Sign in

Simone_s_off

@ssimone.bsky.social
287 followers 934 following 54 posts

Just a small town girl (intern-)architecting in Vancouver | City lover | Advocate for people-centered design | Passionate about active travel & transit

PostsRepliesMedia
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
This month I had to bring both of our family vehicles to the shop for a general tune up, a tire replacement, break pad replacement and replacement of some small parts. Luckily, our vehicles are bicycles and so all of that only cost around $300. Now we're good to go for another year or so 🤩
010
Reposted by Simone_s_off
Wilderness Committee @wildernews.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
The West Coast Oil Pipeline will cost upwards of $44 billion dollars while worsening natural disasters. You have until September 18 - write now: WildernessCommittee.org/RejectWCOP #climatechange #westcoast #bcpoli #cdnpoli #albertapolitics
0910
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 04/04/2025
Interesting video about the concepts of shared spaces. Go take a quick break and watch it youtu.be/VUbsFtLkGN8
youtu.be
Road signs suck. What if we got rid of them all?
YouTube video by Vox
020
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 23/03/2025
And I love that they do it VERY slowly. They are the best "traffic calming devices"! 😁
010
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
Niiice! I used to completely avoid Beach/Pacific when trying to get to the bridge from the west end and went down some alleys instead, but that wasn't ideal either. So happy there is a better way now!
010
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
I didn't know they added a bike lane there! So now there is a safe way to get from Beach Ave to Burrard bridge?
100
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
I'm not opposed to it, I'm just trying to defend a very adequate building design. Don't let perfect be the enemy of good!
000
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
I did not comment on the article (which is well written), but on your post criticising the street connections of some projects and, I'm sorry but I don't think you're a very good judge of that, based on a tweet I remember very well
100
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
I looked at the plans of both applications and don't see why one is superior to the other. Maybe you can enlighten me?
000
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
It is! the bike counter on Smithe Street was cut so often, I think the City gave up on repairing it. Last time it was cut, they just removed it.
010
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
In Vancouver, some people are so afraid of data that they regularly vandalize city infrastructure. This is the second time in a few weeks that the cables of this particular bike counter have been cut.
bike counter with cut cables on a bike lane.
3131
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
You should read the books of Jan Gehl, he does exactly what you say: study social interactions and what types of places that foster connections and which ones don't and explains what makes for good/bad places better than I do.
100
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
The point I was kind of trying to make was that you keep on advocating for these ambiguous "open spaces" which are exactly the kind of spaces that look good on plan but never get used because there is no reason for a resident to randomly sit in front of their lobby, other than waiting for a taxi...
200
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
The benches and little libraries are usually placed on the boulevard/sidewalk, not on private property. And you can hand out Halloween candy in a lobby. It's actually quite fun to have a space were several neighbours can come together to do that instead of standing at your door by yourself.
100
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
I never said there can't be any other amenity on the block. But we're talking about your criticism of this one specific project!?
100
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
so, project number one (10th and Carolina) will be a central hub for community gatherings, but project number two is a walled off fortress of solitude. I just don't see it....
100
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
no, the daycare doesn't make it less closed off, but the huge playground does. And if you have that much space dedicated to a community amenity, you just have to accept there might not be space for other things such as community gardens and cafes.
100
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
There's a building in my neighbourhood that has space for residents right beside the sidewalk and I've never seen anyone using it. Those semi-public spaces that are neither here nor there usually don't function well.
110
Reposted by Simone_s_off
Anonymous @youranoncentral.bsky.social · 07/01/2025
Pierre Poilievre has been in politics for 20 years, he's written 0 legislation; has one of the highest pensions in government. He's voted against the environment & climate nearly 400 times, derailed legislation to benefit workers, and voted against affordable housing initiatives.
33454992432
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
To me you lost all credibility of judging "street connection" when you portrayed (over on the other site) a building with lot's of glazing facing the street, outdoor spaces with a bit of landscape buffer and a daycare on the ground floor as an impenetrable fortress...
120
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
my thoughts exactly!
000
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
Nothing beats the hollow brick they use in Austria/Germany, though! Solid, great sound and thermal insulation and way more sustainable than concrete.
020
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
That's why I bought an e-bike that allows me to take the battery off, when I lock it up somewhere outside. If you remove the battery, you make the bike a lot less interesting to thieves. Plus I use two heavy duty locks, not a problem to carry them on an e-bike.
100
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 03/02/2025
Great resource for your future shopping trips!
010
Reposted by Simone_s_off
Christopher Dornan @chrisdornan.bsky.social · 02/02/2025
Here's the speech if you haven't heard it. 13 minutes of your time. Share it with your American friends and neighbours, because they won't see it otherwise. Circulate it in Mexico and Denmark, France and the UK, Panama and Germany, Poland and Estonia, and especially -- especially -- Ukraine.
youtu.be
Trudeau: Canada will retaliate with 25% tariffs on $155B of U.S. goods
