Desert urbanism: Canalscape for Metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona

Abstract

A proposal to leverage existing infrastructure throughout the Phoenix region, ‘canalscape’ envisions over 100 mixed-use hubs of activity where canals meet major streets. Initiated in the classroom with 37 students from Arizona State University and the University of Colorado from 11 different departments, canalscape is now poised to move from vision to reality. This paper focuses on two key aspects in implementing canalscape: community engagement and finance options to offset the costs of development.