Nanaimo Diana Krall Plaza

Lanarc (now HB Lanarc) developed the strategy behind the revitalization of Nanaimo's Downtown public plaza, including the public consultation, concept and detailed site design for the newly named Diana Krall Plaza. The plaza's crucial location as the major meeting place in the downtown arts district, and linkage to Nanaimo's renowned waterfront was reconciled through a place-making process that includes public art commissions initiated by Lanarc.

Lanarc integrated its urban design with a proposed fire-hall memorial, public art installation, a museum walking tour, and theatrical stage under the giant Olympic screen, by working in sync with many community groups. Our major urban design contribution includes multiple components; an outdoor public flex-space cafe area with moveable chairs, tables, and umbrellas; a theatrical lighting canopy integrating historic timbers, art placement images, and song lyrics in regards to the continuum of Nanaimo's history and the dedication of the plaza to Diana Krall.

Client : City of Nanaimo

Key Personnel

Doug Backhouse

Firm Role

Lanarc (now HB Lanarc) was instrumental in developing a public consultation process to re-imagine Harbour Front Plaza following its designation as an Olympic Live Site venue.