Muttart Urban Design Guidelines

BACKGROUND

Bounded by the LRT (Stadium LRT station) to the north and the River Valley and Jasper Avenue to the south, the new Muttart neighbourhood is a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) which provides new “urban” lifestyle choices for Edmontonians. In collaboration with Brookfield Residential, an Edmonton-based property development company, we created the Muttart Urban Design (MUD) Guidelines to describe design opportunities and assist project designers in streetscape design, urban massing, articulation of the building forms and materials as they affect the activity in the public realm. 

VISION

The intention of the Guidelines is to: 

– create a sense of belonging and connectedness among residents;

– create a sense of place, regardless of the season;

– enhance the walkability of the local community;

– reinforce design elements that will encourage people to be active in the public realm; and

– identify materials and designs that enhance the appearance and overall quality of the MUD community.

These Architectural Design and Control Guidelines focus on the creation of a new approach to urban living – an approach designed to attract people desiring a lifestyle that is not otherwise available in Edmonton. A significant objective was to ensure a 'community feeling' by providing pedestrian-friendly thoroughfares, and opportunities for connecting with nature, fellow residents, and local businesses. 

URBAN BELONGING AND CONNECTEDNESS 

A central feature of the Muttart Urban Design guidelines is a diverse and vibrant, yet compact, 'main street' area that will attract visitors, and businesses, and spark serendipitous moments of conversation and connection. New developments in the area will be appealing, possessing a visual identity distinctive to the area, and be designed to complement the form and treatment of the pre-existing neighbouring buildings. We envisioned the Muttart neighbourhood to be as sustainable as possible where residents will be proud to live in a community that is designed to be environmentally conscious. To support local businesses to thrive and enhance the mental health of the residents, MUD Guidelines help invigorate street life by way of instigating social encounters and making residents feel safe and secure in their neighbourhood.