junctionist
Senior Member
First tries aren't often successful when lobbying or dealing with government. There's a learning process and persistence is key.
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DESIGN OF DISTINCTION - Congratulations to The Braided Strands
- Thread starter 3Dementia
- Start date
GraphicMatt
Looking forward to a FRESH START for Toronto
As someone who remained quiet throughout this process, I wanted to let you know that it wasn't for lack of interest. While I enjoy reading about architecture, engineering & urban design, I really don't feel like I know enough to start critiquing bridge designs.
So, yes, I was just a spectator - but I enjoyed the charette as a spectator. That counts for something.
andomano
Active Member
It's definitely very difficult for virtual users to actually have an effective voice over something. Especially with the such other sites like Facebook, or Twitter, where supporting causes becomes fads, be it charity or projects such as the DRL, the presence of other online groups is diminished.
If there was an actual physical presence of the groups (i.e. monthly meetings) then maybe UT would hold more clout.
Considering that the winning submission received 136 votes, of 1,183 active members, a whopping 11 percent, in most polling situations the quorum wouldn't have been met making the decision invalid.
If there was an actual physical presence of the groups (i.e. monthly meetings) then maybe UT would hold more clout.
Considering that the winning submission received 136 votes, of 1,183 active members, a whopping 11 percent, in most polling situations the quorum wouldn't have been met making the decision invalid.
alklay
Senior Member
No offence to anybody but I think the expectations were unrealistic (if we thought this would influence anything).
The designs were not done to any strict standards or budgets (the winning design would have cost much more than the money available...so how was one to take it seriously?), the people who were in control of the actual bridge and design had artists and engineers already involved (thus making our little project a bit redundant) and we did not have any personal contact or facetime with the people that actually mattered.
This was a bit of a fanboy exercise. It was fun, worthwhile and maybe a bit influencial. But we were not going to dictate the design or anything.
The designs were not done to any strict standards or budgets (the winning design would have cost much more than the money available...so how was one to take it seriously?), the people who were in control of the actual bridge and design had artists and engineers already involved (thus making our little project a bit redundant) and we did not have any personal contact or facetime with the people that actually mattered.
This was a bit of a fanboy exercise. It was fun, worthwhile and maybe a bit influencial. But we were not going to dictate the design or anything.
ProjectEnd
Superstar
Forgive my bluntness, but as one of the core members of BTDG, I don't recall your involvement? We sent out e-blasts, put messages in the Picture of the Day and title blocks, sent emails, wrote articles and yet, our group never grew beyond 5 members. As 3D noted above, this is a dismal effort for a forum nearly 5000 strong.
This charette was/is not about finding a design for this bridge, something we at BTDG made abundantly clear. We simply wanted to restart discussion and, possibly, embarrass Concord a little along the way. It was a fanboy exercise yes, but it was still one worth pursuing since we know Toronto can do better.
This charette was/is not about finding a design for this bridge, something we at BTDG made abundantly clear. We simply wanted to restart discussion and, possibly, embarrass Concord a little along the way. It was a fanboy exercise yes, but it was still one worth pursuing since we know Toronto can do better.
alklay
Senior Member
ProjectEnd, I am not quite sure why there was hostility in your reply. And I am not quite sure why my 'lack of' involvement in BTDG is relevant (I am involved in many projects and groups around the city, none of which I talk about in this forum. I am not sure why involvement in BTDG has anything to do a discussion as to process).
I also stated that I thought the exercise was 'fun' and 'worthwhile'. I think I was just responding to the people jumping up and down saying 'why isn't the city listening to me?' and 'why don't they build our bridge?'
I also stated that I thought the exercise was 'fun' and 'worthwhile'. I think I was just responding to the people jumping up and down saying 'why isn't the city listening to me?' and 'why don't they build our bridge?'
ProjectEnd
Superstar
Alklay, the 'hostility' in my response stems only from the fact that our recruitment efforts were met with little or no response and now, post-facto, posters use an ambiguous 'we' when referring to BTDG.
alklay
Senior Member
My use of the word 'we' was in reference to forum members only.
