Vancouver Urbanarium Society

The Vancouver Urbanarium Society is a Canadian nonprofit organization focused on fostering intelligent city building and fostering dialogue around urban issues. It is a registered charity with the registration number 83332 5830 RR0001.

History

The Urbanarium was originally founded in 1985 by Ray Spaxman, the former Director of Planning for the City of Vancouver[1]. Over the years, it has evolved through different phases known as Urbanarium 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0. In 2013, it was revitalized to address the need for an organization dedicated to thoughtful urban development in Metro Vancouver[1].

Activities and Governance

Today, the organization hosts various events, including competitions, debates, and interactive workshops (studios) that aim to engage residents and professionals in city building discussions[4][5]. These activities are guided by an 18-person Board of Directors and supported by multiple volunteer committees[2][3]. The board and committees are composed of a diverse group of professionals such as architects, landscape architects, planners, developers, and community leaders[1][5].

Mission

The Urbanarium’s mission is to provide a platform for accessible dialogue on urban issues, promoting unbiased and participatory engagement[2][3]. This includes creating resources like maps, talks, and tours to help people better understand urban systems and contribute to city planning[4].

Programs and Initiatives

One notable initiative is the Urbanarium Journal, which offers a platform for personal reflections and in-depth analysis of urban issues. The journal encourages contributors to share ideas on topics relevant to Metro Vancouver’s urban development[3]. Additionally, Urbanarium has hosted competitions like "Decoding Density," which seeks innovative solutions for reimagining apartment buildings in the region[5].

By fostering inclusive discussions and creative problem-solving, the Vancouver Urbanarium Society plays a significant role in shaping Metro Vancouver’s urban landscape.