CIVITAS Inc. has extensive new community planning experience for a variety of projects ranging from mixed use communities on large greenfield sites to urban neighbourhoods of several thousand units.
This experience is both international and domestic and covers a broad range of markets from destination resorts to urban and suburban neighbourhoods and complete towns. Issues of market, environment, economics, infra-structure and character must all be addressed in creating new and lasting living environments.Adelaide North, Albion Slopes, Bayside Village, Caves Beach, Charlestown, , Crane Site, Dover Crossing, Gilmore Farms, Greenlands, Kang Qiao, Liangzhu, McLennan North, Penrith Lakes, Pinnacle Place, Rouse Hill, Silver Valley, Suter Brook, The Village at Galisteo Preserve, Warnervale, Weiser, Westwood Plateau
CIVITAS together with UrbanGreen of San Francisco, was engaged to develop the Master Plan for this 286.5 ha community located
on a scenic plateau outside of Boise, Idaho. The Cliffs will be a planned community embodying the principles of conservation-based design, vitality, and diversity. Through careful planning concepts and implementation strategies, the plan demonstrates that conservation and development are not mutually exclusive. Long term stewardship mechanisms will be created to restore and manage enhanced wildlife resources on the property. Also, the plan is committed to providing a diversity of housing types across a broad price range in order to attract a diversity of residents whose lives and backgrounds will help enrich the living experience at the Cliffs. The community is compact with pedestrian-friendly streets, great open space features and a variety of residential blocks, all focussed around a neighbourhood main street.was engaged to design a small piece of Maple Ridge.CLIENT: Skyline Development
Albion Slopes - Maple Ridge , British Columbia
Bayside Village - Tsawwassen, British Columbia
The site lies at the urbanized edge of Tsawwassen, B.C. and fronts the foreshore of Boundary Bay, a tidal bay possessing international significance as a staging area for migratory birds on the Pacific flyway. An interactive design approach was undertaken with ecological consultants to develop a design solution which harmonizes the need for innovative housing in an environmentally sensitive location. The CIVITAS solution clusters residential uses in an ecological village: a small-scaled housing cluster with the ambiance of a cohesive country hamlet. The distinctive form and character of the village is expressed through design controls which establish building setbacks, lot sizes and village road widths which are typically smaller and more humane than those in standard suburban subdivisions. Native plan species and landscaping will provide new habitat for songbirds within the residential areas. The ecological village and a small single family residential neighbourhood are set within vast areas of enhanced wildlife and bird habitat including cultivated agricultural fields, pastures, a nature park, a waterfowl marsh and a songbird buffer area adjacent to the foreshore. The concept ensures the harmonious integration of housing within the site without compromising the area’s inherent character, quality and sense of place.
CLIENT: First National Properties Group
Caves Beach - Wallarah, Australia
CIVITAS' concept for Caves Beach is that of a planned neighbourhood with a strong economic, environmental and tourism focus and a commitment to Ecologically Sustainable Development. In accordance with Government Coastal Protection Policy, the masterplan provides protection of coastal and lakefront areas, and the preservation of habitat corridors. The overall Strategic Plan also includes opportunities for improved local employment base and future growth through tourism, leisure and recreational facilities such as a Hotel and Convention Centre, an executive retreat, a Golf Course, an environmental education centre and neighbourhood retail centres.
CLIENT: Prudential Finance Holdings Inc.
SITE AREA: 674 Hectares
RESIDENTIAL UNITS: 1,800
Charlestown Square - Newcastle, Australia
CIVITAS has been engaged as Masterplanning consultant responsible for the redevelopment of Charlestown Square, an existing shopping centre in the centre of Charlestown. Central to the plan is the concept of using the expansion project as a catalyst for the rethinking of the entire Town Centre. The masterplan includes initiatives aimed at regenerating the “heart” of Charlestown including revitalizing the main shopping street, introducting major public plazas and gathering places, adding residential and other new uses such as entertainment and commercial, and redeveloping public open spaces and parks.
Crane Site - Coquitlam, British Columbia
Dover Crossing - Richmond, British Columbia
CIVITAS' study addressed the long-term residential development potential of both city and privately held lands along a one mile waterfront site along the Fraser River. The site also became the location for the new No. 2 Road Bridge which provided a new gateway into Richmond from Vancouver. The neighbourhood was based on a concept for a gradual increase in density and height from existing low density neighbourhoods in the south and maximizing riverfront views. CIVITAS developed detailed design guidelines that ensured sensitive forms of development, especially adjacent to the riverfront, were achieved.
