[Jimby]

This $100 million dollar project needs a thread (if there is already a thread, sorry I couldn't find it).
The rejuvenated King Eddy will be an exciting addition to Calgary's urban fabric.
I wish I had been at the party that is shown in the really good video (link below).


an email from Roger Jackson, Chair of Cantos
Hi:

As you all know, i am Chair of Cantos, and have been for 10 years or so. We have secured and are renovating the King Eddy Hotel and raising $100 million to do this. Go to the youtube video to see what types of promo we are developing. As well, July 23 we are having a public presentation by 5 international architectural firms (chosen from 60 applicants) who are vying to be the architects. We gave each of them $50,000 to come up with concepts and they will be presented at the Grand Theatre, late afternoon.

The following link will allow you to view and enjoy the video at your leisure.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HwgLa1UdeU

Roger

[Look way up]

Cool! Thanks for posting Jimby! The Canotos museum is a pretty exciting project.

[Wooster]

Good thread.

The Expression of Interest call for architectural services with some of the details of the project:

http://cantos.ca/kingeddy/wp-content/uploads/Cantos_EOI_FINAL_with_budget.pdf

80,000 square feet and about a $55 million construction budget (not including the exhibit design, fabrication and installation, which has a separate budget of up to $15 million).

The preliminary plan is to construct a new national music
facility on the footprint of the restored brick shell of the
existing King Edward Hotel - expanding it westward and
upward above the existing building.

This unique facility will combine adaptive re-use of the existing heritage space. The intent is to restore the original
“blues bar” on the main floor of the King Eddy to become a
new “all music” live-music venue, restaurant/bar with gift
shop.

The venue will include a recording studio featuring the
large Trident Recording Console used by such luminaries
as George Harrison, David Bowie and Lou Reed.

The new facility will also house a broadcast radio studio
that supports and plays independent and local music.

The Cantos Music Collection, programs and workshops will
be situated among galleries that are self-guided, highly
interactive and that encourage exploration and learning.

Cantos’ Rolling Stones Mobile Recording Studio will be
restored and modernized to facilitate the recording of
new music by resident and visiting artists alike and will be
placed adjacent to the King Eddy live music venue for easy
access and use.

Meeting spaces, practice rooms, a digital library resource
centre and other office facilities for music related arts
organizations will also be developed in the new space.

Future expansion to neighbouring properties could include
new gallery space for additional music collections (i.e.
guitars, violins etc.) that have yet to be acquired and a
concert hall.

the five teams shortlisted

- Allied Works Architecture/BKDI: Portland, OR, Calgary, AB

- Jean Nouvel Workshop: Paris, France

- Diller Scofidio + Renfro: New York, NY with Kasian, Calgary, AB

- Saucier + Perrotte: Montreal, PQ with Graham Edmunds: Calgary, AB

- Studio Pali : Fekete, Los Angeles, CA

[Jimby]

:previous: Thanks for adding that. So why does Roger say they are raising $100 million if the building will "only" cost $55 million?

[Wooster]

:previous: Thanks for adding that. So why does Roger say they are raising $100 million if the building will "only" cost $55 million?

Well including the programming, it seems to be $70 million. The rest they are probably trying to raise for an endowment or something and/or future expansion.

Another explanation might be that they had feedback from the competition participants that a higher budget is more realistic for what they're trying to achieve.

[Ramsayfarian]

This will win me no friends here, but being an ex-patron of the Eddie, it kills me to hear what Cantos has planned for it.

The building will probably look fantastic, but I'd rather that Dar's proposal had won as he was keeping it strictly as a blues bar.

[Wooster]

http://cantos.ca/kingeddy/

There's a questionairre to fill out about what you'd like to see in the project, including project design.

[Habanero]

That's a good lineup of architects. A real potential for some great design. Diller Scofidio + Renfro has done some really interesting stuff. It would be interesting if they got it.





the five teams shortlisted

- Allied Works Architecture/BKDI: Portland, OR, Calgary, AB

- Jean Nouvel Workshop: Paris, France

- Diller Scofidio + Renfro: New York, NY with Kasian, Calgary, AB

- Saucier + Perrotte: Montreal, PQ with Graham Edmunds: Calgary, AB

- Studio Pali : Fekete, Los Angeles, CA

[DizzyEdge]

This will win me no friends here, but being an ex-patron of the Eddie, it kills me to hear what Cantos has planned for it.

The building will probably look fantastic, but I'd rather that Dar's proposal had won as he was keeping it strictly as a blues bar.

My concern, is reading some of the info on that site, it sounds like Cantos only intends to keep maybe.. 10% of the original structure.


2. How big is the existing structure of the Hotel King Edward, as part of the whole floor area?

The existing building is 22,000sq ft. At this point, we are anticipating keeping the original blues bar area and general location (3,000 sq.ft) of the original building, a portion of the exterior brick façade and some interior elements of the construction that have yet to be determined.

3. Will the core of the existing construction be removed partially or as a whole, with the historic brick shell remaining?

The historic shell, more particularly the south and east walls will remain together with elements of the interior.


It concerns me as there was this big 'Save the King Eddy' push, and then everyone was happy when Cantos stepped in, but it sounds like in the end it will be 1/10 of the King Eddy and no blues. Although if the full south and east facade of the original portion is retained, that's something I suppose.

[Wooster]

It appears really the designated 3 storey portion will be staying, the 5 storey addition, probably not.

[DizzyEdge]

It appears really the designated 3 storey portion will be staying, the 5 storey addition, probably not.

Which I had heard before, and that I can accept, but I assumed if the 5 story newer addition was going to be taken out, that the original portion would be almost 100% preserved, rather than mostly just a facade. That said, it's unclear how much original interior fabric still remains.

BTW, good job responding to the person who hoped the new portion would be designed to look like an old building :)

[Bigtime]

So tonight starting at 5pm the Cantos Foundation will be revealing the designs that are in the running for the King Eddy.

