Alternative Futures for Kitsilano Beach

Exploring alternative futures : unmaking the colonial landscape of Kitsilano Beach

Report
January 12th, 2024


Overview

This thesis investigates the role of landscape architecture in perpetuating colonial practices and explores strategies for decolonization at Kitsilano Beach, a layered and contested site in Vancouver, BC. Through an in-depth analysis of the area’s colonial history—tracing its transformation from Coast Salish lands to a modern urban shoreline—the research highlights the physical and cultural erasures resulting from design interventions. Using decolonial methodologies, it proposes strategies to "unmake" colonial legacies, restoring the site’s ecological and cultural integrity while addressing climate adaptation challenges. The thesis draws on historical maps, photographs, and Indigenous knowledge to reveal spatial narratives and inform alternative design approaches. It also integrates principles from recent decolonization initiatives, offering actionable insights for planners and designers to create more inclusive and equitable futures. By addressing the intersections of climate adaptation and reconciliation, this work contributes to a broader discourse on designing resilient and just landscapes in the face of climate change.

Publication

Published: January 12, 2024, University of British Columbia Theses and Dissertations
Copyright: © 2024 Manjoo, Lokman. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Team Members