cityplanner.ca
Discussing big picture urban/city planning and design issues.
Jul 30, 2009
Famed architect Santiago Calatrava has been commissioned to produce a new bridge design for the City of Calgary. Renderings by Calatrava (such as the image below), external links, and other information are available from CBC.
Some aren't impressed, saying the design looks like a drinking straw, while others marvel at the colour, curves and lines, and say it is just what Calgary needs. Whatever you call it, it's a conversation piece...
Architecture that is not worth talking about is not worth building.
When I was interviewed for AkzoNobel's corporate magazine, I was asked to comment on the colourful Agora Theater in the Netherlands. I made that point that when you see daring structures like the Agora Theater, whether people in the city like it or not, it becomes a focal point in the urban landscape.
Calatrava is gifted at stretching the limits of engineering and design to produce exclamation points in his cityscapes, and I am personally a fan of his work.
The Calatrava bridge will get people talking and walking - 5,000 pedestrians a day, according to the CBC article. That number will grow as Calgary grows, and as more and more citizens recognize the appeal of its commuting convenience. Edmonton has also started the construction of a new pedestrian bridge, highlighting the importance of supporting walkers and taking cars off the road.
There are, of course, many reasons why great architecture isn't built. First, it typically isn't required. As sad an excuse as that is, it's all too common. A project objective might note the need to "construct a new bridge" or "replace an existing bridge structure", but typically not "construct a new bridge which will serve as an architectural masterpiece for years to come."
Then there is the bidding process, where cheaper is better. A less expensive basic bridge might not last as long or be as architecturally pleasing, but it will cost fewer capital dollars to construct. Having a bid come in at the minimum cost often necessitates constructing a project to the minimum standards. Thicker beams and girders than required, extra architectural details, and other non-standard components cost money, and probably won't be present.
You get what you pay for, of course, and that bridge will have to be replaced sooner at a higher cost. It also won't look as pretty or have as many amenities or creative urban design elements. But, the senior managers and Council members making the decision to save money today likely won't be around in 60-80 years when major repairs or replacements might be needed sooner than they could or should have been. For some cities, the "good enough standard" is just that - good enough.
Unfortunately, this philosophy ends up negatively impacting skylines, tourism potential, the environment, and over the long run, that City's own pocketbook.
Conversely, building structures which are of higher quality and are more aesthetically pleasing are more likely to lead to other higher quality developments being constructed around them. If done well, public support follows, as does tourism and local economic opportunity.
Build right or don't build, all right?
Some aren't impressed, saying the design looks like a drinking straw, while others marvel at the colour, curves and lines, and say it is just what Calgary needs. Whatever you call it, it's a conversation piece...
Architecture that is not worth talking about is not worth building.
When I was interviewed for AkzoNobel's corporate magazine, I was asked to comment on the colourful Agora Theater in the Netherlands. I made that point that when you see daring structures like the Agora Theater, whether people in the city like it or not, it becomes a focal point in the urban landscape.
Calatrava is gifted at stretching the limits of engineering and design to produce exclamation points in his cityscapes, and I am personally a fan of his work.
The Calatrava bridge will get people talking and walking - 5,000 pedestrians a day, according to the CBC article. That number will grow as Calgary grows, and as more and more citizens recognize the appeal of its commuting convenience. Edmonton has also started the construction of a new pedestrian bridge, highlighting the importance of supporting walkers and taking cars off the road.
There are, of course, many reasons why great architecture isn't built. First, it typically isn't required. As sad an excuse as that is, it's all too common. A project objective might note the need to "construct a new bridge" or "replace an existing bridge structure", but typically not "construct a new bridge which will serve as an architectural masterpiece for years to come."
Then there is the bidding process, where cheaper is better. A less expensive basic bridge might not last as long or be as architecturally pleasing, but it will cost fewer capital dollars to construct. Having a bid come in at the minimum cost often necessitates constructing a project to the minimum standards. Thicker beams and girders than required, extra architectural details, and other non-standard components cost money, and probably won't be present.
You get what you pay for, of course, and that bridge will have to be replaced sooner at a higher cost. It also won't look as pretty or have as many amenities or creative urban design elements. But, the senior managers and Council members making the decision to save money today likely won't be around in 60-80 years when major repairs or replacements might be needed sooner than they could or should have been. For some cities, the "good enough standard" is just that - good enough.
Unfortunately, this philosophy ends up negatively impacting skylines, tourism potential, the environment, and over the long run, that City's own pocketbook.
Conversely, building structures which are of higher quality and are more aesthetically pleasing are more likely to lead to other higher quality developments being constructed around them. If done well, public support follows, as does tourism and local economic opportunity.
Build right or don't build, all right?
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Contact Myron Belej, MCIP, AICP at myron@cityplanner.ca to:
- invite Myron to speak at a conference or event
- feature a version of this article in another publication
- inquire about Myron's consulting or coaching services
- request more information
Learn more about 'How to Hire Myron'.
Contact Myron Belej, MCIP, AICP at myron@cityplanner.ca to:
- invite Myron to speak at a conference or event
- feature a version of this article in another publication
- inquire about Myron's consulting or coaching services
- request more information
Learn more about 'How to Hire Myron'.