But the years went by, public tastes changes, the city grew and changed, and now ......

Only because it was mentioned ;), the top picture is the opening of Robson Square (vancouver archives photo) and the bottom is my photo:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5219/5491477095_e9dbcc3068_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/entheos_fog/5491477095/)
Robson Square - Oct 1978/Dec 2010 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/entheos_fog/5491477095/) by entheos_fog (http://www.flickr.com/people/entheos_fog/), on Flickr

[officedweller]

Pic by me today:

http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/3852/imgp0812w.jpg (http://img851.imageshack.us/i/imgp0812w.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[SpongeG]

robson square artisan market coming soon

A Weekend Market in the Heart of Vancouver.
A unique outdoor shopping experience showcasing local
artisan work.

Join us for Art, Crafts, Floral, Gifts and more starting June 4th, 2011 and running Saturdays & Sundays from 10am through September 18th, 2011.

http://www.robsonsquaremarket.com/index.html

[trofirhen]

They seem to have removed trees from the east side of VAG. Hope they replant a couple.

[SpongeG]

where? i don't remember any trees there

[trofirhen]

where? i don't remember any trees there
:previous:
In the centre of the picture is a big black tarp on the ground. There were a few trees in there, unless I recall incorrectly.

[SpongeG]

maybe i don;t know haha

[BCPhil]

I hope they don't replant those rat infested bushes and just plant grass instead.

[SpongeG]

i took some pics of the progress today...

http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/7632/dsc02973w.jpg

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/6956/dsc02978i.jpg

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/5900/dsc02979s.jpg

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/355/dsc02986lf.jpg

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/5319/dsc029742.jpg

http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/2933/dsc029822.jpg

[Millennium2002]

lol is it just me or is the "new" glass roof starting to take on the dusty properties of the old one? Well that's some money well spent... ^^;

[Conrad]

The Robson Square project is a total comedown. Talk about missed opportunities...

[Spoolmak]

Robson square had always seemed very uninviting to me. Everytime I was by I barely even notice it's there. I was hoping the renos would have made it more flashy...but oh well it's very Vancouver.

[trofirhen]

lol is it just me or is the "new" glass roof starting to take on the dusty properties of the old one? Well that's some money well spent... ^^;

The Robson Square project is a total comedown. Talk about missed opportunities...

Robson square had always seemed very uninviting to me. Everytime I was by I barely even notice it's there. I was hoping the renos would have made it more flashy...but oh well it's very Vancouver.
:previous::previous::previous:
So ironic that Robson Square is such a downer to most people. Old geezers like me can remember back when it opened in 1979 to so much delight and fanfare .... that's time at work for you. :rolleyes:

Just be glad you never saw the ugly, barren moonscape of parking lots, and ugly, bitty, 3-storey 1950s buildings that occupied the site before ... (still, I admit, it could use more colour and lighting, now) ....

[vancityrox]

I was so happy to see that they had started renovations on that corner with all the trees and dirt....and now its looking like its going back to the same thing.

They just should have opened that corner up with a nice plaza with steps and benches for people to sit on and fountains to enjoy, kinda like in Seattle. Maybe a nice gelato parlour or some small food carts there too. That "hill" of trees and shrubs is so uninviting! Perfect for drug dealers, homeless people and big RATS! ew

[SpongeG]

yup - unfortunately it needs the bump there for the parkade entrance and offices below - but they could have turned the dirt and shrubs into an open plaza at least - its been thinned out now and is a little less dirty looking and slightly more inviting

[Pinion]

Does anyone know exactly what is taking so long? I see very little difference between photos many months apart.

Add me to the "total waste of time/money" bandwagon.

[officedweller]

My guess - it's just be phased in to avoid massive disruption, and maybe manage cash flow.

Pic by me today:

http://img807.imageshack.us/img807/8392/imgp0871.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/807/imgp0871.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[twoNeurons]

Now imagine if that was a large covered clamshell canopy, closed to vehicle traffic:

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i305/mattcav/North.jpg

[Zassk]

Does anyone know exactly what is taking so long? I see very little difference between photos many months apart.

