Project Feature: South Granville Neighbourhood Plaza, Vancouver B.C

At City Blocks, we believe in reimagining urban spaces to create meaningful, shared environments that serve everyone. Our latest project in the heart of Vancouver exemplifies this mission: the South Granville Neighborhood Plaza at the intersection of Granville St and 14th St.

In partnership with the South Granville BIA, City Blocks Urban Furniture  helped redesign the plaza to redefine public space, making it safer and more inclusive for cyclists and pedestrians alike.

A Safe and Vibrant Plaza for Everyone

City Blocks and the South Granville BIA sought a solution to reduce cyclist-pedestrian incidents while enhancing the plaza’s usability. City Blocks collaborated with The WKNDRS to extend their vibrant urban art mural onto the asphalt to achieve this. The mural now serves as more than art—it clearly delineates pedestrian zones and a cyclist bike lane, making the space safer while encouraging shared use.

In July 2023, City Blocks, the South Granville BIA, and the WKNDRS hosted a community paint day. This was a pivotal moment, as it was the locals who gathered to bring the mural to life, transforming the plaza into a participatory public art project. Their involvement was not just a contribution, but a testament to the power of community in shaping public spaces.

Pocket Park Installation: Adaptive and Functional Street Furniture

Alongside the mural, CityBlocks introduced a street furniture pocket park installation, carefully designed to match the mural’s vibrant colours and enhance the plaza’s functionality. Here’s what we installed:

Pocket Blocks 

These modular blocks can be configured in various ways to suit different needs, offering flexibility for various configurations in plaza spaces, Their simple design allows communities to reshape them as needed, reflecting City Blocks’ belief in adaptive urbanism and making our streets more mulifuntional.

High Line Street Loungers

With a form inspired from the iconic NYC highline, this seating invites passersby to pause, relax, and engage with the space. Its design encourages social interaction and offers comfortable seating options, blending function with artistry.

Low Line Street Loungers

Designed for urban relaxation, these loungers provide ergonomic support and create a sense of belonging in public spaces. Their sleek sinuous aesthetic complements the plaza’s modern vibe while fostering moments of calm amid city life.

The Power of Community: Bringing People Together Through Art and Design

One of the most inspiring aspects of the South Granville Neighborhood Plaza project was the community’s involvement. The July 2023 community paint day transformed the plaza into a collaborative space, with residents, local businesses, and passersby coming together to paint the vibrant asphalt mural. This hands-on event not only brought the design to life but also fostered a sense of ownership and pride among participants.

The plaza now serves as more than just a shared space—it has become a hub for connection and interaction. Families stop to admire the mural, cyclists feel safer using the designated lane, and pedestrians gather in the pocket park installation to relax or chat. These small, everyday moments reflect the true success of the project: creating an environment where people feel welcome, safe, and connected. 

Projects like this show how public spaces, when thoughtfully designed, can become a catalyst for positive social engagement. By inviting the community into the design process and incorporating elements like adaptable furniture and interactive art, the South Granville Plaza exemplifies how people-first urbanism can strengthen local connections.

Transforming the Everyday into Artful Experiences

This project is not just about functional design and safety. It's about creating a vibrant, engaging community space. The South Granville Neighborhood Plaza is now not just a passage but a destination—a place where art, safety, and community come together to create a unique and exciting experience for all who visit. 

We’re proud to see the community embracing the space and making it their own. This partnership with the South Granville BIA and The WKNDRS reflects City  Blocks’ core belief that public spaces are for everyone and thrive when they invite creativity and connection. The active involvement of the locals in bringing the mural to life and transforming the plaza into a participatory public art project is a testament to this.

Visit the South Granville Neighborhood Plaza today and experience the transformation of urban spaces firsthand. See how functional design and art have merged to create a safer, more vibrant environment for all. For more details about the installation, check out our project page.

-Urban Space for All