ProjectEnd
Superstar
/\ Exactly the people to whom I am referring...
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SpadinaBus
Active Member
New Calgary Proposal by Calatrava
Suprised no one picked up on this one from cowtown. $25M for this baby.
(Mods - I wanted to start a new thread, but it is blocked.)
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/calgary/story/2009/07/28/calgary-peace-bridge-drawings.html#socialcomments
A tubular, covered bridge for pedestrians and cyclists will span Calgary's Bow River, according to newly released architectural drawings.
The Peace Bridge's design by award-winning Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava was posted on the City of Calgary's website Tuesday.
The footbridge for pedestrians and bicycles will be west of Prince's Island Park and connect Eau Claire to Sunnyside. It will be just over six metres wide, covered for year-round use and lit at night.
Mayor Dave Bronconnier revealed the name of the $22-million bridge Monday.
Peace Bridge alludes to its link to Peace Park at Seventh Street S.W. on the south side of the Bow River, as well as its future location along Memorial Drive, which was named in honour of soldiers killed in the First World War, he said.
"It is about peace and that's something that Canadians are known globally for," said Bronconnier. "Peace Bridge really connects with what Canada's military speaks of, what Memorial Drive represents, and that is that people who have given the ultimate sacrifice should be remembered."
The bridge will be lit up at night. (Santiago Calatrava)Council approved spending $25 million in September 2008 to design and construct the footbridge. The funding, from provincial infrastructure grants, includes a contingency fund and project administration and covers the costs of a conceptual design for a second bridge at the west end of St. George's Island.
Ald. Ric McIver has tried to persuade council to scrap the plan.
The bridge is scheduled to be completed in late 2010. Bronconnier has said the pedestrian span is a necessity that will be used by more than 5,000 people daily.
Suprised no one picked up on this one from cowtown. $25M for this baby.
(Mods - I wanted to start a new thread, but it is blocked.)
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/calgary/story/2009/07/28/calgary-peace-bridge-drawings.html#socialcomments
A tubular, covered bridge for pedestrians and cyclists will span Calgary's Bow River, according to newly released architectural drawings.
The Peace Bridge's design by award-winning Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava was posted on the City of Calgary's website Tuesday.
The footbridge for pedestrians and bicycles will be west of Prince's Island Park and connect Eau Claire to Sunnyside. It will be just over six metres wide, covered for year-round use and lit at night.
Mayor Dave Bronconnier revealed the name of the $22-million bridge Monday.
Peace Bridge alludes to its link to Peace Park at Seventh Street S.W. on the south side of the Bow River, as well as its future location along Memorial Drive, which was named in honour of soldiers killed in the First World War, he said.
"It is about peace and that's something that Canadians are known globally for," said Bronconnier. "Peace Bridge really connects with what Canada's military speaks of, what Memorial Drive represents, and that is that people who have given the ultimate sacrifice should be remembered."
The bridge will be lit up at night. (Santiago Calatrava)Council approved spending $25 million in September 2008 to design and construct the footbridge. The funding, from provincial infrastructure grants, includes a contingency fund and project administration and covers the costs of a conceptual design for a second bridge at the west end of St. George's Island.
Ald. Ric McIver has tried to persuade council to scrap the plan.
The bridge is scheduled to be completed in late 2010. Bronconnier has said the pedestrian span is a necessity that will be used by more than 5,000 people daily.
smuncky
Senior Member
^ wyliepoon started a thread here, http://www.urbantoronto.ca/showthread.php?t=9846
urbandreamer
recession proof
Just discovered a gorgeous bridge (proposed?)
http://www.trendir.com/ultra-modern...es-the-copenhagen-harbor-cph-arch-by-3xn.html
Something playful, not just functional, would've been brilliant down by CP.
http://www.trendir.com/ultra-modern...es-the-copenhagen-harbor-cph-arch-by-3xn.html
Something playful, not just functional, would've been brilliant down by CP.
SpadinaBus
Active Member
Wow, that's more than a bridge, it's a mini-city.
Pretty spectacular, was there an estimated cost?
Pretty spectacular, was there an estimated cost?