Add me to the "total waste of time/money" bandwagon.

Well, it was leaking, so something drastic had to be done, but I share your disappointment.

[vancityrox]

Now imagine if that was a large covered clamshell canopy, closed to vehicle traffic:

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i305/mattcav/North.jpg

That looks a lot better, open and pleasing to the eye! Please tell me this is going to happen :)

[officedweller]

Nope - that was the Premier's "clamshell" idea that was trashed by the media.
It quickly died as a result.

[paradigm4]

Nope - that was the Premier's "clamshell" idea that was trashed by the media.
It quickly died as a result.

As I recall, there was a lot of general opposition to tinkering at all with Erickson's design. Plus the secrecy of the plan.

[BCPhil]

I just think people were put off by the word "Clamshell".

The design was nice, but I don't think it creates a better space than what we got. All it really was was a nice piece of public architecture as art (which the city does need more of). But as far as being a versatile public space, having no roof over the road does allow some events to happen, like the fireworks/light show and zip line they had during the Olympics that would otherwise be fairly difficult. To be frank, I think the Olympics was better without the clamshell and was glad it wasn't built.

I'm a little sad they decided to put the bushes back on the corner. I hope they keep better control of them this time around. I get why they are there: a piece of wild nature right in the middle of downtown; but they grew a little out of control and made it hard/unsafe to enjoy the area.

Because they put the road in there it makes little sense to make it a pedestrian only space, but I would like to see it become a transit only connection on Robson. They should make general traffic turn off Robson, and just use the road for buses. They could also institute pedestrian scrambles at the intersections to help improve the movement of people and turning cars.

I would also like to see more sculptures and pieces of art on display around the square, seeing as it is at the art gallery.

[SpongeG]

think its finished - looks like they had a party down there yesterday

and don't know what this is for... but it was getting lots of use

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/4352/imag0513w.jpg

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/5538/imag0512g.jpg

http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/5853/imag0511l.jpg

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/231/imag0510g.jpg
pics by me

[officedweller]

Here it is from above - looks like most of the renovation work is now complete.

Pic by me today:

http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/3470/imgp0893m.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/833/imgp0893m.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[delboy]

Here it is from above - looks like most of the renovation work is now complete.

Pic by me today:

http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/3470/imgp0893m.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/833/imgp0893m.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

what's that weird yellow thing? Is it a skate board track?

[Waders]

It is the "Pop-up park", part of the $650,000 VIVA Vancouver summertime publicspace program.
Source: http://www.vancouversun.com/park+instant+place+lounge+downtown/5232444/story.html

I think I would prefer to enjoy my time at a real beach like English Bay!!

[Yume-sama]

Hmph. $650k, really~ lol Considering the ample public parks and beaches in Vancouver (more than most other places) it seems like an... odd idea.

Especially considering it's literally ON TOP of a public space, rather than actually using... the public space which surrounds, and dwarfs, it.

A skeptic might consider it a lame ploy to keep the damn road closed longer :P

[nova9]

With that amount of money, they could have built a slide somewhere in Robson Square. Now THAT would be fun to use and art at the same time.

[Yume-sama]

Yes, I wonder how much the zipline would have cost to keep~

It actually could have *generated* revenue, too, instead of wasting money.

[dreambrother808]

The entire Viva Vancouver summer program, of which this is one part, cost $650k... :rolleyes:

[jlousa]

Had higher hopes for Viva Vancouver, it seemed pretty cool at the beginning but didn't last long at all. IMO.

[Pinion]

At this point I'm just happy the road is open again.

[dreambrother808]

Some of the things are going on in Mt. Pleasant or Collingwood. I have no idea what those are like. Downtown last weekend, a skateboard event and Brazilian mini-fest were well-attended. The Brazilian thing was quite exuberant, with some great food/music. I'm not on Granville every weekend but going by those events I feel that the program has been successful.

As well, Viva Vancouver is ongoing until Sept. 5.

