Dynamic cities: Unlocking Canada's urban potential with kinetic urbanism
Subject
Abstract
Traditional static urban planning often yields rigid public spaces that suffer from winter dormancy and fail to meet evolving community needs. This research explores Kinetic Urbanism: the concept that public spaces must be physically adaptable, socially dynamic, and supported by flexible policies to achieve year-round resilience. Through semi-structured interviews with BC professionals, findings reveal that the primary barriers to adaptability are organizational, such as liability fears and siloed budgets, rather than technological. These insights inform the design simulation of Diana Krall Plaza in Nanaimo. The site is retrofitting with a hidden utility grid, lightweight modular structures, and weather-responsive canopies along with operational frameworks to create a year-round, inclusive third space. Ultimately, this research argues that municipalities must shift from passive regulation to active curation, empowering communities to shape their own environments. Kinetic Urbanism is not a final architectural blueprint, but a continuous process that keeps public spaces alive, climate-ready, and culturally meaningful.