Jeffwhit will be "tweeting" the event live for us, you can click on this link to follow it without having to join twitter:

http://twitter.com/basserino

[Calgarian]

Can't wait to see.

[You Need A Thneed]

If the designs are all really good, it'll be a shame that only one of them can be built.

[Bigtime]

Incoming Tweet from Jeffwhit!!!

This is truly a tweet that can't be beat:

@basserino Feel free to repost anything incl pics from the Cantos presentation on SSP or anywhere else #yyc
:banana: :tup: :banana:

Edit: Ok I need to stop watching the 'Twitter Tracker' segment on Conan!

[Bokimon]

I'll be there too, i will also try and get some picts as well..
see a few of u there this afternoon.

[Innersoul1]

Tweets from Jeff:

http://yfrog.com/6ciuuj

After opening remarks cmlc is presenting the new east village plan

Tony lupino, who is largely responsible for the art galley of alberta is on board. His wire is the CEO of the CPO

talking about how cantos is a local mystery.

[Innersoul1]

More tweetage

cantos is aiming to be a 'national music centre

[Innersoul1]

66 firms bid

[KONYS]

Pics and vids are on the Herald's website. Some great concepts for sure.

[DizzyEdge]

I like that the first one seems to retain the entire King Eddy facade (or perhaps more), but the top hat concept looks a bit strange.. checking out the second one and I'm liking it more so far, they lopped off the upper floors of the north end of the King Eddy, but the addition and adjacent building is insane.

Third one, Allied works, I wish the video was less mumbo jumbo/Donnie Darko soundboard and more regular views of the design, that said unlike the 2nd one (Diller Scofidio + Renfro ) which highlights the Eddy through the huge contrast with the new design, the Allied works one seems more complementary.

[DizzyEdge]

Not sure about Saucier + Perrotte, it's cool, but perhaps not quite as cool as Diller Scofidio + Renfro as the modern addition isn't quite as stunning, and it removes the most (so far) of the original king eddy.

[Calgarian]

holy freakin hell!

I like the first one and the Saucier and Perrot one.

[CorporateWhore]

Nice stuff so far. As of now, I'm leaning towards Pali-Fekete, but honestly the only one I'm not that crazy about is Allied Works.

It's a little hard to decipher the Nouvel proposal, as the renderings are a little vague on details, but it could definitely be interesting.

[DizzyEdge]

SPFa architects one I can't really wrap my head around, I'll need to watch it again

[Calgarian]

All images from the Calgary Herald

SPF Architects
http://a123.g.akamai.net/f/123/12465/1d/www.calgaryherald.com/gallery+concepts+canada+music+centre/1821652/1821619.bin?size=620x400

http://a123.g.akamai.net/f/123/12465/1d/www.calgaryherald.com/gallery+concepts+canada+music+centre/1821652/1821614.bin?size=620x400

http://a123.g.akamai.net/f/123/12465/1d/www.calgaryherald.com/gallery+concepts+canada+music+centre/1821652/1821625.bin?size=620x400

Jean Nouvel
http://a123.g.akamai.net/f/123/12465/1d/www.calgaryherald.com/gallery+concepts+canada+music+centre/1821652/1821624.bin?size=620x400

http://a123.g.akamai.net/f/123/12465/1d/www.calgaryherald.com/gallery+concepts+canada+music+centre/1821652/1821611.bin?size=620x400

http://a123.g.akamai.net/f/123/12465/1d/www.calgaryherald.com/gallery+concepts+canada+music+centre/1821652/1821615.bin?size=620x400

Saucier and Perrotte
http://a123.g.akamai.net/f/123/12465/1d/www.calgaryherald.com/gallery+concepts+canada+music+centre/1821652/1821617.bin?size=620x400

http://a123.g.akamai.net/f/123/12465/1d/www.calgaryherald.com/gallery+concepts+canada+music+centre/1821652/1821623.bin?size=620x400

http://a123.g.akamai.net/f/123/12465/1d/www.calgaryherald.com/gallery+concepts+canada+music+centre/1821652/1821616.bin?size=620x400

Diller Scofidio + Renfro architects
http://a123.g.akamai.net/f/123/12465/1d/www.calgaryherald.com/gallery+concepts+canada+music+centre/1821652/1821622.bin?size=620x400

http://a123.g.akamai.net/f/123/12465/1d/www.calgaryherald.com/gallery+concepts+canada+music+centre/1821652/1821612.bin?size=620x400

http://a123.g.akamai.net/f/123/12465/1d/www.calgaryherald.com/gallery+concepts+canada+music+centre/1821652/1821621.bin?size=620x400

Allied Works architects
http://a123.g.akamai.net/f/123/12465/1d/www.calgaryherald.com/gallery+concepts+canada+music+centre/1821652/1821618.bin?size=620x400

http://a123.g.akamai.net/f/123/12465/1d/www.calgaryherald.com/gallery+concepts+canada+music+centre/1821652/1821620.bin?size=620x400

http://a123.g.akamai.net/f/123/12465/1d/www.calgaryherald.com/gallery+concepts+canada+music+centre/1821652/1821613.bin?size=620x400

[Reesonov]

As noted in the construction thread: I love the SPF proposal. A work of art. I'm intrigued by the Nouvel proposal, but I need to watch the video. The renderings are too vague.

[nik8063]

I like the SPF one the most as well. They really put a lot more effort into their video presentation as well it seems. :shrug:

[Spring2008]

[QUOTE=CorporateWhore;4372601 but honestly the only one I'm not that crazy about is Allied Works.[/QUOTE]

So true,

Wouldn't lose any sleep if they chose any of the other ones(don't really like the allied works one so much either), but I really like the Diller Scofidio + Renfro one.

Didn't realize how big this thing is going to be!!!!!

[Calgarian]

This will raise the bar in this city for sure if it gets build.

Yeah, Allied's is pretty weird.

[DizzyEdge]

So true,

Wouldn't lose any sleep if they chose any of the other ones(don't really like the allied works one so much either), but I really like the Diller Scofidio + Renfro one.