[SpongeG]

passed it again tonight - people were loving it

they were lying on it, posing on it, taking pictures, just hanging out on it

weird

they also had some kind of concert tuesdya night, samsung tab stage was set up and they had some fancy spotlights and stuff as well, didn't notice if they were still there

part of the garden is still fenced off but it looks more inviting since its a little less dense

[LotusLand]

VIVA Vancouver has been great addition and if it sticks will only get better. It's a start :) Would have loved the zipline to stay that beach is kinda cool and brings something there.

The concert was Midway State. There is lots going on in the city these days just read the local blogs. You can't complain there isn't much to do, it may not be your cup of tea but the city is putting effort in.

[IanS]

At this point I'm just happy the road is open again.

But it's not open. Apparently, that wavey shag carpet thing is going to be in place until September 5, according to the Viva Vancouver web page.

[Pinion]

But it's not open. Apparently, that wavey shag carpet thing is going to be in place until September 5, according to the Viva Vancouver web page.

Oh, well that's just fantastic. Closed until it gets cold and driving down Robson is far less visually stimulating.

Don't these people know I have creeping to do!!

[BCPhil]

Oh, well that's just fantastic. Closed until it gets cold and driving down Robson is far less visually stimulating.

Don't these people know I have creeping to do!!

It would also be nice to have Robson bus service back to normal for the back to school shoppers.

[SpongeG]

Locals check out Vancouver's artificial beach

VIVIAN LUK

From Thursday's Globe and Mail
Published Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2011 9:55PM EDT
Last updated Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2011 9:58PM EDT

Locals and tourists alike checked out Picnurbia, a pop-up, artificial beach put up by the city and design firm Loose Affiliates on Robson Street on Wednesday. Children shrieked and laughed as they rolled around on the yellow turf and raced each other down the undulating platform. Others kicked off their shoes, lounged on their backs below the white umbrellas or enjoyed their lunches on the benches. 'It's nice to have something a little more artistic in the city,' said Bobbie Charette as she munched on a taco picked up from a nearby food truck. 'It's almost European in a way because it's not the norm and it's interactive and opened to everybody.'

http://beta.images.theglobeandmail.com/archive/01307/web-picnurbia11_1307093cl-8.jpg
(Jeff Vinnick/The Globe and Mail)Hide caption
People relax among the undulating hills of the Picnurbia installation in Robson Square in Vancouver, Aug. 10, 2011. Picnurbia, a pop up picnic zone between Robson Square and the Vancouver Art Gallery, has bright yellow artificial turf, grassy hills, beach umbrellas and built-in benches.

more pics at source: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/british-columbia/locals-check-out-vancouvers-artificial-beach/article2125941/

[Conrad]

Hmm, not my idea of a good time but whatever. I'm just glad Robson Square is nearly done.

[Calgarian]

I forgot the renovations were happening when I was in town last week, was looking forward to seeing the waterfalls and stuff. Oh well.

[TwoFace]

Picnurbia looks pretty lame to me. Maybe another one of those art features that everyone is afraid to criticize so an not to be looked at as unsophisticated.

I was at an Art gallery in the US once where everyone was gazing in wonder at a large empty room, the exhibit was called Open Space.

[IanS]

Picnurbia looks pretty lame to me. Maybe another one of those art features that everyone is afraid to criticize so an not to be looked at as unsophisticated.

I was at an Art gallery in the US once where everyone was gazing in wonder at a large empty room, the exhibit was called Open Space.


It really does look lame. One thing you don't see in the pictures is that it only covers about 1/3 of the block on one side of the street, so it looks pretty small for the space. It also looks very cheap, a combination of plywood and shag carpet.

Still, people do seem to enjoy it. I'm not sure what the attraction is myself, but there seem to be lots of people sitting or lying on it at lunch.

[LeftCoaster]

Picnurbia looks pretty lame to me. Maybe another one of those art features that everyone is afraid to criticize so an not to be looked at as unsophisticated.

I think it looks stupid too, but I guess its popularity speaks for itself, people see to be enjoying it.

[cc85]

It's simply something different. That is all people are interested in. No need to criticize the design if it works. Don't we use urban design to improve the physical environment? This has been designed to work, and it does.

