[Bigtime]

On July 28th the city released the renderings for the new "Peace Bridge" designed by Santiago Calatrava.

http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/2378/bridge6.jpg

http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/3640/bridge7.jpg

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/1017/bridge5.jpg

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/4843/bridge4b.jpg

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/6601/bridge3f.jpg

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/7259/bridge2i.jpg

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/5104/bridgek.jpg

Credit: Calgary Herald http://www.calgaryherald.com/Gallery+Calgary+Peace+Bridge/1837139/story.html

What do you think?

Edit: She's built and open now!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6562151863_6c10750d6b_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigtimeaa/6562151863/)
Peace Bridge by Night (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigtimeaa/6562151863/) by BigtimeYYC (http://www.flickr.com/people/bigtimeaa/), on Flickr

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6111/6868670248_a4f39332ed_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigtimeaa/6868670248/)
Peace Bridge (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigtimeaa/6868670248/) by BigtimeYYC (http://www.flickr.com/people/bigtimeaa/), on Flickr

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6116/7014784827_602f0e0c8f_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigtimeaa/7014784827/)
Peace Bridge (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigtimeaa/7014784827/) by BigtimeYYC (http://www.flickr.com/people/bigtimeaa/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7178/7014873913_7e698caa27_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigtimeaa/7014873913/)
Peace Bridge (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigtimeaa/7014873913/) by BigtimeYYC (http://www.flickr.com/people/bigtimeaa/), on Flickr

[Calgarian]

I think it's pretty freakin sweet!!

[You Need A Thneed]

Me Likey.

[Spring2008]

First vote in!!!

Think the design/color/uniqueness is worthy of a Love it..

[oldschoolcalgary]

pretty amazing...and at a 10th of the cost of an traffic interchange that i would use once every 3 months...

let the suburbanites wail; I am tired of paying high taxes living in the inner city and having nothing to show for it.

[korzym]

Sucks, and thanks for another hazardous under-bridge corner.

[yads]

Looks cool, I'm not sure I'm thrilled with the colours, but it'll be interesting to see it when it's completed.

[Full Mountain]

I voted it's good...I like the idea...but I'll wait to say that I love it till I can stand in/beside it

[Stang]

I was hoping for a little more concrete and a little less colour.

/sarcasm

[240glt]

For all the hype, a little underwhelming I'd say.

Looks cool from the inside, the exterior looks silly. Don't know if I agree with covering it.

[Wooster]

You know what? Anyone who opposed this bridge will describe how they dislike the design. It could be the greatest thing since the Sydney Opera House and include the second coming of Jesus Christ himself as part of the unveiling and opposers would still say they hate it.

[mooky]

Not what I expected considering the references to Venice being made, but I'm thinking it will definitely be a nice addition to the landscape of this city.

[Bigtime]

Not what I expected considering the references to Venice being made, but I'm thinking it will definitely be a nice addition to the landscape of this city.

The only references I see to the Venice bridge is the inset LED lighting and the fact that it doesn't have any pillars in the water. Other than that completely different.

[Witty Nickname]

Looks great!

[Stang]

I think that the red will really "pop" in the winter. Especially on one of those foggy, whore-frosty, winter days.

[Wooster]

Based on the descriptions the last couple of days, this is pretty much what I had in mind - exept how flat it is. That is unexpected, but will be a good thing for users. The Venice bridge is way too arched, requiring stairs.

[AirGuitarChampion]

Nice, not too far off what I was hoping for back in the construction thread (except there's no curve to this one).

Looks like a people pipeline!

[Joborule]

Pretty hot. Will be a good sight for Calgary.

[Canterra]

Awesome!! I like it alot. I can't wait to cycle/run across it!

[Me&You]

Not what I expected considering the references to Venice being made, but I'm thinking it will definitely be a nice addition to the landscape of this city.

Yeah, with all the reference to the Venice bridge, I was really expecting more of an arch to it. As has been mentioned, an arch would make it less accessible, but considering the span, I think the arch could be incorporated and still gentle enough over the whole span that it wouldn't impede anyone. The design idea is cool, I just wish there was a little more pizzaz to it... a curve, a bend, or, better yet, both! 8/10 from me!

Considering this is a 're-do' does anyone have any insight into how the original proposal looked? Is this vastly different?

[korzym]

I think that the red will really "pop" in the winter. Especially on one of those foggy, whore-frosty, winter days.
yeah it will look as good as those orange gates put up in central park, NYC a couple years back.