CLIENT: River Project Ltd.
SITE AREA: 15 Hectares
RESIDENTIAL UNITS: 800
PLOT RATIO (NET): 53 uph
Gilmore Farms - Richmond, British Columbia
CIVITAS was engaged as the prime consultant to work with a multi-disciplinary group of consultants on developing a visionary concept for the long-term sustainability of 325 acres of existing agricultural land know as the Gilmore Farms within the Agricultural Land Reserve in Richmond, B.C. which, at the time, was not viable as farmland. The concept proposes a balance of environmental, social and economic benefits by incorporating planning principles of agriculture, environment, community and heritage and culture into a comprehensive plan to protect, enhance and utilize the lands for the future. The plan includes the introduction of two small compact villages to be placed within the existing farmland while maintaining a rural character. The village character is for ground-oriented housing organized around a series of public spaces including a market street. Farmland viability would be enhanced through intensive farming techniques, allotment gardens, specialty crops and marketing and management programmes. The concept also provides an opportunity to develop nature preserve areas in the form of ecology parks, wildlife viewing, environmental studies and sanctuaries. The plan demonstrates how many diverse interests can be realized through a comprehensive approach.
CLIENT: Listraor Developments Inc.
SITE AREA: 325 Acres
Greenlands - Taiwan
The Greenlands site, just 45 minutes from Taipei, is a prime location favoured with a sunny aspect and panoramic views to the Pacific Ocean and the magnificent rocks of Yehlou Scenic Park. Situated atop a mountain ridge, the site falls towards the water and Wan-mei beach area via thickly treed slopes and dramatic promontories. The master plan for this high quality development integrates residential, recreational, commercial, and public uses with the verdant natural environment. The residential component of the master plan includes single family houses, high rise apartments, and a senior citizen’s residential complex. Greenlands’ site, its location and the resort-like development plan make it an exciting opportunity attractive as a primary home, for residents seeking recreation-oriented lifestyles and an alternative working environment. Facilities for tourist, and day visitors have been integrated into the master plan in the form of a 100 room castle-themed hotel, a full service country club and a 300 room atrium-style hotel and casino complex.
CLIENT: TICO Development Co. Ltd.
SITE AREA: 53 Hectares
CONSERVATION AREA: 13 Hectares
RESIDENTIAL UNITS: 1,083
AMENITIES: 100 room themed hotel, 300 room atrium hotel, country club, golf academy, commercial center, landmark entry
Kang Qiao - Shanghai, China
Kang Qiao is a prominent 330 hectare site south east of downtown Shanghai situated on the main highway to the new Shanghai International Airport.
Teh Master Plan for Kang Qiao Silicon Valley is envisaged as a community comprised of 5 pedestrian scaled neighbourhoods and central village. A major economic driver of the concept is a high-tech campus that is integrated with the fabric of the commercial core. A prominent feature of the site is the extensive waterway system, which has been considered in the design layout. The waterway establishes the basis of a pedestrian environment and network that links across the principal highways that divide various areas of the community. CIVITAS was invited to prepare this master plan in 2001 as part of an international competition.
CLIENT: Kang Qiao Silicon Valley Development Ltd.
SITE AREA: 330 Hectares
RESIDENTIAL UNITS: 2,700
PLOT RATIO (GROSS): 0.4
CIVITAS has been engaged by the Narada Real Estae Development Co. Ltd. on a continuing basis for the master planning and design development of the Liangzhu Cultural Village Project outside of Hangzhou, China. The project consists of 833 Ha of existing agricultural and forest land with 398 Ha considered for residential and tourism development. The site sits within a spectacular setting, with forested mountains to the northwest and the Liangzhu River to the southeast. Through an ongoing series of workshops with the client, CIVITAS has developed an overall master plan that forsees a series of eight villages linked by a major parkway boulevard. The villages are to be sized and spaced on a 5 minute walking radius. Open space links are to be preserved between the villages allowing ‘green fingers’ of the mountain forest to link with the riverfront.
