TARGET: TO REINVIGORATE PUBLIC DISCOURSE ON LANEWAY HOUSING THROUGH EXHIBITS, FORUMS, AND AN IDEA COMPETITION • To Reconsider Benefits of Density • To Cultivate and Promote Demand for Architectural and Planning innovation ------- In response to the City of Vancouver’s recent allowance for laneway housing to take place in single-family residential zoning districts, the Vancouver Architecture for Humanity Society (AFH Vancouver) plans to present to both the public and built environment professionals a vision of ‘what-can-be’ and more importantly ‘how-to-imagine’ when engaging with Vancouver’s urban fabric. AFH Vancouver is planning a 2-week exhibit/forum for April 2009. We are approaching the issue from the following directions: Theoretical understanding, historical references/precedents, policy/logistics, design, social and environmental sustainability. We are privileged to have gained interests and support from the following individuals: Katherine Isaac: Planner, City of Vancouver Community Service Planning Group, Laneway housing Implementation committee. // Bill Pechet: Lecturer in Practice, UBC School of Architecture – Runs the studio: Redefining zoning and Architecture in Vancouver’s West End in response to the Eco-Density Charter. // David Wiebe: Director of Communications, AIBC. // Dr. Patrick Chan: Educator, ECU & SFU – AFH Vancouver Laneway Housing Project Leader; organized conferences locally and internationally. // Varouj Gumuchian: Outreach Specialist, Engineer – Organized POTO Design Competition, AIBC, July 2007. // Joaquin Karakas: Urban designer – Conducted, produced extensive research on laneway housing for CMHC. // Mona Lemoine: Director (BC), Cascadia Region Green Building Council. // If you are interested or have experience on this subject, we would love to hear from you!