Guiding Principles

 
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In response to COVID 19 and the planning discussions that have evolved, MIP represents a prime candidate to consider the elements of complete communities with fewer divisive lines between uses and better access to allow for collaboration of ideas and people.  As the culture of innovation parks change, we needed to dust off our Master Plan and rethink what it means today and what is could mean in the future.  What do biotech companies look for?  Why are some innovation parks successful while others are not?  We need to consider intensification opportunities within the park and how to incorporate limited residential development in concert with larger open spaces to allow for informal communication and collaboration.  This is turn, could allow for more successful redevelopment and ultimately revenue for the City.

Guiding principles are set for the McMaster Innovation Park 2019 Master Plan (updated from 2009) to establish the parameters for the Master Plan, which when followed, will assure that the physical environment aligns with and helps to realize MIP’s success criteria and objectives for the Park. They help translate the ‘what’ and the ‘why’ to the ‘how’ and ‘where’. McMaster Innovation Park will have:

  • A collaborative and supportive environment for industry research and development, commercialization that leverages the academic engine of McMaster University.

  • An increase of density with additional height to create a visual identity from a distance and to enable economic and commercial growth.

  • A built form in the centre of campus of mid-rise buildings to maximize collegial connection in the park

  • Green Space to provide a range of outdoor actives and meeting places, to build a visual identity and to facilitate wayfinding.

  • A sustainable development framework where MIP can exhibit its leadership in environmental stewardship without sacrificing its bottom line.

  • Flexibility in design that will allow MIP to be resilient and adaptable to change in the environment and in the state of innovation.

  • Design Excellence that allows MIP to be considered world class.

  • A site design that encourages alternative forms of transportation and encourages a healthy lifestyle.

A significant shift from the 2009 Master Plan is the focus on the Glass Warehouse at 606 Aberdeen as the new centre of gravity and heart of the campus. It is this primary relationship that orients major open space, pathways and buildings to create a sense of place and order with an increased diversity of uses and populations.