The Backyard transforms an under-utilized downtown service lane into Calgary’s newest social backyard—a pilot project by the City of Calgary that pairs tactical urbanism with enduring place-making. Working with municipal teams and local creatives, we recast the gritty passage as a welcoming promenade lined with art-wrapped utilities, programmable lighting, pop-up retail bays, and flexible seating that slides out for events. Stormwater planters and permeable pavers green and soften the lane, while visibility upgrades weave it safely into the pedestrian network. By proving that modest, low-carbon interventions can unlock latent public space, The Backyard sets a replicable blueprint for activating Calgary’s laneways as vibrant, community-owned commons.

KSAS Principal Will Craig, formerly with Kasian.