McLennan North - Richmond, British Columbia
As part of Richmond City Centre, the plan features the creation of a variety of housing types interwoven in a sensitive manner with existing housing. The housing form and density is characterized by a strong street level identity for grade level units reminiscent of traditional European models.
Pbulicly accessible open spaces in the form of village greens are distributed throughout the neighbourhood. These greens are linked with a continuous treelined exclusive bicycle route and parallel pedestrian path forming a “greenway. CIVITAS’ neighbourhood plan was converted into an Official Community Plan by the Richmond Planning Department.
CLIENT: Cressey Development Corp.
SITE AREA: 65 Hectares
RESIDENTIAL UNITS: 2,300
UNITS PER HECTARE: 20
Penrith Lakes - Penrith, Australia
CIVITAS is the urban design and planning consultant on a multi-disciplinary team for this new community west of Sydney. Stiuated at the foot of the Blue Mountains, the community of Penrith will build on the Olympic venues and spirit in establishing an example of balancing environmental, social and economic expectations. The site is defined by several large lakes created to address prevalent environmental conditions while providing an amenity and framework for the urban areas. This major lifestyle project will be a significant contributor to the ongoing economic prosperity of Penrith. It will become a benchmark for environmental and recreation management excellence.
CLIENT: Urban Pacific Ltd.
SITE AREA: 1,900 Hectares
RESIDENTIAL UNITS: 2,700
UNITS PER HECTARE: 1.6
SPECIAL FEATURES: Sydney 2000 Olympic Penrith rowing and whitewater venues
Penrith Lakes - Post Olymic Master Plan
Penrith Lakes was the location for the Olympic Rowing Basin and Whitewater Kayaking events for the Sydney 2000 games. A significant component of the project was to envision and examine the post-Olympic legacy provided by world class Olympic facilities. CIVITAS developed a land use strategy and masterplan to capitalize on this opportunity by establishing complementary uses such as sports enterprise, recreation and residential.
The integration of this world class sporting facility into the masterplanned community will provide an economic base for the surrounding area and capitalize on the synergy of the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
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Pinnacle Place - Richmond, British Columbia
CIVITAS was engaged in the development of the Master Plan for this key mixed us transit-oriented development in Richmond, B.C., achieving several key design cornerstones by creating:
• an integrated mixed-use neighbourhood;
• a gateway statement to Richmond’s City Centre;
• a major central neighbourhood park;
• a diversity of residential types; and,
• a distinct and vibrant architectural theme.
The built form generally consists of low to mid-rise buildings that are appropriately scaled as a pedestrian streetscape and that are activated by uses that support street life. Combined with the lower built form are several higher towers that accent the skyline and function as landmarks for the neighbourhood and surrounding community. The combination of urban living, shopping and working uses are balanced by an integrated hierarchy of public open spaces.CLIENT: Pinnacle Development
GROSS SITE AREA: 6.9 Hectares
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Rouse Hill - Sydney, Australia
CIVITAS Inc. has been engaged as the master planning and urban design consultant for a regional town center in the northwest growth corridor of Sydney. The development plan includes a compact and fine-grained mixed-use town centre of some 160,000m2 plus a total of 1,800 residences. The site is to be serviced immediately by an express bus transit-way and in future by regional heavy rail commuter link. The master plan is premised on the integration of diverse housing products with environmentally sensitive creek zones, existing vegetation and a heritage farm site.
Objectives:
- to create a multifunctional regional centre which meets the social, economic and environmental needs of the community
- to achieve an orderly staging of development over the time frame of the development (including having stage 1 open by 2005) with all elements present from the earliest stages
- to create a vibrant and well designed mixed use town centre with pedestrian friendly public streets and uses addressing those streets centers,
- to incorporate housing forms, such as apartments, town houses, shop top housing etc. which demonstrate a range of choice, diversity and affordability as an integral part of the centre, and
- to create transit-oriented development.
Headlines:
- multifunctional town centre, integrated learning community, integrated health services, real housing, real choice and diversity, affordability and sustainability, authentic identity and sense of place, and a new model of governance; a community association which engages community and other stakeholders.
Cornerstones:
- context - celebrating and integrating the inherent qualities of place, natural, cultural and artificial
- balancing - the social, environmental and commercial aspects of an integrated community
- community - accommodating and facilitating the needs and aspirations of the community as it responds to changing social and economic drivers
- innovation - providing a framework for adopting new technologies and new social framework to deliver better community outcomes.
