Exploring shade structure options for Waterloo Public Square
As of August 2023, the construction of the new shade structures in Waterloo Public Square is complete! Thank you all for your input on this project to help make the square 'cooler'.
- Learn more about the design of the new shade structures.
- Learn more about the other improvements coming to Waterloo Public Square.
Project background:
The City of Waterloo, along with a consultant team led by SHIFT Landscape Architecture, conducted a feasibility study for the Laurel Greenway in January 2021 to explore a new shade feature/structure to Waterloo Public Square.
As part of the engagement for this project, many excellent ideas and opinions were collected from the community through comments and survey responses. Some of the highlights of that input included:
- a preference for smaller-sized shade elements throughout the square
- a multi-season feature that supports the current uses of the square
- desire for integrating natural materials
- inclusion of trees and planting as a source of natural shade and to break up the extent of the concrete area
From there, SHIFT worked with a local architect team, Whitefish Architecture, to develop a conceptual shade structure design suitable for the public square space.
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Please share any thoughts or ideas you have for a shade structure or feature in Waterloo Public Square. If you’ve encountered examples from other cities, you can include photos into your post as well.
View All Ideasover 3 years ago
Plantars big enough to hold shade-bearing trees around the perimeter of the square and more benches - but do not remove the skating rink!
Keep the skating rink and public space
over 3 years ago
I would like the Uptown Square to reflect Waterloo as a modern, forward thinking yet serene and peaceful city.
Large trees planted directly into the ground (through the concrete if necessary) would surround the present square and would provide shade for a smaller (but not too small) water filled square with a fountain located within the present square. The boarder of the fountain square would be wide enough (and tall enough) that people could actually sit on the boarder and enjoy the water and fountain. Knowing that there is an ice cream vendor (only ice cream) within the square and that there are many tables under the trees with their brightly colored umbrellas, would allow me a "cool" place to go to relax after an afternoon of shopping in Uptown Waterloo.
over 3 years ago
I believe the space needs to be configurable to hold multiple events. Trees and shade structures should be put in place.
Time to get rid of the concrete jungle.
over 3 years ago
Australian style "shade sails"
Could create one or more shade zones by mounting "shade sails" that are common across Australia to shade parks, pools, patios, etc. You can customize the shape in order to create shade in precisely the area where you want it. It would also be relatively inexpensive, requiring just a few posts and the shade sail itself. You could also make it look stylish by choosing the appropriate colours and patterns.
over 3 years ago
Tear up some concrete, add shade trees and native plants
It will be essential to remove some of the concrete to make the area less hot and unpleasant-looking, especially over near the LRT stop it feels like an endless expanse of concrete
Design concepts
Who's Listening
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Phone 519-886-1550 x78252 Email becky.phylactou@waterloo.ca -
Email emily.brown@waterloo.ca -
Email dduhan@shiftland.com