YouTube video by CBC News
18471674209
Reposted by Simone_s_off
Jenny Lee Shee @jennyleeshee.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
Doug Ford is counting on cold weather keeping us at home instead of at the polls. Let’s stay cozy and vote by mail! Applications to vote by mail close on Feb. 21. Start the application now and you’ll have plenty of time to make sure your vote counts on Feb. 27. votebymail.elections.on.ca #OnPoli
media.tenor.com
an illustration of a blue sweater that says vote by mail
Alt: An illustration of a blue sweater that has VOTE BY MAIL on it in white writing. Blue letters on an orange background say SWEATER WEATHER.
14228168
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
Amazing!
030
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 26/01/2025
yes, it took me a few years as well to get the the setup right (and have enough motivation), but once you have it figured out, it's great. I have to admit, the biggest game changer for me was getting an e-bike, which allows me to bundle up and be cozy, without worrying about getting too sweaty!
010
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 26/01/2025
Thanks! I'll have to share the praise with Vancouver, which makes it very easy somedays to take nice photos :)
000
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 25/01/2025
Some people say commuting by bike in the winter is miserable. Counterpoint:
winter bike lane with trees on both sides, the ocean beyond and the sun rising.
421916
Reposted by Simone_s_off
Patton Oswalt @pattonoswalt.bsky.social · 22/01/2025
177012946831496
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 17/01/2025
How is it possible that within seconds, an entire campsite books up for the entire summer?
000
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 17/01/2025
In previous years, we were assigned a number, which was your "place in line". If you had a lower number you got to book earlier and had a chance of finding a spot. This year, we didn't get a number assigned!?
100
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 17/01/2025
Can someone explain the Parks Canada camping reservation system to me, because I just don't understand... We waited this morning for the reservations to open, at 8am we were directed to the reservation site, but all sites immediately showed up as booked. How is that possible?
100
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 26/12/2024
Budapest has got to be the Bollard-Capital of the world! Bollards everywhere, ensuring that drivers don't just, accidentally or on purpose, crash into pedestrians. It makes walking feel very safe, even on busy roads! @worldbollardassoc.bsky.social
Bollards between a sidewalk and a street Bollards at an intersection Bollards between a parking lane and a sidewalk Concrete barriers around a pedestrianised square
030
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 14/12/2024
Ha! I just had to google what bloomers are. while I'd agree that they would solve this issue, I'm not sure I can pull that look off 😆
110
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 11/12/2024
Both the book and the podcast have epic proportions: the book is 1200 pages long and the podcast episodes are 1-2 hours long, but together they make for a pretty spectacular reading/listening journey! I can't recommend it enough!!
040
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 11/12/2024
Many people don't know much about Robert Moses, or know him only (as in my case) as the guy who Jane Jacobs fought against. But Moses is said to have built more structures and moved more earth than anyone in human history! And he did it without ever holding elected office.
120
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 11/12/2024
Epic Podcast-Brookclub recommendation for all urbanist nerds: Over the past year, Roman Mars from the 99% Invisible Podcast created a series in 12 parts discussing and breaking down Rober Caro's biography "The power broker", a monumental book about Robert Moses. open.spotify.com/episode/49qQ...
open.spotify.com
Breaking Down The Power Broker (with Conan O'Brien)
99% Invisible · Episode
110
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 06/12/2024
I've been thinking about getting studded tyres, as I'm always a bit nervous about slipping during the cold/wet months. Do they actually help?
210
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 02/12/2024
"A pedestrian can do anything, and be irresponsible, and no harm will come to them?” Imagine being mad that people don't die for a slight misstep...
0130
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 01/12/2024
📌
010
Reposted by Simone_s_off
Arrête Mark Carney ⚜️ @lalegault.bsky.social · 28/11/2024
Feminism is not for women, it is for everyone. It doesn’t hate or exclude men. It lifts everyone up. It advocates for a level playing field and equity. In a patriarchy men are centred, in a matriarchy (despite Barbie movies), children are centred. It is not a terrible word, it is liberation.
3488
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 22/11/2024
In Europe there is a much bigger culture of having design competitions for big (public) projects. I think it is part of the reason why we see much more interesting architecture there. I always wondered why Canada doesn't do more design competitions!?
130
Reposted by Simone_s_off
David Ho @davidho.bsky.social · 15/11/2024
Evolution of intelligent life requires a planet that’s continuously habitable for 3 or 4 billion years. The fact that such a planet exists is a miracle. This line from Don't Look Up perfectly encapsulates what is special about Earth and why we should fight for it. www.nature.com/articles/s43...
Screencap from Don't Look Up where Leonardo DiCaprio's character says, "We really did have everything, didn't we?"
24629146
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 14/11/2024
The price point is quite amazing! in the video you linked, she said that due to their focus on "natural materials" they didn't need a lot of technical equipment, which helped keep the costs down and left more usable (rentable) floor space!
010
Reposted by Simone_s_off
Ker 🇨🇦🍁🍁 @kcaceres.bsky.social · 13/11/2024
Hoping this can also make rounds in 🇨🇦 Bluesky
961242807
Reposted by Simone_s_off
bikebike @bikebikeyyc.bsky.social · 12/11/2024
Daily bike commuting effects
217414
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 12/11/2024
Great! Thanks for your support, hopefully we can drown out the NIMBYs!
010
Simone_s_off @ssimone.bsky.social · 12/11/2024
the one on W14th seems to piss off the most people. I chose that one in the drop-down menu, but in my comment, I noted something along the lines of "I support this and all other RZ applications under the Broadway plan that are on the agenda today".
110