Source: Google Earth Imagery
Challenge Site
For the second year in a row, the site for the 2019 Challenge was the Burnaby BCIT campus. The campus is within the traditional and un-ceded territories of the Coast Salish Nations of Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish Nations. The campus is situated within the Still Creek-Brunette River Drainage Basin and Guichon Creek runs through the center of the campus and is open in the southern section of campus.
The focus area for the 2019 Challenge is the southern end of the BCIT Burnaby Campus as illustrated in the image to left. The south campus extends from the south by Deer Lake Parkway to the north side of the BCIT Recreation Centre and west from Willingdon Avenue to Wayburne Avenue on eastern edge. This area includes a large forested area, parking lots, residential units, a community garden, a sweat lodge and several industry partner buildings and centers.
Scenario
Students were tasked with providing a conceptual design and plan for the southern section of the BCIT Campus that directly links to 8 of the EcoCity Standards. The plans for South Campus was to serve as a model for a mini-city at the EcoCity Level 1 standard. It also needed to include a high level cost estimate and schedule.
Students were asked to consider the following EcoCity standards, with deeper focus on two of the standards of your team’s choice (each standard is linked to the description on the https://ecocitystandards.org website):
- Access by proximity
- Safe and Affordable Housing
- Green Building
- Environmentally friendly transportation
- Quality of life
- Healthy biodiversity
- Healthy and Accessible food
- Responsible Resources/Materials
Field Experience
Students consulted with a series of mentors on the Burnaby BCIT Campus during the afternoon of the first day following the welcome luncheon and during the second field day. Each team had the opportunity to present and discuss their ideas with subject matter experts BCIT and industry. Teams discussed site plans based on what would be feasible and appropriate within the site and larger campus area. Project goals were to:
- Inclusion of Indigenous values and teachings
- A major central park that adds new outdoor recreation and relaxation areas
- Indoor and outdoor spaces for meeting, studying, relaxing
- Sustainable buildings and infrastructure (including space for a community garden)
- Ecological enhancement of the South forest, Guichon creek riparian and wetland area
- Improved access for transit, cycling, ride sharing and sufficient parking
- Rental housing near open space for faculty, staff, and students (up to 2500 as proposed in Campus Plan)
Each team received resources and support for equipment and media such as digital GIS data, reports & maps, and computer lab and technical support. They were also provided food tickets, snacks and drinks throughout Challenge event and compensation for parking at campus during event. Each team member also received an event shirt.
Awards Gala Presentations
The final solution for the south campus of BCIT was presented to a panel of judges in the form of a 20-minute oral presentation. Students were evaluated based on innovation and creativity, feasibility, and synergy of team skills. Presentations and dinner were held at a Awards Night Gala at the Hart House in Burnaby.