Pauline Moskal
landscape architect

FLOAT is a conceptual re-design for the Plaza of Nations in False Creek, Vancouver. Inspired by the history of the site and the city grid, the design is meant to emphasize and bridge the north and south shores of the creek together. The program consists of a simple plaza, anchored to the north shore, and a floating plaza which is programmed for water activities and a cafe. With numerous water sports already hosted in the area, FLOAT enhances the user experience and brings people back out onto the water.

Sea level rise is going to have a significant impact on this area in the next fifty years. As seen in the map on the following page, the creek will begin to spill out into the city if precautions are not made. The flexible structure of the floating plaza will allow it to adapt to changing water levels in the future. Due to the lack of water movement and pollution from boats, the water quality in False Creek is quite poor. In an effort to restore health back to this body of water, FLOAT incorporates a phased approach along the waters’ edge to improve these conditions.

 
As this was part of a comprehensive studio, thoughtful design from site scale all the way down to construction detail was required. As such, various components of the design such as seating and architectural structures were looked at in precise detail, and the end result was a complete and comprehensive construction document package. The following pages are excerpts from this construction set.