Didn't realize how big this thing is going to be!!!!!

I like Diller Scofidio + Renfro, but I'd like the new east building to be larger.

This will raise the bar in this city for sure if it gets build.

Yeah, Allied's is pretty weird.

TO me Allied is both the most complementary to the King Eddy, and the one least likely to evoke a "wow" when driving by.

[Wooster]

Just first impressions - not enough information in each of the videos (aside from SPF and Allied) to really judge them conceptually.

My initial preference:

1. SPF
2. Diller Scofidio + Renfro architects
3. Allied
4. Saucier + Perrotte
5. Nouvel

More detailed assessment later...

All I can say is WOW!

[Spring2008]

I posted this in the construction thread at first by accident.....

So when will the public know which of the 5 architects they are going with????????????????

[DizzyEdge]

Any concerns over the wall-like effect of SPF, particularly with the other wall-effect Municiple building nearby?

[kap384]

Wow is right. My initial take:

1. Diller Scofidio + Renfro architects
2. SPF
3. Nouvel
4. Saucier + Perrotte
5. Allied

[Spring2008]

Any concerns over the wall-like effect of SPF, particularly with the other wall-effect Municiple building nearby?


Only thing is this isn't really much of a wall, more like a work of art.:boogy:

[KONYS]

I like Allied's concept of a room that you can play, but the rest of the design is kind of meh. SPF's proposal is beautiful. The Nouvel concept is a bit hard to decipher, even with the video. Not that it matters, but I think in their rendering they have the old Penny Lane design in the background.

[KONYS]

I posted this in the construction thread at first by accident.....

So when will the public know which of the 5 architects they are going with????????????????

The Herald said September.

[Dafunk]

I gotta say, while I like SPF the best, I think Nouvel will definitely draw more people into East Side village with its giant screen (if it is a giant screen and not just a picture). I think it would be the anchor for 4th Ave (Stampede Way I think its called.. cant remember). The moving pictures would definitely draw large crowds outside of it and would be great to air for major events such as the olympics for instance, kinda like what happens in Time's square. I cant wait to hear which one they pic.

I think too much focus is placed on the King Eddy. I would just look at them as two different buildings from two different eras. Whose says they need to complement each other. Parts of Rotterdam have buildings which are hugely different than the surrounding architecture. Makes it kinda cool in my opinion.
________
drug test (http://drugtestingkit.org)

[fusili]

My preferences:

1. SPF
2. DSR
3. S + P
4. Allied
5. Nouvel

All of them are fantastic though. This will definitely contribute immensely to the Centre City. This just reminds me of the ridiculous amount of amazing projects this city is seeing.

[Bigtime]

Wow, I'm going to need to sleep on this tonight and figure out how I rank them.

This could be a HUGE gamechanger for Calgary!

[Wooster]

I really wish I could have seen the full presentations, or at least the videos had the same level of explanation. I'm most compelled by SPF by far right now, but that might only be because their video was so impressive and you could really understand the thinking behind their design moves. I'd like to be able to understand that level of thinking for all of them.

I'm curious what Jeffwhit thought of them having watched the presentations. Any obvious standouts? My guess would be SPF as he said it looks like it was a career maker type effort from that firm.

Hopefully they videotaped the live presentations and post full presentations on the website.

Anyway, very impressed.

I think once all the presentations or more images are available we should put it to a poll.

[Calgarian]

This could be a HUGE gamechanger for Calgary!

absolutely!

[AUM]

After watching all the presentations my vote goes to Diller + Scofidio + Renfro. There process and presentation not only encompassed the vision of Cantos but their architecture was a clear representation of the ideas as well as the potential of this to be catalyst for East Village and Calgary!!!! I am not the biggest fan of folding and abstract geometric projects but this one did impress me in its ability to convey a true idea and vision!


Saucier and Perotte also put forth a very good concept and idea. This is what this city needs more of for projects to offer the greatest potential...competitions open to all talents!!!!!

[CorporateWhore]

How was the Nouvel presentation? I feel like that's the one that is the most mysterious from the imagery and video. Either they half-assed the project, or just bother to give us details, but i'd love to know more. I wonder what the material is comprised off.

After watching the video, I still think SPF is ahead, but the Diller-Scofidio proposal is not bad either. Saucier Perotte looks interesting, but feels a little too much like an architectural rendering (if that makes sense) as opposed to a real live building. That is an opinion based purely on the visuals of course.

[earthclaim]

I quite liked the Nouvel presentation, the exterior images from the Herald only really show the east face, the key to that face it is in that it cantilevers over 4th and the real interest is from the pedestrian realm looking up into the building behind the cantilever. The west face is much more transparent. Overall while there are some facets of it I am not sure about its design keeps growing on me.

[bob1954]

That's quite a proposal!! Whoever said this could be a game-changer for Calgary, ain't kidding!! Looks like something you'd see in Toronto or Chicago, NY, ect.

[CorporateWhore]

I quite liked the Nouvel presentation, the exterior images from the Herald only really show the east face, the key to that face it is in that it cantilevers over 4th and the real interest is from the pedestrian realm looking up into the building behind the cantilever. The west face is much more transparent. Overall while there are some facets of it I am not sure about its design keeps growing on me.

Yeah, it's definitely intriguing. It feels very simple, but feels like it would have a lot of beautiful subtle details. Can't wait to see more about it.

[earthclaim]

The Allied works proposal to me will depend on the final materials, there was a image they showed of a model of the building finished in wood which with the golden accents looked quite stunning. Most of the images show a lighter look which I don't think looks as well and if it is a concrete or light brick finish it might end up quite brutalistic.

[shogged]

http://i41.tinypic.com/noyphh.jpg

[You Need A Thneed]

My favs are SPF, DSR, and Allied Works, but they are all great.

I'd like to see more of what the materials would be like for the allied works one, and the Nouvel one.