[s211]

It's simply something different. That is all people are interested in. No need to criticize the design if it works. Don't we use urban design to improve the physical environment? This has been designed to work, and it does.

Pigs will roll in whatever sh*t you put before them, so you're right. We shouldn't criticize it.

[delboy]

bloody crap if you ask me. If they desired a beach downtown, why not go full hog and put down some real sand, have a tiki stand, and volley ball? (or better yet, walk to English Bay)

There are so many great things that could be done with that strip of robson, which is truly the heart of downtown, such as more, street vendors, street food, street perfomers etc....

Vancouver sometimes seems to do these half-hearted attempts to be hip, which just come off as completely lame.

[nova9]

you guys complain SO MUCH! it get so tedious reading post after post of your bitching. no matter what you think, people are enjoying it and using it. it looks great and it's neat. it's not meant to be an alternative to the beach.

i would have like to seen a slide but they could have done nothing. where do you guys get this sense of entitlement?

[jlousa]

I get my sense of entitlement from the thousands upon thousands of dollars I pay in property taxes. :frog:
Like I said earlier I thought Viva Vancouver was a good idea, just think it ran it's course a while back already.

[Yume-sama]

'It's almost European in a way...

Pretty much explains why the hipsters think something like this would be somewhat cool. :frog:

Though, I gather that European cities tend to have nice designated public spaces (as we do) that aren't made of carpet and plywood? Not something I really care about, but come on, it's stupid :P A piece of curved plywood in the middle of what *should* be a road wouldn't get me to come and enjoy Robson Square (which it doesn't seem to promote, anyways...)

At least it's finally ALMOST done. They sure didn't rush it, did they?

[osirisboy]

just open up the fuckin street already, ugh!

[huenthar]

No way! I sure hope they never open up the street again!

[dreambrother808]

you guys complain SO MUCH! it get so tedious reading post after post of your bitching. no matter what you think, people are enjoying it and using it. it looks great and it's neat. it's not meant to be an alternative to the beach.

i would have like to seen a slide but they could have done nothing. where do you guys get this sense of entitlement?

Right on! :tup:

[hollywoodnorth]

just open up the fuckin street already, ugh!

ditto!!! :cheers:

[IanS]

you guys complain SO MUCH! it get so tedious reading post after post of your bitching. no matter what you think, people are enjoying it and using it. it looks great and it's neat. it's not meant to be an alternative to the beach.

So, when you express your view, that's ok, right? But when other express the contrary view, they're just bitching?

i would have like to seen a slide but they could have done nothing. where do you guys get this sense of entitlement?

Entitlement to what? To express a view concerning something which is occurring in Vancouver? That's pretty much the point of this board, isn't it?

[ozonemania]

I like hearing the empassioned opinions regarding this, but maybe we should just chill a bit. We've been without that section of street for a while now, a little while longer isn't going to hurt, not one bit.

While it's nice to see people demanding excellence out of everything the city is doing, this is just a 'popup park'. It's not meant to be permanent. If it had been more lavish and elaborate, then people would just say well that's a waste of money and get mad. Also if it's too nice, then people might demand that it stay, which is what those that are naysayers would not want anyway.

Which is why given the context of the circumstances, I think the project as it is is entirely appropriate. Whether you think a popup park should have been put in at all is a separate issue.

Personally I'm glad the city is willing to be experimental even in baby steps like this. I don't think 'failed' experiments are necessarily a bad thing either. You try something it works that's great.. if it doesn't then lesson lived and learned and then move on.

If you think this is a 'fail' then by all means let the city know that. But in the same breath let them know you don't want them to stop trying to do cool things. Baby out with the bathwater.

[Delirium]

i like the concept but when you see it person, it looks ridiculous.

imo, since the street is already closed, why not have real sand, set up some volleyball courts, have a dj spin and maybe even a beer garden.

Oh but wait. think of the families! eeeek!

check out what Paris does. they bring in tons of real sand and palm trees to line the seine with an beach. very cool.
http://www.generalamuse.com/images/201010242217002638.jpg
photo; http://www.generalamuse.com/design/urban-fun-in-the-sun-paris-beach.html
not this yellow carpeted plywood sh*t.

