Welcome to the Urban Design Idea Factory

Inspired ideas and progressive thinking. These are the ideals that we like to shine a light on around here. They really don't get enough attention these days. Imagine the community we would live in if they did.

I know that I am at my creative best when I'm surrounded by people who thrive on creativity and are not afraid to put their ideas out there on the chopping block of public scrutiny. The scariest thing in the world is to expose your thoughts and ideas to comment and ridicule. It is by far easier when you're amongst others who take those chances right along side of you. That's what SDW wants to be - your safe-haven for creative urban design comradery.

One of our regular readers, AC, sent me his thoughts and ideas regarding the abandoned Transit Windsor depot and has agreed to let me publish his plans here. I think he is on the right path when advocating for facilities for local artists and a permanent downtown farmer's market. Let's hear what you think. (Thanks to Andrew at International Metropolis for the original photo AC used in his work)

Click on the above image for a larger photo of AC's plans for the depot.

- repaved lot to house outdoor market (including underneath overhang) to house fresh fruit & veggie vendors, fresh flowers, apparel, food vendors, etc.
-green upper roofs
-small outdoor restaurant on top of overhang, make it so that the fruits and veggies are fresh and only from the vendors in the market below
-overhanging lights between the tunnel ventilation building and the bus depot
-the rear of the building (west side) can be left vacant and used for loading and unloading.
-trees and benches line the "inner" walkway

It could really be a boost for that area of downtown and even give a link between the casino and the main strip. After admitting that the tunnel stacks concentrate the pollution in that area, they possibly couldn't turn down a green roof either.

So, get thinking of ways to improve this community yourself and send them in. We citizens can be the default planners for this community until our politicians find the testicular fortitude to start planning for a creative future.