Silver Valley - Maple Ridge, British Columbia
CIVITAS was selected to undertake a public Master Planning project for this significant hillside community. The project process was based on an extensive public consultation process that includes stakeholder workshops. Teh project was spawned in response to negative public reaction to the typical form and character of suburban development. CIVITAS has been able to provide the community with future outcomes that respect the environmental and historical qualities of the site while maintaining the economic expectations of the development industry through innovative design and land planning. The outcome of this project will be evidenced in an Official Community Plan document that will afford both the residents and development community assurances as to the expected form of development.
CLIENT: District of Maple Ridge
SITE AREA: 648 Hectares
RESIDENTIAL UNITS: 3,700
UNITS PER HECTARE: 5.7
Suter Brook - Port Moody, British Columbia
The Suter Brook community has been conceived to retain and enhance the natural Suter Brook creek environment. Leading edge environmental enhancement, management and stewardship plans have been developed, creating what is a precedent setting approach to environmental sustainability for an urban community. The community plan is comprised of three architecturally distinctive neighbourhoods focused around a village square and builds on the railway heritage of Port Moody. All residents are located within a 2 1/2 minute walk of the central green neighbourhood park.
CLIENT: Greystone Properties Ltd.
SITE AREA: 9 Hectares
RESIDENTIAL UNITS: 1000
UNITS PER HECTARE: 45
The Village at Galisteo Preserve - Santa Fe, New Mexico
CIVITAS Inc., in collaboration with SiteWorkshop, have been commissioned to prepare a Master Plan for a small, compact village that is to be located at the fringe of the 4,850 ha conservancy. The village plan has been sited to “fit” and sit lightly into the dramatic site features of this desert site. A school, post office, artist live/work, performing arts, spa and wellness centre, and local retail form the heart of the village. School gym, library and aquatic facilites are designed to be utilised by the village residents and contribute to the
civic heart, which is focused around the central green, orchard and community gardens. Given the desert environment, buildings and public spaces are designed to block winter winds, minimise summer sun exposure and reduce water use, while capturing the natural energy value of these conditions, utilising innovative environmentally sound practices.
Warnervale - Wyong, NSW, Australia
Warnervale Town Centre, within its regional context, is poised to become a true town centre for up to 15,000 units, which are slated within the urban release area. The location is strategic in that it will be integrated with a new station on the existing heavy rail corridor and is adjacent to regional transport routes. The core area of the Town Centre is based on a Main Street model and is anchored by 30,000 m2 of retail and significant community amenities including cinemas, aquatic and community centres, library, youth, health and senior’s services. Significant office and residential allotments support the retail and community core and include shop-top housing, mixed-use development parcels and high-density residential sites all within a five-minute walk of the retail core, parks and the rail/transit interchange. The concept plan has been conceived to minimize disruption to site topography, retains regionally significant flora and fauna, and implements best practices in water sensitive urban design.
Weiser - Burnaby, British Columbia
In 1996, the City of Burnaby adopted a plan for creating a retail and residential community focus in the Edmonds area. Through Adera, the client, CIVITAS was engaged as the urban design consultants for rationalizing the inclusion of the site in the Edmonds Town Centre Plan. With City Council’s approval, CIVITAS then continued with a design for the conversion of the site to a residential neighbourhood with a range of low and medium density townhouses.
A network of both pedestrian and bicycle linkages and a series of green spaces were designed to integrate the site with surrounding parks and neighbourhoods.
CLIENT: Adera Equities Ltd.
SITE AREA: 15.4 Hectares
RESIDENTIAL UNITS: 470
Westwood Plateau - Coquitlam, Canada
CIVITAS coordinated the planning of Westwood Plateau in two phases that included the re-evaluation and redesign of the then official development plan.
The new community plan includes an 18 hole golf club, a golf academy with a 9 hole executive course and a complete mix of housing types.
Westwood Plateau has attracted great interest from the development community, making it an exceptional opportunity for builders and a successful community focused development for new residents. The community is now nearing completion and the Westwood Plateau Golf Course is recognized as the best in British Columbia.
CLIENT: Wesbild Enterprises Ltd.
SITE AREA: 650 Hectares
RESIDENTIAL UNITS: 4,500