[delboy]

i like the concept but when you see it person, it looks ridiculous.

imo, since the street is already closed, why not have real sand, set up some volleyball courts, have a dj spin and maybe even a beer garden.

Oh but wait. think of the families! eeeek!

check out what Paris does. they bring in tons of real sand and palm trees to line the seine with an beach. very cool.
http://www.generalamuse.com/images/201010242217002638.jpg
photo; http://www.generalamuse.com/design/urban-fun-in-the-sun-paris-beach.html
not this yellow carpeted plywood sh*t.

yep, that picture says it all really...

[SpongeG]

well unlike paris we are lucky enough to have a number of beaches downtown kinda redundant to create one on a downtown street

[IanS]

well unlike paris we are lucky enough to have a number of beaches downtown kinda redundant to create one on a downtown street

Absolutely. But what we don't have a lot of are tacky looking shag carpet and plywood constructions around the city. It's really one of a kind. ;)

[dreambrother808]

I like hearing the empassioned opinions regarding this, but maybe we should just chill a bit.

Stop being so reasonable! The Internet is for spewing bitter cynicism and pessimism, don't you know? ;)

[Delirium]

well unlike paris we are lucky enough to have a number of beaches downtown kinda redundant to create one on a downtown street

totally agree but then why have this thing? from the press release;
"The pop-up park is located in the 800-block of Robson Street, between Robson Square and the Vancouver Art Gallery, and will feature bright yellow artificial turf, grassy hills, beach umbrellas and built-in benches. It’s an ideal space to sit, relax and picnic."

i don't know about you but i can think of a million better places to have a picnic or chillout. my point was, if your going to do something like this, put some effort into it. otherwise, it's just yellow carpeted plywood on robson. which, let's face it, it is.

[SpongeG]

it's fun and so far proven to be popular

why would anyone want to sit on a lawn chair in times square? but they do

[Zassk]

There are so many places within Robson Square where this thing could have been setup, and been just as much fun and popular, without blocking street lanes...

[vancityrox]

i like the concept but when you see it person, it looks ridiculous.

imo, since the street is already closed, why not have real sand, set up some volleyball courts, have a dj spin and maybe even a beer garden.

Oh but wait. think of the families! eeeek!

check out what Paris does. they bring in tons of real sand and palm trees to line the seine with an beach. very cool.
http://www.generalamuse.com/images/201010242217002638.jpg
photo; http://www.generalamuse.com/design/urban-fun-in-the-sun-paris-beach.html
not this yellow carpeted plywood sh*t.


Montreal is actually doing the same thing. Slated to open for May 2012 in the Old Port. Looks really cool. Could really work since we don't have a beach downtown.. :)

http://blogs.montrealgazette.com/2011/05/25/montreals-old-port-getting-a-beach-next-year-but-no-swimming-allowed/

[Login650]

Not something I really care about, but come on, it's stupid :P A piece of curved plywood in the middle of what *should* be a road wouldn't get me to come and enjoy Robson Square (which it doesn't seem to promote, anyways...)


Actually - Robson Square was originally designed to be closed to traffic. So it would be, you know, a plaza. Part of the reason it's always been dysfunctional as a public space is because we've got a road running through it.

The fact that this 'stupid' thing is constantly jam-pakced with people lounging and relaxing would seem to indicate that it does fill a need.

I would humbly suggest that every other street downtown accommodates cars - I don't think it's unreasonable to have 1 block of space to chill.

[WBC]

Actually - Robson Square was originally designed to be closed to traffic. So it would be, you know, a plaza. Part of the reason it's always been dysfunctional as a public space is because we've got a road running through it.

The fact that this 'stupid' thing is constantly jam-pakced with people lounging and relaxing would seem to indicate that it does fill a need.

I would humbly suggest that every other street downtown accommodates cars - I don't think it's unreasonable to have 1 block of space to chill.

I would like to see 3 blocks of Robson closed for traffic between Granville and Burrard (with crossing streets still carrying traffic) and if possible some semi-enclosing roof structure above it. This would require realignment of some transit from Robson (probably to George). Ah to dream!