[skrish]

For me it's a toss up between SPF and Saucier & Perrotte. Allied has a great interior shot, but I'm not too sure about the exterior. The bar has been raised once again and I would be happy with any one of these choices.

[Wooster]

A facelift for the King Eddy

By RENATO GANDIA, Sun Media

Last Updated: 23rd July 2009, 5:02pm


Whittled down from 66 original bidders to five, architects are slated to wow Calgarians and a selection committee and grab the chance to spruce up rundown King Edward Hotel.

The 104-year-old King Eddy is undergoing a $75-million facelift, part of redevelopment of East Village, which over the years was a haven for crime and homelessness.

Chris Ollenberger, chair of the Calgary Municipal Land Corp. (CMLC), which is charged with cleaning the community that will be named the Rivers district, said it’s exciting to have come to this point.

“CMLC is really pleased with the amount of efforts and time and the quality of the process they put together,” said Ollenberger.

Cantos Music Foundation has been tasked to transform King Eddy into Canada’s only national music centre.

The foundation will try and recapture the hotel’s history from the ragtime piano that entertained the establishment’s fun-loving patrons on its early years to the blues that eventually made it famous in the 1980s and 1990s.

To achieve that goal Cantos will get help from one of the five design firms including Montreal’s Saucier + Perrotte, Portland’s Allied Works Architecture, Paris’ Jean Nouvel Workshop, Los Angeles’ Studio Pali Fekete Architects and New York’s Diller Scofidio and Renfro.

Andrew Mosker, executive director of Cantos, said each of the five bidders has Calgary-based architecture company as partners.

“Once we looked at the design concept, we have to consult with our advisory committee and make sure that each plan is on budget and that the building works with our program, meaning it’s a functional building,” said Mosker.

Ollenberger said all the five competitors are “did a good job, they embrace the King Eddy heritage, the music and the passion.”

He said making just one choice will be difficult and he expects the process to inspire Calgary’s imagination.

“I think (Calgarians) are going to strike a variety of opinions ... and we need architecture to provoke opinion, provoke discussions.”

Calgarians can submit their comments on what they think of the designs on Cantos website at cantos.ca/kingeddy beginning Monday.

renato.gandia@sunmedia.ca

http://www.calgarysun.com/news/alberta/2009/07/23/10240036.html

[Wooster]

Wow a factor in King Eddy redesign proposals

By Nancy Tousley, Calgary Herald

The ambition and scale of the $100 million project that will transform the Cantos Music Foundation into the National Music Centre at the King Eddy comes into sharp focus with the architects’ visions of what Calgary’s newest cultural centre could be like.

Call it the Wow factor. It is present in a different way in each of the five dramatic designs by leading architects who are the finalists in an international design competition: Brad Cloepfil of Allied Works, Portland, Ore.; Bernard Beisell of Ateliers Jean Nouvel, Paris; Elizabeth Diller of Diller, Scofidio + Renfro, New York; Gilles Saucier and Andre Perotte of Saucier + Perrotte, Montreal; and Zoltan Pali of SPF:a, Los Angeles.

The architects were asked to design a new home for Cantos which will be located on 9th Avenue S.E. and will straddle 4th Street S.E. in order to connect a renovated King Edward Hotel with a new building across the street. They presented their proposals Thursday to a sold out audience at the Grand Theatre.

Working with sound and music in the design of a building with multiple aspects, which include the preservation of an historic landmark, collections display, presentation spaces for live music, recording and broadcast studios, educational spaces and public spaces such as a restaurant and bar, caught the attention of all of the architects.

Adding to the attraction is the project’s position as a gateway to the East Village and a catalyst in its redevelopment by the Calgary Municipal Land Corp., as well as the creation of a music district.

“One amazing thing here is it’s not only about one building,” says Bernard Beisell. “This is a fascinating process going on with Cantos and the CMLP as they are preparing to redevelop the East Village. The way they are going about this is a little bit unusual in the sense that if you say cities are about bringing people together, that’s just what they do, what they are saying is that music can play an important role in doing that.

“You build an opera house, or you build a theatre, and it’s an isolated monument, but here they are trying to do more than that. They’re trying to build a concert hall and then a research centre and now you are beginning to get a density of institutions that defines a musical district for this neighbourhood. I think that could work. It’s a very interesting approach that you use music as a theme and you use these institutions as an anchor for the character of this neighbourhood. I haven’t seen that before and I find it very innovative and strong.”

The total cost of the project includes $75 million for new building and $25 million for an endowment fund. Fundraising is well underway, says communications manager Cami Leard. Cantos is seeking $25 million contributions from the federal, provincial and municipal governments and $25 million from a capital campaign. Confirmation of the city contribution is expected this fall. The winning architectural proposal will be announced in September.

© Copyright (c) The Calgary Herald

http://www.calgaryherald.com/factor+King+Eddy+redesign+proposals/1821890/story.html

[jeffwhit]

Ok official reaction form someone who was there. Nouvel certainly didn't half ass anything except for the video on the Herald website. The details in the presentation were quite well developed. I was really impressed by what Nouvel himself said, that the building needs to be part of the skyline, and that the Eddie itself could not possibly stand up visually to a large building on the east lot, which is why he went with the tower. The east facade cants off of the tower, and what isn't even shown on the Herald is the west facade, which is entirely transparent glass that is partially etched. Also, there are plans for two further additions on the east side of 4th, including a 11 seat concert hall and another building (can't remember its use exactly.) while still preserving the square he proposed. The diagonal street through the east village would It is a very tall building. I counted at least 15 floors, but the floor to ceiling heights had to be at least double normal commercial height for an office tower.

Anyway, my order of preference

1. Nouvel - Trust me, much much better than what the Herald site depicts
2. SPF (I do think their trying to make something that will really be a defining moment for the firm)
3. DSR, but I am skeptical about their plan to display the instruments by putting each one in it's own compartment
4. S+P (I knew it would be very popular on SSP, to me it looks like a generic version of a certain style of cultural building, I think cliched is the word that almost fits.)
5. Allied, can't say I got what they were trying to do, it certainly seemed underwealming, and they also had to present last, which didn't help the impression.

