As a research group, ReROW, is motivated by transformation of public streets. We aim to be a research leader in complex systems converging in the right-of-way, a model for university partnerships, and education.
Undergraduate students have a unique and fresh perspective, as a group they are interdisciplinary and are the largest group of campus interest holders.
With all of that in mind, we wanted to bring everyone together to develop creative interdisciplinary solutions, to make UBC a better place to study, play, work, and live.
On Saturday of March 22nd, 19 Teams with 67 undergraduate students from 16 different programs came together to reimagine University Boulevard from East Mall to Wesbrook and propose improvements to the associated systems within this corridor.
The event, led by ReROW undergraduate students, Christy Lu and Eldad Zipori, with support from UBC Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS), aimed to provide students with an opportunity to develop practical, multidisciplinary, and innovative solutions that address current challenges of the ROW: social, environmental, commercial, aesthetic, safety, and transportation while highlighting multidisciplinary considerations that affect users of the ROW in interconnecting ways.
The IDEAthon
The day started with presentations from ReROW lead, Professor Kelly Clifton, on the cluster overarching perspective on the right-of-way; from Campus and Community Planning, Manager of Transportation Engineering, Krista Falkner, on UBC transportation plans for the site; and ReROW faculty members, Associate Professor Alex Bigazzi on active transport, and Associate Professor, Theodore Lim, on environmental conditions.
Students were then asked to create design proposals that are innovative, intentional, and adaptable in the future. The challenge included effective conveying of the project information, with a clear design intent and visual communication, of a sustainable design.
Projects and Winners
Following the 3-minute thesis format, each team presented their reimagining of University Boulevard in one slide. The students shared a wide range of perspectives on the ROW, focusing on including new circulation, new centers for greenery and diverse bioswales, reflections on xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) presence, and a continuous commitment to foster connections between students, faculty and staff, visitors, residents, and the environment.
Awards for 1st ($500), 2nd ($300), and 3rd ($200) place were selected by our judges panel, ReROW lead, Professor Kelly Clifton (SCARP), and ReROW faculty members, Professor Emeritus Cynthia Girling (SALA), Associate Professor Alex Bigazzi (Civil Engineering), and Associate Professor, Theodore Lim (SCARP).
What’s next? ReROW will be sharing students presentations and proposals with Campus and Community Planning and its own faculty and students network. Our next IDEAthon, will building on the lessons learnt from this exercise and will be further focus on the interdisciplinary co-production and education.
Congratulations to all the winners and participants! Thank you for spending the day with us thinking about the future.
Registration (Closed)
To register please click on the link to the left or scan the QR code. The event has limited capacity. A detailed agenda for the day to follow. For questions or more information, contact the organizing team Christy (clu1219@student.ubc.ca), Eldad (eldadzz@student.ubc.ca) or Esthi (esther.zipori@ubc.ca).
Event’s Agenda
| 8:45am – 9:15am | Sign-in & Coffee |
| 9:15am – 9:30am | What is ReROW, Kelly Clifton |
| 9:30am – 9:45am | CC+P on University Boulevard, Krista Falkner |
| 9:45am – 10:00am | Active Transport, Alex Bigazzi |
| 10:00am – 10:15am | Environmental Conditions, Theodore Lim |
| 10:15am – 10:30am | The Challenge: Rethinking University Boulevard |
| 10:30am | Competition starts !!! |
| 11:00am | Consultants available |
| 12:00pm | Lunch arrives |
| 1:30pm | Snack stand arrives |
| 3:00pm | Sign up for Presentation order at info booth |
| 3:30pm | Start wrapping – presentations starting soon |
| 4:00pm – 5:30pm | Presentations and Judging Panel |
| 5:30pm – 5:45pm | Awards and Closing Remarks |
Introduction
The IDEAthon Competition invites undergraduate students to reimagine one of UBC’s most vital corridors: University Boulevard from East Mall to Westbrook. Together in interdisciplinary teams you’ll develop creative solutions to transform this key campus artery. The top three teams will win cash prizes ($500, $300, $200) and all participants enjoy a free lunch.
The day-long competition is free and open to all undergraduate UBC students from any discipline. Join as an interdisciplinary team or register individually and we’ll connect you with fellow innovators. Read more about the competition below and follow the registration link to sign up!
The IDEAthon Competition is hosted by UBC NOMAS and sponsored by Rethinking the Right-of-Way (ReROW).
When
March 22nd between 09:00am –5:30pm
Where
The Nest – Rooms 2306/2309
The Competition
The ReROW IDEAthon Competition invites undergraduate students to reimagine one of UBC’s most vital corridors: University Boulevard from East Mall to Westbrook. The goal is to rethink the section of University Boulevard and propose improvements to the associated systems within this corridor.
Objectives for the day:
- Develop practical and innovative solutions that address current challenges of the ROW: social, environmental, commercial, aesthetic, safety, and transportation.
- Highlight multidisciplinary considerations that affect users of the ROW in interconnecting ways.
- Meet faculty and others interested in transforming our streets and public spaces.
- Engage the undergraduate student body in shaping our campus.
Join as a team of 3-4 students, as an individual, or a pair. We’ll help match you with a group!
Teams will deliver a short presentation with at least two visuals to communicate their ideas effectively. The visuals may take various forms, such as site perspectives, plans, or conceptual proposals. A comprehensive site package containing essential information about the site will be released 24 hours before the competition start date to help guide your strategy.