Bringing Play to an Underutilized Plaza at The Amazing Brentwood, just outside Vancouver

With summer on the horizon, SHAPE Properties was looking to energize the public plaza at The Amazing Brentwood, their ambitious master-planned mixed-use development just outside Vancouver.

The challenge? Activate a high-traffic, underutilized 5,000 sq ft outdoor space in a way that would resonate with both visitors to the retail centre and residents of the surrounding neighbourhood.

MASSIVart was brought in to design a scalable, creative, and cost-effective placemaking solution that would bring people together and foster meaningful interaction.

Designing for Play, Community & Identity

Taking inspiration from the site’s architectural lines and the brand theme “The Centre of Gravity,” we designed custom outdoor modules that seamlessly extended the visual language of the space.

Combining creative seating with built-in games like ping-pong, cornhole, chess and more, the modules offered dynamic ways for people to relax, connect, and engage in active play. Every element was conceived with reusability in mind, allowing for seasonal refreshes and long-term value.

Proving the Power of Placemaking

2023 vs. previous year:
✔️ Foot traffic up 10.2%
✔️ Dwell time up 5.9% (to 90.9 mins – 37.7% above national average*)
✔️ New visitors up 8.4%

Additional highlights:
✔️ July & August became the 2nd and 3rd busiest months of the year
✔️ Strong anecdotal feedback from both retailers and visitors
✔️ Activation was refreshed and re-installed in 2024

* Based on JLL‘s national average of 66 minutes for shopping centre dwell time (2023)

Reinstalled and Reimagined in 2024

Following the success of its first edition, PLAY on the Plaza returned in 2024 with refreshed creativity and a continued focus on community engagement. The activation’s longevity speaks to the value of thoughtful, modular placemaking, demonstrating how creative interventions can evolve with a space and support long-term goals for vibrant, people-centred developments.