Better Benches

0.0/5
Better Benches is an initiative to increase transit user’s knowledge of the local, Indigenous land. Bus stops will be recreated by Indigenous artists that feature a QR code that users can scan to increase place making and user engagement. Once scanned, users will be directed to a website filled with educational resources.

School:

SFU

Department:

Health Science

Course:

HSCI 891

Instructors:

  • Meghan Winters

Student Team:

  • Lindsey Butterworth
  • Martha Gumprich
  • Erik Mohns

Strategy:

  • Vancouver Plan

Community Partners:

  • Andrew Pask

Summary

We propose rejuvenating current bus stops, enriching them in local Indigenous history and stories. The benches will not be your average plastic bench. They will be welcoming, photo worthy, and comfortable. Inspiring Indigenous art will be featured in the shelter which will have a QR code embedded within. When scanned, users will be led to a website teeming with Indigenous history and stories. We want to create a more fun, engaging and culturally enriching experience on transit. The Granville St. bus stop will be transformed. The stop will be completely redone and feature local Indigenous artwork outfitted with a QR code where, after scanning, users can learn about the Indigenous history of the land they are on. The information given will include knowledge about local plants, two-spirit history and what the land was used for before colonization. Often, people do not know about the land they are living on. With an increase in knowledge often comes an increase in understanding and respect for others. When a transit user arrives at the stop, they will have the opportunity to take in the beauty of the bus stop, scan the QR code, and learn. The outcomes we are hoping for include: utilizing bus stops to create place making for cultural communities, communities becoming more involved with transit decisions, communities providing input through the app/website for what they want to see on the website, and making transit stops tailored to specific communities (eg. elderly, young, professional). Next steps include: discussing the project with community partners, developing a pilot project, finding and talking to Indigenous partners, and talking to other community/cultural leaders to adapt this format to other cultural areas in Vancouver.

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