Sorry the pics didn't work out, except for this one of Jean "Big Brother" Nouvel:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v454/jeffwhit/Cantos018.jpg

[jeffwhit]

By the way, you can read detailed descriptions of each project here:
http://cantos.ca/kingeddy/designs-on-calgary-event/

[Ramsayfarian]

^^^^^
Great job. Thanks for going above and beyond the call of duty. I can't wait to see the other side of Nouvel's. Is it just me or does he look like Dr. Evil?

[jeffwhit]

He definitely looks like Dr Evil. It's nice to be able to contribute once in a while.

[Paradisio]

1. Nouvel
2. SPF
3. S+P
4. DSR
5. Allied

[Bokimon]

I was there too, overall I enjoyed it and it opened my eyes. I did expect that the proposals would have that artsy abstract type of massing for this type of use and I was right. Just the way how each presented their ideas was interesting and somewhat of a bore. The programming requirements meant alot of different functions and uses had to be put in so to suit the needs of Cantos which IMO felt a little steep. Public use, educatioin, museum, assembly, bar/lounge, civic/common gathering, tons of accoustic influence in its design to maximize sound transmission.

Also no food breaks was a huge killer as my stomach was growling almost the entire time. 5pm-830pm..
Adding on to Jeffwhits comments I shall add mine to what I thought of them and what I remember of these guys.

DS+R Architects of New York: They played with abstract type of massing using the existing building as a focal magnet which sort of draws the energy from the new building. What started off as a plain box, they added crumples and warped it so its being lured to the Eddie. Main features are in the middle there are two canyon like cuts in the buildings length. Just like vitrines where collectables are kept (Hollywood Squares), but these things would store instruments and the people playing them like a private room encased in glass overlooking the common area which is like a 9 storey canyon or fault with crisscrossing stairs/walkways. The entire facility would reverberate with music via operables and some parts of a day they would automatically play pieces of this or that instruments like an ensemble to help add the mood.
They felt that having an aura of mixed instrumental music is good for the users. The theatre areas looked very well done especially for the Eddie which will be one big theatre for its new use and rooftop will be like bleacher seats to see the city like parade and fireworks.
5 stars for me, I LOVED THIS ONE! Out of the box thinking and something I have never seen before of a buildings function.

[jeffwhit]

Yeah, it's definitely intriguing. It feels very simple, but feels like it would have a lot of beautiful subtle details. Can't wait to see more about it.

It's Nouvel, his stuff is often much more than meets the eye, example:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3318/3261106542_df54602d34_b.jpg
roryrory on flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/roryrory/)

God lies in the details.

[shogged]

So after watching the videos, listening to what the designers had to say about their projects, my initial impressions were swayed quite a bit. So at the end of the day, any one of those would be a great asset to our city. They each offer something unique and just get me excited thinking about having that kind of cultural space as an anchor in the east village!

So in order of my preference...


1) Allied - This was by far the least visually striking of the 5 designs, in fact my first impression was like "gold and white box? MEH" After watching the video and seeing the concept... the playable building, the focus on the heartbeat (concert space) and the silence places, it all struck a chord (haha) with me as a great design both architecturally and for practicality. While I don't think this is going to gain us international recognition for having this great stand-out building, I think the benefits gained from the concept far out way any loss of international fame

2) SPF - This was a tough call, because the next choice I think is pretty equal in terms of striking looks and function, but I really like the 33 foot high gap over the road, leaving room for light. I think this will make for an excellent street presence, complete with the seasonal opening in the side of the lobby. The wooden staircase is striking on its own, and I do like the concept of music though out the building.

3) DSR - This is again, a beautiful design with alot of function built in. Highlights are the atrium staircase with the individual instrument rooms, which i'd assume are for lessons? I was having a hard time wrapping my head around the practicality of large numbers of such small rooms, but I guess they have a plan in the end. I also liked the use of the old king eddy as a concert hall, the design of which I really liked. Again, this really could have been in 2nd place, I think its really great!

4) S+P - Out of all 5, this was my favorite in terms of overall look. I think its awesome, I love the angles, I love the double bridge, and I love the materials and colors. Only problem I have with it though, is it just doesn't feel like a music centre. To me, this is an art gallery! I just couldn't get past the fact when watching the videos and comparing the designs, so thats why i've placed it at number 4. At the end of the day though, if it just came down to wanting a great looking building for Calgary, 2 3 or 4 would satisfy my needs!

5) Nouvel - I think this is a great example of how height does not = better. This to me is just a giant wall that blocks off the east village from the rest of downtown. Its also kind of hard to tell if it really is a giant wall on the one side, or if there will be windows of some kind. I also think it looks quite awkward sitting on top of the old king eddy in original form. Bottom line, I just picture it sticking out like a sore thumb. Highlights, I like the idea of the public space, but I think the other designs are going with the street presence as their public space, which I tend to enjoy more. Rather drive by a great glass lobby than the side of a skyscraper perched atop an old, smaller footprinted (sic) hotel. I also like the section of the tower that jots out from the structure, giving a kind of viewing portal.

Just to restate it though, at the end of the day i'd be happy with any of the 5!

[Bokimon]

Jean Nouvel Workshop of Paris:
I give my lowest rating because IMO I thought he was half assing it. I know he is one of the best but maybe because of the projects requirements not suiting his design criteria or a so-so design team, I didnt feel too hot about this one.
Its 23 storeys, construction is restoration and vertical expansion directly above the Eddie building which at that height gives it more of a flatiron profile. How the hell do they fit in all the programming with such a narrow building with stairs and elevator cores...
Presentation by his henchment, Bartron, Bertrum something French did not feel as indepth and educating as the others and also it was the shortest.
Nouvel was in NYC defending his badass MOAB tower which if you havent seen, THAT is a pritzker prize worthy design!
I also think the team probably didnt even visit the city to study the site and the Cantos foundation as some of the other firms had done.
This building is to be like a piano where the surface(facade) opens up a little for the public to see inside. That is about it for creativity, the interiors are alright but tight because of restricted floorplans as he did not make use of all the available land. The screen thingy is a large facade with a huge artwork etched on it, it also may be for projection purposes as well for concerts etc.
The other site would be a plaza and future phased developments of this project. Galleria at the top floor does offer great views of the city but it will be backlit in the evening.
Ironically the presenter said that the municipal building blocked the 8ave corridor. I know he wanted this as a landmark which you can see from all angles but that just isnt so on the human scale of things. I dont think Cantos is looking for a highrise to suck the people away from the streets but I could be wrong, slightly at best..
I give it 2 stars..

