Argyle and Grafton Shared Streetscape
Argyle and Grafton Shared Streetscape
Atlantic Canada’s first shared streets
In the heart of downtown Halifax's entertainment district, Argyle Street is an active and inviting space for pedestrians and cyclists alike. The first shared street in Atlantic Canada, Argyle Street strives to put the automobile second to the pedestrian and cyclist experience. Argyle patterns in the concrete pavers and signage create a pedestrian-oriented feel, healthy, mature trees are encouraged by “Silva” cells, and trench drains along with delicate grading allow the street to shed water but provide a continuous surface. The final result balances fun and function.
The design accommodates a range of uses from street festivals, concerts, restaurant patios, and transportation. The project has been so well received by the community that the street is now closed to vehicular traffic on summer weekends.
Status
2016 - Design
2017 - Construction
Our Role
Prime Consultant - Landscape Architecture, Engineering/ Transportation, Urban Design, Wayfinding
Client
Halifax Regional Municipality
Location
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Awards
2017 - The Coast Best of Halifax Awards, Best Effort to Improve Halifax (Silver)
2017 - Streetsblog USA, Peoples Choice: Best Urban Street Transformation of 2017
2018 - International Making Cities Livable Design Awards: Final Jury Candidate, Built Work
2018 - Atlantic Planners Institute: Excellence in Planning, Physical Plans and Design
2018 - International Downtown Association: Pinnacle Award
2018 - The Coast Best of Halifax Awards: Best Thing to Happen to Halifax in the Past Year (Gold)
2020 - APALA Award of Excellence: Large-Scale Landscape Designed by a Landscape Architect
To encourage the in-ground trees to grow, trench drains and Silva cells provide water and soil beneath the pavers while providing ample space for utilities and supporting pedestrian traffic.
The recently completed Nova Centre and future hotel will bring visitors to the heart of Halifax.
Tactile warning strips separate pedestrians from vehicles. Trench drains replace traditional catch basins to handle rainwater
Halifax is one of Canada’s oldest cities and as a result some of the underground infrastructure wouldn’t allow for in ground trees, smaller ornamental trees in large planters were used in these areas.
An LED canopy brings additional vibrancy and energy to the street in the evening.
In the heart of Halifax’s entertainment district, Argyle Street is active late into the evening. Layered lighting at different levels makes the street feel active and vibrant long into the night.
The drive lane features a large argyle pattern embedded within the pre-cast concrete pavers, a nod to the street name.
The widened sidewalk allows ample room for restaurant patios.
Aligning trees, benches, and lamp posts limits the obstructions to pedestrians and ensures a large path of travel. This design also makes the street easier to navigate for those with limited mobility or visual impairments.
On weekends throughout the summer the street closes to vehicular traffic, allowing for pedestrian friendly events.
FINDING YOUR WAY
Bright beacons provide an oversize map of the downtown core to pedestrians. Patterns of colours and lines reference the argyle pattern in the granite pavers of Argyle Street.
PLACEMAKING
Historical context of the street provides visitors and locals with the opportunity to understand the role of the street through time.