Architects, designers reimagine Regina

It was one image - an artist's rendering of the Travellers Building reimagined for the Regina Farmers' Market - but it sparked a discussion that even surprised the designer.

"It really has generated a buzz and got people thinking design, urbanism, architecture, which is fantastic," said Brad Pickard, the architect behind the mock-up. "And who knows where it goes? The intent was just to throw an idea out there."

The idea is for a permanent home for the popular but vagabond city market in a 1929 heritage building that is currently on sale on Broad Street, between 11th and 12th avenues. Pickard saw the conversion of the Storey and Van Egmond brick creation as a way support local merchants, build community, and serve as a positive example of revitalization in the Heritage neighbourhood.

The rendering is one of a handful of ideas by Open, a collective of five young Saskatchewan architects who blog about design. A break-off group, which includes Pickard, has recently created a more public forum to discuss this topic: Regina Advocates for Design (RAD).

"Our mission is to advocate for the importance of design and innovation in Regina's built environment," said Pickard, an intern architect with P3Architecture.

So far the group's activities have been confined to design-oriented films shown monthly at the Artful Dodger Cafe, and some guest lectures. Pickard said RAD's intention is to provide a forum for open dialogue about Regina's esthetic future, and to encourage residents to look at their city with a design lens.

RAD was formed within the context of a growing and evolving Regina, which is experiencing a changing urban environment and demographic as a result, said Pickard.

The group hopes that evolution takes into account sustainability and complete communities - that is, neighbourhoods amenable to pedestrians, cyclists, transit users and cars. Pickard looks to Halifax, where he once lived, Saskatoon and Winnipeg as some cities that could serve as design examples for Regina.

"I think we're lucky with Regina in that our downtown core and the outlying neighbourhoods actually have really good bones in terms of their streets," said Pickard, adding that the Community Plan shows that the city is moving in the right direction with its planning.

Neither RAD nor Open are active in petitioning the city or contractors with their design ideas, but they do plan on expanding their reach through events and blogging.

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Architects, designers reimagine Regina