Saucier+Perrotte of Montreal.
They used regional geography from the rocky mountains to the Bow river as a driving force for their design ideas. The chunky slab type of massing and the fresh clear openness of the water and a balance somewhere to make this building a topographical type of landmark in the city. Perrotte also used zigzaging travel points to purposely lose the crowd within the structure as the various uses would be placed between the Eddie, new building and the double crossing bridges over 4th st to make every part of it fully acessible.
To me this kinda looked like a grand piano abstract because of how its massing was arranged. He also showed an accoustic demonstration as how sound travels and how he can tame it thru accoustic design to keep it rich and long lasting as it reverberates throughout the building.
I give this 5 stars, THIS and DSR were my favorites. Perrotte also spoke very well and shared his ideas quite well for another reason why I felt wowed.


Zolton Pali of LA:
Anybody remember one of the courthouse proposals where the building sits over the street as its joined one end to the other, this is how he did it.
His firm did a great job presenting and each of the designers had insightful ideas and they also spent lotsa time at Cantos learning and studying about what they are and how they work. Their massing is interesting as its stacked with angles openings and large punchout openings for views.
The smaller openings are varying sizes of glazings in the wall construction to control the amount of light infiltrating the building. The black cladding would harness solar energy from the sun for sustainable uses..
Also the main floor common area the entire glazing at the atrium opens outside on nice days to allow natural air and open concerts or shows.
Theres also a lounge/bar for afterhrs socializing to help keep the neighborhood alive at night.
I give this 4 stars. His presentation was more of a storey journey and that got me bored otherwise I love this one too. Excellent ideas for materials.

Allied Works of Portland:
I felt meh about this because he talked alot about materials, and something. I lost focus by this point as I was tired. The firm does alot of restoration and expansions involving old buildings and I thought their past stuff were ok and nothing too special. A moderate type of firm.
The shape seen in the renders is more of a collection of some kind of material placed together in groups with indentations as openings.
There are also some kind of etches/mural works too. Material wise it does look a bit plain I didnt feel too excited and it looked kinda weird and botanical like. 3 stars...


Oh ya, I also have pictures of floorplans, elevations and building sections of some of these projects as well as renders not shown on this thread which should give a better idea to a few of these. I wont be able to post them until the weekend so hang in there..

[MarkL]

Sorry the pics didn't work out, except for this one of Jean "Big Brother" Nouvel:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v454/jeffwhit/Cantos018.jpg

http://arbyte.us/blog_archive/2005/11/drevil_million_dollars.jpg

[CorporateWhore]

1) Allied - This was by far the least visually striking of the 5 designs, in fact my first impression was like "gold and white box? MEH" After watching the video and seeing the concept... the playable building, the focus on the heartbeat (concert space) and the silence places, it all struck a chord (haha) with me as a great design both architecturally and for practicality. While I don't think this is going to gain us international recognition for having this great stand-out building, I think the benefits gained from the concept far out way any loss of international fame

To me that all sounded like the typical cliche mumbo jumbo that all architects like to throw around with every project. If you look at their previous work, everything sort of feels similar, nice, but without anything truly interesting to engage you. The more I see and hear about this proposal, the less impressed I am.

[Bigtime]

Ok I've slept on it and had the chance to read over some great views on the proposals from all of you on here, paying particular attention to the couple of forumers that were lucky enough to be there to get a more "complete" picture of the proposals.

So here is my ranking:

1) SPFa (I can understand Jeff's sentiments about them going for broke on this project. I LOVE that main staircase interior.)

2) S+P (I love the look of the design)

3) DSR (which was reminding me slightly of the ROM Crystal in Toronto in a good way)

4) Nouvel (a proposal I really want to see more details of to make a more accurate judging)

5) Allied (subtle, but could grow on me with time if it is chosen)

[AUM]

My only reason for not putting Nouvel at the top is that is project focused more on the architecture as an icon instead of the essence of Cantos making it the focus. There were some interesting elemets to his project...however, the downside of a tower is it begins to isolate elemets. the other schemes that kept to a lower rise more dense arhcitecture fell more in line with the East Village plan and also will have a better opportunity to engage the street and pedestrian realm.

[Innersoul1]

http://i41.tinypic.com/noyphh.jpg

I second that! :cheers:

[KONYS]

The more I read about it, the more the Nouvel is growing on me. At first I thought it was very disappointing. It is a shame that we don't have better images, especially of the west side with its "fragile, diaphanous full height image that shines like a warm coloured magic lantern at night.":haha:

I think so far I have to rank them:
SPFa
DSR
Dr. Evil
S+P
Allied

[earthclaim]

After sleeping on things I think so far I would rank them:

1) DSR - the images from the Herald don't really do this one justice, it is also the most innovative for display of the collection
2) S+P
3) SPFa - This one keeps growing on me. For some strange reason I haven't quite warmed to the wooden staircase/atrium (at least not yet) and I worry that it might end up being something of a light block to the sites North of it.
4) Nouvel - this has some great subtle detailing which redeems it, but I am really unsure of the huge blank wall and it probably has the weakest interface of all the designs to the old King Eddy portion.