[Conrad]

It's not my idea of a good time, but obviously some people are enjoying it. It's too bad that the street has to open up again, it would make a great plaza/marketplace.

[LeftCoaster]

What is the urge to open up Robson again? Honestly who ever drives down that stretch? I'd be quite OK with them just closing that small portion permanently.

The only thing I ever used Robson for on a car was taking a left off Hornby and then a quick right onto burrard. aside from that you are just better off on virtually any other street.

[Pinion]

I prefer to drive down Robson than sterile Georgia on my way to/from the north shore.

Unless I'm in a hurry, of course.

I work in the DTES so I used to be able to go all the way down. Now I have to make a dumb detour south on Howe if I want to go the length of the street.

[Chikinlittle]

What is the urge to open up Robson again? Honestly who ever drives down that stretch? I'd be quite OK with them just closing that small portion permanently.

The only thing I ever used Robson for on a car was taking a left off Hornby and then a quick right onto burrard. aside from that you are just better off on virtually any other street.

There had been a motion at city hall proposing to shut that block permanently but I can't find what ever happened with that? The city is in need of a real square, or plaza, or pedestrian-only space... this was an opportunity.

[LeftCoaster]

I prefer to drive down Robson than sterile Georgia on my way to/from the north shore.

Unless I'm in a hurry, of course.

I work in the DTES so I used to be able to go all the way down. Now I have to make a dumb detour south on Howe if I want to go the length of the street.

So wait you drive south from the DTES just to take Robson across on your way home? Why not just take Dunsmuir? It seems like you are driving more distance to get on a slower road?

I definitely don't pick my driving route based on vibrancy of the streetscape, my route depends entirely on expediency. The less time spent in my car and the more spent at my destination the better imo.

[Pinion]

Yes technically I drive south but you gotta remember at that end of town it's about 60 seconds detour down Beatty/Cambie to get to Robson.

If I want to go fast I drive up Main to Waterfront road (north side of the train tracks) then pop up at Burrard, then take Pender. Or I can take Powell/Cordova and go across second narrows bridge. But after spending so much time in the DTES, sometimes you need a reminder that this city isn't completely shitty. I enjoy driving down Robson and through the west side of the city, at least during nice weather. It's not like I drive down Robson every day though - I mix it up. And for the other 9 months, it's all about speed for me too.

My commute is under 30 minutes either way.

[LotusLand]

Robson Square should be closed to cars and apparently there is a petition: http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2011/08/robson-square-petition-sign-it/

[dreambrother808]

The atmosphere in Robson Square post-construction plus the nice weather has been great. The picnurbia installation has definitely added to that. It would be sad to see the street reopen.:( Sign the petition, folks!

[IanS]

The atmosphere in Robson Square post-construction plus the nice weather has been great. The picnurbia installation has definitely added to that. It would be sad to see the street reopen.:( Sign the petition, folks!

As a pedestrian, I'm all for keeping Robson Square as pedestrian only, as long as something is done to relieve the traffic pressure at and around the Robson / Hornby intersection. Perhaps removing the restriction on right turns from Hornby onto Georgia? It's a real mess right now.

And, of course, I'd want some kind of assurance that the plywood / shag carpet thing would not be hanging around.

Other than that, it's a good idea. IMO.

[dreambrother808]

And, of course, I'd want some kind of assurance that the plywood / shag carpet thing would not be hanging around.
.

That thing is full of people every day. The fact that some forumers may not appreciate it is outweighed by its obvious popularity, IMO.

[IanS]

That thing is full of people every day. The fact that some forumers may not appreciate it is outweighed by its obvious popularity, IMO.

It does seem popular, but I'm not sure why one view would "outweigh" another. Different people like different things and, IMO, there is lots of room for contradictory views and opinions. I was simply stating mine, and the conditions under which I would support converting Robson Square to a pedestrian only space.

[jlousa]

I'd rather open it up to traffic, I'd be willing to close Cambie between Dunsmuir and Georgia though when they create the new gallery. As closing that section would have a much less impact.

