Episode 113 – Fathom Studio’s Approach to Data‑Driven Planning
In this episode of Geographical Thinking, host Michelle Brake sits down with Darian Shakerinia from Fathom Studio to explore how GIS is shaping the next generation of community planning and design.
They discuss how GIS bridges the gap between conceptual design and real-world implementation, enabling planners to understand context, identify opportunities and navigate constraints with clarity. Darian shares real project examples, from land suitability analysis to an AI-driven parking study, illustrating how tools like drone imagery, aerial data and ArcGIS Pro’s object detection capabilities can transform workflows and uncover insights that traditional methods might miss.
Whether you're curious about the technology shaping today’s communities or looking for inspiration in your own spatial practice, this episode highlights how geography remains at the heart of thoughtful, resilient design.
Looking for resources on what we discussed in today’s podcast? Check them out below!
Fathom Studio: A multidisciplinary design collective specializing in architecture, landscape architecture, planning and wayfinding, with a mission to create meaningful places and experiences.
Wolfville Housing Accelerator Action Plan: A collaborative planning and engagement project guiding gentle density, downtown revitalization and housing solutions for Wolfville, Nova Scotia through strategic policy and design.
Charlottetown Zoning and Development Bylaw Review: A large-scale review and update of Charlottetown’s Zoning and Development Bylaw, undertaken with the support of the Housing Accelerator Fund, that involves significant zoning changes and updates to the City's built form regulations and mapping.
The Cogswell District Masterplan: One of the largest urban redevelopment initiatives in Atlantic Canada, which will create a new 16-acre neighbourhood designed to unite Halifax’s north end with the downtown.
Cape Breton Regional Municipality Active Transportation Plan: A long-range plan outlining 20 years of active transportation investment intended to improve health, mobility and equity by linking communities with safer, more connected transportation routes.
Moncton Vision Lands Secondary Plan: A master plan and accompanying secondary plan intending to guide growth in Moncton's largest remaining undeveloped tract of serviceable land. The plan aims to accommodate approximately 30,000 residents over the next 25 years.
