ABSTRACT
A city is a complex assemblage of many configurations, and many agents vying for control. One way of understanding the role of ordinary citizens in the production of the city is to separate the professional and non-professional contributions to the process. A city tool shop incorporates a publicly accessible workshop space, building materials depot, and classroom space. The aim of a Shop is to foster the opportunity for public participation in the production of the urban environment by providing programming on topics that might include home repair and construction, community visioning, mapping, civic policy, zoning, by-laws, and other city-related issues. The rebuilding center is massive used building material supply store operated by Our United Villages, a not-for-profit organization in Portland, OR. In striving to build its image as a world-class city, Vancouver has prioritized political and economic strategies that contribute to that image, including intensifying residential densification.
