A study on how parks and open spaces can support Vancouver during a seismic event
Vancouver is an ever-densifying coastal city built near the Cascadia Subduction Zone. Considered a Seismic Zone 2, the Pacific Coast is the most earthquake-prone region of Canada. The Geological Survey of Canada has assessed the Vancouver region as having significant earthquake hazard and potential for ground motions that could cause significant damage to ordinary buildings and infrastructure. (Scawthorn, C. “Fire following earthquake in the Vancouver region.”) Projecting even a moderate-size earthquake to hit Vancouver, Vancouver could be subjected to major fires, water system damage, plummeted facades, balconies and collapsed buildings, ruined streets, and many other infrastructural damages. Assuming moderate to severe damages to existing buildings, this study presents an argument on how parks and open spaces can be earthquake mitigators and serve as a gathering place for people to take shelter and share resources. As potential spaces for refuge, this study gathers data on accessibility to parks, parks and its proximity to different building typologies, existing resources found in open space and what could be added to strengthen future resilience, and how different ground types can affect rest, travel and short-term shelter fabrication.