Go back to top

Need to review designs again? Click the button to be taken to the top.

Neighbour Hub Self-Guided Design Workshop

You are on your way to a more resilient and connected neighbourhood!

When you finish this workshop, you will have a final design and complete installation instructions for a custom Neighbour Hub.

When your group is all together, scroll down to get started!

Start by answering some questions about your neighbourhood.

What's your team name?

The aim today is to uncover the hidden gems of your neighbourhood, understand who lives here, explore the skills and resources that you and your neighbours have, and understand any potential barriers. Consider what makes your neighbourhood unique. This will help you and your neighbours design the perfect Neighbour Hub.

Discuss the following questions and record them in the boxes provided.

What knowledge and skills exist within your neighbourhood? (Occupations, hobbies, secret skills, etc.) This can help you consider who lives here and what they might be looking for in a Neighbour Hub. It can also help you identify skills you want to put to work in the shared creation of your Hub.

What assets and resources exist within your neighbourhood? (Parks, gardens, shared libraries, local establishments, playgrounds, bike infrastructure, etc.) This can help you consider what assets already exist, and what gaps you hope to fill with your NeighbHub. It can also help you to think about the "culture" of your community and what will fit best.

Next, understand what makes a great location.

TIP: We suggest spending some time mapping out your community assets and resources. You can do this by brainstorming as a group, and then lightly drawing a map of your community to pinpoint each asset or resource. This helps to visually map out where existing resources are located, and what gaps you hope to fill with your NeighbourHub. You can also use virtual mapping tools such as Google MyMaps.

Though you may have already selected a potential location for your Neighbour Hub, the following prompts will help you determine what is important to keep in mind when finalizing a location.

The following choices are recommendations, select all that apply to your chosen location. If less than three we recommend considering alternative locations.

Level Ground

The Hub will be located on level ground - there will be no incline or decline.

The Hub will be located on solid even ground like pavement or ashfalt not grass or rocks etc)

*Note that if your location currently has uneven ground you will need to do prep work to get the space ready before installing the Hub as pavement, concrete or asphalt work best.

Surroundings

The Hub will be located near other community assets (community garden, little library, bulletin board, etc)

The Hub will be located on main walking corridors or frequently transited areas

The location is well lit

The location is not near any potential hazards (driveway, firehazard etc)

The location is not near traffic

The location is easily accessible [Wide sidewalks, nearby ramps etc.]

* For more information on accessibility in public space visit the Making Space for Everyone Booklet from SPARKBC.

Lastly, think about how you'd like to use the space.

This activity will help you design the shape of your Neighbour Hub. The shape will be influenced by the way your neighbourhood would like to interact with the Hub, and how much space you have.

For example, an area for sharing a meal will need a table and chairs, or an area to share information will need a bulletin board.

Check in with each other about what you imagine for your Neighbour Hub. Choosing the functions of your public space is important to ensure it will not only be a great gathering spot, but also functional to the needs of you and your neighbours.

How would you like to use your Neighbour Hub? List any and all ideas!

Discussing these ideas with your neighbours will help you in the next step, when you decide which features of a hub design are important for you and your community.

Ideas for how to use your Neighbour Hub

Community Communications (Bulletin board, resources, services, announcements, poetry board, mutual aid support etc.)
Emergency Preparedness (Tsunami Zones, Muster Point, preparedness tips, emergency supplies storage etc.)
Placemaking Initiatives (Little libraries, murals, tool sharing, little pantries, games exchange etc.)

Get the Neighbour Hub Build & Installation Guide

Once you've chosen a design, fill in your information and we'll send you a complete guide to construction and installation. It will also include all of your answers to the workshop questions so that you can refer to them.

A base for your custom design.

These designs should act as a starting point for you to add your own flair and customize your unique design even further.

Screen Shot 2022-01-12 at 7.46.04 PM.png

How much space do you have for your Neighbour Hub?

If the location for your neighbour hub is is narrow we suggest you choose "A little Space." If space is not limited, click the other button. Either way you'll be provided a list of curated designs to match your needs.

A Little Space →

Lots of Space →

Designs for Small Spaces

Keep in mind, these design are made up of modular components and we encourage you and your neighbours to use them as just a starting point. On the next page you'll be able to get creative and make adjustments to your chosen design.

Chosen Your Design?

Write down the name of your favourite design and head to the next step.

Got it!

Designs for Large Spaces

Keep in mind, these design are made up of modular components and we encourage you and your neighbours to use them as just a starting point. On the next page you'll be able to get creative and make adjustments to your chosen design.

Minimal Space

maximum Space

Show me how to build it

Design section

Go back to top

Need to review designs again? Click the button to be taken to the top.

Neighbour Hub Self-Guided Design Workshop

Start by answering some questions about your neighbourhood.

A base for your custom design.

These designs should act as a starting point for you to add your own flair and customize your unique design even further.

How much space do you have for your Neighbour Hub?

If the location for your neighbour hub is is narrow we suggest you choose "A little Space." If space is not limited, click the other button. Either way you'll be provided a list of curated designs to match your needs.

Designs for Small Spaces

Keep in mind, these design are made up of modular components and we encourage you and your neighbours to use them as just a starting point. On the next page you'll be able to get creative and make adjustments to your chosen design.

Chosen Your Design?

Write down the name of your favourite design and head to the next step.

Designs for Large Spaces

Keep in mind, these design are made up of modular components and we encourage you and your neighbours to use them as just a starting point. On the next page you'll be able to get creative and make adjustments to your chosen design.

Let's Connect