Hofer, Nancy
Student Video
Research
An evaluation of neighbourhood sustainability assessment frameworks using ecosystems characteristics and principles of systems resilience as the evaluation criteria
Conventional practice in neighbourhood planning generally does not acknowledge fundamental ecological concepts such as the ecology of sites, global ecological productive carrying capacity or the dynamic nature of a living, rapidly eroding, biophysical environment. This thesis proposes incorporating the model of ecosystems, the characteristics they embody and principles by which they are governed into the planning and design of settlements as a method of informing a physical form that can support sustainable communities. A case study of a local Vancouver neighbourhood, False Creek North, is used as a tangible reference point around which to frame the discussion of sustainable communities. The assessment frameworks are also evaluated based on their ability to capture characteristics and principles of ecological systems using an evaluation matrix. Indicators that reflect ecological principles and characteristics are therefore proposed and examples are given as to how they might be used to measure aspects of the case study site.
I hope to put forward the idea of eco-mimicry in design of communities. Bio-mimicry is a well-established concept already used in the manufacturing of goods. These principles are yet not being applied to community development. My research proposes a number of tangible, implementable ideas in community design, particularly at the neighbourhood scale, which I would like to see studied further.
I hope to publish my work as an article or possibly as a book which would also include the post-occupancy evaluation study (social-evaluation) of False Creek North.
My background is in ecological sciences and I have a strong interest in land use. I wanted to use my scientific background to apply to decision-making of human communities, which is something that had to be explored through an additional degree in planning.
I lived in Vancouver and did not want to move. Vancouver is a wonderful place to live and UBC is a beautiful campus. My program also had a strong reputation for sustainable community planning which was exactly what I wanted to do.
Take every opportunity you get to work with professors and practitioners. They have a wealth of experience that cannot always be shared in a classroom setting. Some of the professors and practitioners I worked with continue to provide mentorship to me today.
Vancouver is viewed internationally as being at the forefront of sustainable community planning. This resulted in rich practical learning experiences wherein I could access the people who were at the forefront of this work. I feel that I have a strong understanding of the "cutting-edge" in my field. Having the pleasure of working with so many professionals who are at this edge was very exciting and memorable.
I hope to work in local government, the private sector and non-profit sector for at least 25 years and then return to University to do my PhD on how these organizations work together to influence sustainable/resilient community development. I expect a research question to formulate after so many years practicing in the field. I value the reflective and in-depth thinking that can be done in academia and I think that would be a great way to conclude my active career in planning.
