At Smart Density, we tackle the dominant issue of housing affordability through a proven and sustainable strategy: creating well-designed, human-scale, pedestrian-friendly, high-density developments near major transit hubs. In other words, creating smart density.
Living in these smart neighbourhoods makes it much easier to get around without a car. This encourages more physical activity, lowers household transportation costs, and requires less infrastructure per person, reducing development costs both financially and environmentally.
CLIENT:
SIZE:
3-hectare, ~1-hectare commercial, 1.4M+ sq. ft. GFA
LOCATION:
Kitchener, ON
TRANSIT:
<500 m from ION LRT
PROJECT DURATION:
2022 –
We believe that a skilfully designed transit-oriented neighbourhood can become a catalyst for thriving communities and cities. But to unlock this potential, it needs a strong commercial component that not only serves residents, but also brings life to the surrounding area.
Successful commercial areas need inviting foot traffic, thriving neighbouring businesses, and strong growth prospects. Yet all too often, commercial streets and centres are disconnected, creating gaps that limit the overall vitality of an area.
This was the issue we recognized in our analysis of a 3-hectare site in Waterloo Region. Located less than half a kilometre from an ION LRT station, the site was within a major transit station area intended to serve as a neighbourhood focal point with a mix of residential, commercial, and institutional uses.
However, the lack of existing street-oriented retail and limited potential for continuous commercial activity could reduce the chances of street retail succeeding in this specific location.
To respond to this challenge, we proposed a concentrated commercial hub at the centre of the design. Accessible from the main street, the hub would accommodate a diverse range of businesses, including retail outlets and restaurants. Designing with the future in mind, we also included flexible spaces that could be used as offices or live-work units, with the potential to convert to retail as demand grows.
In an innovative configuration, we organized an approximately 1-hectare commercial component around a loop, creating a cohesive network of narrow streets and a central square to maximize visibility and accessibility within the community. To provide the right setting for this retail environment, the central square was designed to be completely car-free: a lively and engaging place where people can safely explore, shop, and connect.
To further enhance the streetscape for residents and the broader neighbourhood, we used a design strategy that blends mid-rise and high-rise buildings. This allowed us to accommodate over 1.4 million square feet of residential, commercial, and flexible floor area on the site, while creating a vibrant community with a strong sense of belonging and an urban experience at a human scale.