[dreambrother808]

Robson Square is much more central to downtown life, at least for the foreseeable future, and therefore has greater impact/use/value as a pedestrian-only area.

@IanS: I guess I'm putting more weight on what I have observed, rather than the opinions of the comparatively smaller group of people who post on here. You're free to disagree, naturally.

[officedweller]

Robson lost its prominence as a thoroughfare when the old Cambie Brdige was demolished and the new (current) one built. The old bridge fed into Robson.

It's been closed for about 2 years and the city has continued to function around it.
I just think they should have removed the curbs (or put shallow curbs like on Granville) when they "restored" it recently.

[racc]

As a pedestrian, I'm all for keeping Robson Square as pedestrian only, as long as something is done to relieve the traffic pressure at and around the Robson / Hornby intersection. Perhaps removing the restriction on right turns from Hornby onto Georgia? It's a real mess right now.

The problem isn't the Hornby Georgia intersection, it is the Georgia Howe intersection. Even if more vehicles could turn right at Hornby Georgia, they would just back up on Georgia Street waiting to turn onto Howe.

Anyway, the safety of cyclists and pedestrians is more important than the flow of traffic.

[racc]

Robson Square should be closed to cars and apparently there is a petition: http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2011/08/robson-square-petition-sign-it/

There is a link to the petition at:
http://vancouverpublicspace.wordpress.com/2011/08/16/expanding-robson-square-the-800-block-petition/

[mezzanine]

meh, I think it should stay closed. if anything, if they close robson square to traffice, think they might even be able to close robson bet granville and howe to pedestrians only and close off the easy park entrance.

I live in downtown, and I haven't been horribly impacted. it wouldn't improved driving if it was open, as that stretch was always stopped for drivers waiting to turn right on howe. and there are a lot of bus route redundancies in that area anyway.

IIRC when robson square first opened, that block in the square was closed off to car traffic, only buses could enter.

That thing is full of people every day. The fact that some forumers may not appreciate it is outweighed by its obvious popularity, IMO.

The irony is that picnurbia is more popular that the entire layout of robson square in the first place. IMO erickson's design is severely lacking in some places for such a prominent area. closing the block off to traffic is a partial remedy.

[hollywoodnorth]

The irony is that picnurbia is more popular that the entire layout of robson square in the first place. IMO erickson's design is severely lacking in some places for such a prominent area. closing the block off to traffic is a partial remedy.

I FULLLLLY agree ... he majorly missed the mark. The layout and function and materials used ... are so very piss poor. the upkeep was below par (hedges left to grow wild for crack heads to use as cover, etc) and that helped to turn it into the eye sore it was before this reno started ... but still.

SUB PAR DESIGN for such a important space in the city. End of story

[paradigm4]

I FULLLLLY agree ... he majorly missed the mark. The layout and function and materials used ... are so very piss poor. the upkeep was below par (hedges left to grow wild for crack heads to use as cover, etc) and that helped to turn it into the eye sore it was before this reno started ... but still.

SUB PAR DESIGN for such a important space in the city. End of story

+1. The fundamental issue is that Vancouver is a ground-level city. We operate on the street. Picnurbia points to this phenomenon. When given urban furniture and public space to interact at along our walking route, we'll utilize it. Vancouverites are not going to go out of their way though to divert underground into a dingy subterranean hole.

I still like the concept proposed by CityCaucus a while back. Cover up the holes, close the road, and make it into a real ground-level physically-shaped square. Use the underground space for either a UBC or VAG expansion. Win-win all another. Considering we couldn't even get rid of the rat and homeless infested tree mound due to concern for the architect's legacy, I doubt it would ever happen unfortunately.

[jlousa]

That's why we'd be better off starting fresh and doing it properly at the future home of the VAG. Sure the location isn't as desirable or central today, but with the arena, stadium, new art gallery, the QE, the Centre, the library all right there plus whatever else gets built onsite, as well as whatever happens to the Post office, I think we shouldn't discount the location. We really have a clean slate to work with.

[Pinion]

^Agreed. The centre of town is gradually moving east, new square or not. Plan it before it's too late.