Not sure quite where to place Allied, this is quite a subtle sculptural design and materials could make or break the project - with the right materials this might end up being my favorite, with the wrong materials easily my least favorite. This one also has the weakest connection between the two sites, the +15 in it just seems like a tacked on necessity to me rather than as an integral part of the concept.

[CorporateWhore]

Im thinking the Diller Scofidio proposal will look very similar in tone to Alice Tully Hall in NY. It's a very handsome building, if not necessarily a show stopper. It tends to look better and more dramatic in real life than it does here in these photos....the entrance area is quite beautiful.

http://www.archdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/dsr-alice-tully-2-28171.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3548/3346043780_b459780f07.jpg

http://www.designboom.com/cms/images/andrea/alice01.jpg

[Bigtime]

A thread about this project has popped up on Calgarypuck, now we can get some opinions outside of us architecture geeks.

[Wooster]

That was my Calgarypuck alterego - Bunk :cool:

I am alway curious to hear the opinion of the hockey crowd on stuff like this.

[Bigtime]

I had no idea you were Bunk, another alias uncovered on the internets!

Already some comedy gold in the reponses, especially the tongue-in-cheek comments about building interchanges instead!

[Bokimon]

Somebody should make a poll about these proposals so we can vote for which one we think should be the chosen one..

[You Need A Thneed]

That was my Calgarypuck alterego - Bunk :cool:

I am alway curious to hear the opinion of the hockey crowd on stuff like this.

I was wondering, the posts looked too similarly formatted to be different people.

[Bigtime]

Somebody should make a poll about these proposals so we can vote for which one we think should be the chosen one..

Wooster started a poll in the Projects and Construction forum.

[You Need A Thneed]

It might be nice to have a poll outside of the Calgary forumers, to get one where the whole forum can comment.

[O-tacular]

WOW! All I can say is that the bar has been raised and then some! I think my two favs would have to be the SPF and then DSR proposals. I'm also curious to see more of the Nouvel interior. Allied's building looks like it belongs in ancient rome and Saucier's is kind of blah with the finishes.

This is gonna take me forever to catch up on all the posts.:(

[trueviking]

what the hell?!!!...where did this come from?!

this is why it pisses me off that this forum is split up into these navel gazing sections....i have no idea what is going on in other cities anymore.

what is this?....who's paying for it?....what's a 'national music centre'?...what is the function of the building?

it seems the budget is exceptionally low for those proposals, but thats just a detail i suppose....$55 mil doesnt buy you all that much these days.

S&P definatly the best, followed by SPF (never heard of them)...the others are mediocre....nouvel might be better with more detail.

only in calgary would that be touted as a renovation of a heritage building...what does the building look like now?

forget the bow.....this is an exciting proposal.....how likely is it to get done?...whats the process for construction?

awesome stuff....we need more of this in canada.

anything else interesting going on in calgary that i need to know about?...damn

[jeffwhit]

Welcome back TV! Do you have any questions about what's happening in Calgary?

I'm hilarious.

Ok, The Cantos Music foundation has been around a while. The acquired this rather odd collection of mostly keyboard instruments from some collector in Revelstoke. From there it just took off, the now have acquired things like Elton John's songwriting piano, the Rolling Stones mobile studio (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolling_Stones_Mobile_Studio), and a huge collection of amazing electronics instruments, organs etc etc. They are mostly unknown, even to most Calgarians, housed in one of the old warehouses in the Beltline. They are right now a by-appointment museum (due to the nature of their current space,) and a music education centre that works with various groups. This centre they are going to build is kind of hard to explain, it's mostly interactive exhibition space for the collection, but also several performance venues, education spaces and so on and so forth. They have gotten a lot of attention from the feds, who had a sizable contingent at the presentation last night.

[trueviking]

wow...that is amazing....man, i hope this gets built.

we should have a 'block party' thread where all the westerners can brief each other about what exciting things are happening these days....we are all so out of touch....i thought i read in the globe that calgary didnt exist anymore and then i stumble across this.

[bob1954]

Once again, someone asked earlier where the $$ comes from; private/ public, or other sources! Anybody?

[gammell]

Once again, someone asked earlier where the $$ comes from; private/ public, or other sources! Anybody?
From the Calgary Herald:
The total cost of the project includes $75 million for a new building and $25 million for an endowment fund. Fundraising is well underway, says communications manager Cami Leard. Cantos is seeking $25-million contributions from the federal, provincial and municipal governments and $25 million from a capital campaign. Confirmation of the city contribution is expected this fall.

[Wooster]

wow...that is amazing....man, i hope this gets built.

we should have a 'block party' thread where all the westerners can brief each other about what exciting things are happening these days....we are all so out of touch....i thought i read in the globe that calgary didnt exist anymore and then i stumble across this.

Well, when new proposals come along we usually funnel them in the Canada section proposals thread for wider discussion. No need limiting it just to western canada.

Good to hear from you again.

[Me&You]

Once again, someone asked earlier where the $$ comes from; private/ public, or other sources! Anybody?

Let's just say you don't have to worry about Cantos and money

[Colin]

I noticed that there hasn't been much talk about the Cantos building since the winner was announced. However, I stumbled upon some new pictures of the SPF proposal including the floor plans and I thought some of you would be interested. It still makes me depressed seeing what could have been...

http://www.arqa.com/index.php/en/architecture/cantos-national-music-centre-in-calgary-canada.html

[You Need A Thneed]

Speaking of which, I saw this yesterday on the Cantos siteCantos’ National Music Centre Project Update

This has been the year the Cantos National Music Centre project came to life! Through our international architectural competition and public presentation process, Calgary, Alberta, Canada and the world now know what we’re up to here in the East Village.

The Cantos development team is working hard with all three levels of government to secure funding for the national music centre project. We are asking for $25 million from each of the municipal, provincial and federal governments in addition to our capital campaign goal of $45 million. With the combined $120 million, we will be able to construct a 80,000-square-foot facility on the King Eddy site and adjacent sites as well as maintain a solid operating budget to ensure the long-term future of the centre.

