Urb farm : agriculture on the edge

This design thesis explores the relationship between agricultural lands and urban areas in close proximity. The City of Richmond, British Columbia is evaluated for how its landscape structure is defined by its associated agricultural lands. The important pathways by which people move through and between the urban and agricultural landscapes are identified, as these play an important role in shaping the city's identity. A closer look is taken at the Gilmore area in south Richmond; parcel sizes and trends in ownership and land use are used to project the future of this agricultural area which is surrounded by urban development. Eight strategies are developed which aim at protecting agricultural lands, strengthening their connection to urban areas, and/or improving their identity within the larger context. The strategies all have the goal of enhancing the viability of food production in close proximity to the city. At the same time, they aim at achieving a social benefit by making the experience of foodlands a more positive part of the daily life of the city. The strategies vary in their size, form, demographic targets, positive as well as negative side-effects which might impact agricultural lands, and the steps that would be necessary to facilitate their implementation. While the designs demonstrate these strategies as applied to specific sites, it is hoped that the issues they address are sufficiently clear to be applicable to other areas with similar conditions of agricultural/urban proximity.Applied Science, Faculty ofArchitecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA), School ofGraduat