At Zibi, we believe community doesn’t just happen—it’s nurtured. From the way we design our buildings to the way we activate our public spaces, placemaking is at the heart of everything we do. Whether it’s a rooftop terrace where neighbours gather to watch the fireworks, the theatre room in Voda that sparks spontaneous movie marathons, or Pangishimo park alive with joggers, cyclists, and picnickers, every space is an invitation to connect.
Placemaking Inside Our Buildings
Our approach starts close to home — literally. Within Zibi’s residential buildings, shared spaces are thoughtfully designed to encourage interaction and foster a sense of belonging. Party rooms become the stage for birthday celebrations and holiday potlucks. Games rooms bring together neighbours for a friendly match, while co-working spaces make working from home feel less isolated. Gyms offer a place not only to stay fit but to meet fellow residents who share similar health and wellness goals.
At Voda, Zibi’s first rental offering in Ottawa, our co-living model takes this even further. Shared kitchens and lounges make it easy to strike up conversations, share meals, and develop friendships. Some are now even meeting in the lounge for language exchange nights where they can learn French from their fellow residents. A book exchange has also sprung up, giving building residents a way to share and discover new reads. For many residents — especially those new to the city — the shared spaces and activities have been a meaningful way to find a sense of home and belonging from the moment they move in.
Placemaking in Our Parks and Waterfronts
Step outside, and Zibi’s placemaking philosophy expands across our many waterfront parks, plazas, and terraces. Our location along the Ottawa River and in the heart of the National Capital Region offers a stunning natural backdrop for community life.
These public spaces are designed to be active, inclusive, and vibrant. At The Warehouse on Albert Island, for example, Zibi has hosted everything from dance lessons in partnership with the National Arts Centre, outdoor movie nights with Capital Pop Up Cinema, seasonal markets with Urban Arts Collective, and Repair Cafés with the Ottawa Tool Library, while our waterfront pathways encourage residents and visitors alike to walk, cycle, and connect with nature. Our residents and One Planet Living® team have offered free yoga classes in the park, and bike events to the community — making it easier for everyone to stay active while building relationships.
Growing Together in Our Community Gardens
Some of our most cherished placemaking projects are the Zibi community gardens. Managed by dedicated committees of resident volunteers, these gardens are more than just a place to grow food — they’re a space to share skills, stories, and a love of the land. Gardeners trade tips, swap recipes, and host events that bring together people of all ages and backgrounds. The result is a vibrant patchwork of flowers, vegetables, and friendships that flourishes year after year.
A Place Designed for People
Ultimately, placemaking at Zibi is about creating environments — both indoors and out — where people feel they belong. By designing spaces that invite interaction, celebrate culture, and encourage healthy, active living, we’re building more than a neighbourhood. We’re building a community that is firmly rooted in our One Planet Living principles of Health and Happiness and Culture and Community.
Whether you’re enjoying a morning coffee on a shared terrace, planting herbs in the community garden, or catching a movie in the theatre room, each experience is a thread in the rich social fabric of Zibi. And together, those threads create a place that feels like home.