Cantos’ national music centre project is one of 15 recommended by Calgary Arts Development to city council as much-needed arts space and all three levels of government have been positive about the project. We continue to discuss the possibilities on a regular basis.

In the meantime, architectural partner Allied Works is busy with the pre-design phase of the project together with our newly-appointed project manager, Sandy Fisher. We are anticipating that work will begin on the site sometime in 2010.

On the marketing side, our team, together with Vancouver’s Identica, is busy conducting market research across the country to give us some direction on a new brand for the project. To date, we have conducted online and telephone interviews as well as a very interesting dialogic research session with a number of stakeholders and members of the public here in Calgary.

[O-tacular]

Good news! Too bad the design sucks. Maybe their market research could have been conducted sooner and they would have seen how much the public favoured the SPF proposal.

Oh well... water under the bridge. Speaking of bridges, I wonder when we'll hear about the St. Patrick's winner. Another turd I'm sure.

[Frenzy]

maybe allied works tweeked up the design to a much more striking form? (hopefully)

anyways does anyone know when a final final rendering will be revealed?

[Wooster]

maybe allied works tweeked up the design to a much more striking form? (hopefully)

anyways does anyone know when a final final rendering will be revealed?

I quite like the form, I think the exterior material selection will make or break.

[Frenzy]

I quite like the form, I think the exterior material selection will make or break.

I agree, the form didn't overwhelm the king eddy like the other proposals did. I hope they use some type of wood finish like on le germain (which looks dope btw)

[Radley77]

I like the Allied Works design. I think I would enjoy walking on an audio journey throughout the building. The use of creating gaps and air barrier to isolate sound is ingenious, and I like that Allied Works appeared to pay attention to the needs of the client above and beyond any other competitor.

[Ramsayfarian]

I like the Allied Works design. I think I would enjoy walking on an audio journey throughout the building. The use of creating gaps and air barrier to isolate sound is ingenious, and I like that Allied Works appeared to pay attention to the needs of the client above and beyond any other competitor.


Allied did a real good job of understanding what the client wanted and what the client needed. I've heard that there was serious doubt if SPF's design was even doable. Not sure if that doable within the budget or doable at all. As Frenzy mentioned, Allied's design doesn't treat the Eddy like a red headed stepchild.

[jeffwhit]

^^ Someone on Calgary Puck who seemed like they might know what they were talking about said that the city wouldn't allow SPF's over the road design so it was a non-starter. Don't know how reliable that is though.

[O-tacular]

I quite like the form, I think the exterior material selection will make or break.

I'm curious if it is some form of opaque finish that's backlit at night (as is suggested by the most recent rendering) or if it's just wood paneling. The rendering is very hard to read. The material looked like stone in the first ones, and wood in the last. I agree that choice of material will play a large role.

[korzym]

Speaking of which, I saw this yesterday on the Cantos site
Quote:
Cantos’ National Music Centre Project Update

This has been the year the Cantos National Music Centre project came to life! Through our international architectural competition and public presentation process, Calgary, Alberta, Canada and the world now know what we’re up to here in the East Village.

The Cantos development team is working hard with all three levels of government to secure funding for the national music centre project. We are asking for $25 million from each of the municipal, provincial and federal governments in addition to our capital campaign goal of $45 million. With the combined $120 million, we will be able to construct a 80,000-square-foot facility on the King Eddy site and adjacent sites as well as maintain a solid operating budget to ensure the long-term future of the centre.

Cantos’ national music centre project is one of 15 recommended by Calgary Arts Development to city council as much-needed arts space and all three levels of government have been positive about the project. We continue to discuss the possibilities on a regular basis.

In the meantime, architectural partner Allied Works is busy with the pre-design phase of the project together with our newly-appointed project manager, Sandy Fisher. We are anticipating that work will begin on the site sometime in 2010.

On the marketing side, our team, together with Vancouver’s Identica, is busy conducting market research across the country to give us some direction on a new brand for the project. To date, we have conducted online and telephone interviews as well as a very interesting dialogic research session with a number of stakeholders and members of the public here in Calgary.


So let me get this straight: These people want hard working Canadians that are trying to raise their families with the little means that they have, to give them their tax dollars for a fancy building?

Its called:
SPECIAL INTERESTS

Yeah this building is totally essential for citizens. These thieves believe their entitled to $75 million for some righteous building downtown? Take your $45 million and do what you want. Its not ok to fund an arena (it truly isnt), but its perfectly ok to build this crap building?

Let the parade of b.s. begin, save the talk about how good this building is for society. 40% + taxes means theres no room for this kind of waste

[frinkprof]

These thieves believe their entitled to $75 million for some righteous building downtown?These thieves believe their entitled to $75 million for some righteous building downtown what?

[Wooster]

So let me get this straight: These people want hard working Canadians that are trying to raise their families with the little means that they have, to give them their tax dollars for a fancy building?

Its called:
SPECIAL INTERESTS

Yeah this building is totally essential for citizens. These thieves believe their entitled to $75 million for some righteous building downtown? Take your $45 million and do what you want. Its not ok to fund an arena (it truly isnt), but its perfectly ok to build this crap building?

Let the parade of b.s. begin, save the talk about how good this building is for society. 40% + taxes means theres no room for this kind of waste

You never cease to amaze. So are no publicly-supported cultural institutions valid? This is a an organization that houses one of the best collections of musical instruments on planet earth. It wants to expand its mandate to become a music hub within the city and nation to the great benefit of the city. Should we tear down the Epcor Centre, how about the Glenbow? Maybe the Saddledome? Talisman Centre? By the way, I do think it is perfectly valid for the public to support an arena - it has cultural value and public benefit to a city that is enormous.

[Ramsayfarian]

^^ Someone on Calgary Puck who seemed like they might know what they were talking about said that the city wouldn't allow SPF's over the road design so it was a non-starter. Don't know how reliable that is though.

I can kind of see why the over the road design could be an issue, but I don't see why it would be any different than a +15 crossing. Other than it would be a deeper.