[Doug_Cgy]

I think its ok...but with all the hype, I'm a little underwhelmed. I was hoping for something truly iconic, and to me...this isn't it :(

[Wooster]

Share your opinion on the herald comments section!

http://www.calgaryherald.com/Calgary+footbridge+unveiled/1837221/story.html

[Rusty van Reddick]

I love it, but I think it should be called the Chinese Fingertrap Bridge.

http://www.magicfactory.com.au/shop/images/chinesefingertrap.jpg

[cranium]

Was expecting a curved span of some type and think it would look better if it had one. Having said that .... its good!

[agent_imperial]

I voted "It's good".

I really like the design and I think it will be amazing from the pedestrian point of view. I'm sure the materials and attention to detail will be superb.

I held back from giving an "I love it" because I would have liked it to be a little more visible from Memorial Drive in order to give the bridge a bit of a wow factor to people that drive by. This comment is of course just judging from these renderings... in real life it may be more visible than I imagine and then I will add my name to the "I love it" list.

[Wooster]

You never know what the fuck the City is doing with this project. First its going to be revealed in May, then August 6th, now it just pops out. Perhaps it was on the verge of being leaked? Perhaps release it at the same time as the name so all the anger occurs over 1 or 2 days rather than spread out over weeks and multiple announcements?

[skrish]

I'm a little underwhelmed, but it's still a very sharp looking bridge that will age well. Money well spent IMO.

[Wooster]

http://www.calgary.ca/docgallery/bu/transportation_infrastructure/bow_river_pedestrian_bridge/bridge_renderings.pdf

Link to larger images

[korzym]

but I think it should be called the Chinese Fingertrap Bridge.

http://www.magicfactory.com.au/shop/images/chinesefingertrap.jpg

Roger that.

LOL @ wooster for pumping this piece

[Bigtime]

yeah it will look as good as those orange gates put up in central park, NYC a couple years back.

That did look good, different strokes for different folks.

[Me&You]

As the Herald article mentions, this bridge looks A LOT like an elevated LRT tube (from Holland, I think) that I've seen on this website...

[outoftheice]

I like the design, but I have to wonder how well it will hold up in the real world... I've lost count of the number of times I've seen smashed glass on bus shelters and LRT stations. I've got to wonder how long it will take before the glass panels on this bridge are added to that list... I hope I'm proven wrong!

[Spring2008]

I think possibly why Calatrava left out any curves is because he wanted to make the no-support-beams a defining aspect of the bridge.

I don't think he could've gone with no support beams somewhere along the river had he gone with extra curvature and what not...........

[Wooster]

I think possibly why Calatrava left out any curves is because he wanted to make the no-support-beams a defining aspect of the bridge.

I don't think he could've gone with no support beams somewhere along the river had he gone with extra curvature and what not...........

He had to go with no support beams into the water, that was part of the terms of reference. He also had to go low because of the heli-pad height restrictions. Those type of constraints often lead to interesting design responses.

[Rusty van Reddick]

arrgh, I got beat to the punch on "chinese finger trap" at the construction thread- I promise I didn't read any of that before I posted!

[Spring2008]

I love it, but I think it should be called the Chinese Fingertrap Bridge.



It's only a matter of time before this name catches on where it matters most, on the streets.

[korzym]

That did look good, different strokes for different folks.
Almost everyone hated them.

[MalcolmTucker]

Re: Orange Gates in Central Park
Almost everyone hated them.

Umm, I am not sure what news paper you were reading, but I even remember Fox News doing a 'this is cool whimsical' story on it.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,147426,00.html

[theWatusi]

What do you think?

I think you need to post the source of those renders.

[CorporateWhore]

yeah it will look as good as those orange gates put up in central park, NYC a couple years back.

I should hope so. Those things were a massive success and were loved by every New Yorker.

[Surrealplaces]

:tup: :tup:

whether people like it or hate it, it's going to get noticed and discussed. I'm happy to see this going in.

[Bigtime]

Almost everyone hated them.

...and based on that my opinion counts for nothing?

I think you need to post the source of those renders.

Really? I am trying to remember the last time I didn't give credit for articles/pictures etc. This was a rush job since they were "hot off the presses" so to speak. All credit to the Calgary Herald:

http://www.calgaryherald.com/Gallery+Calgary+Peace+Bridge/1837139/story.html

[Ramsayfarian]

I don't love it, but I don't hate it. As others have mentioned, it's a tad underwhelming and seems to be lacking a certain something that I can't put my finger on just yet.

The city should have had a design competition instead of giving it to Calatrava.

[agent_imperial]

He had to go with no support beams into the water, that was part of the terms of reference. He also had to go low because of the heli-pad height restrictions. Those type of constraints often lead to interesting design responses.

Also, on the memorial side of the bridge there is only about 20 meters from the riverbank to the edge of memorial drive. I believe this would preclude the use of any sort of one sided suspension bridge due to the lack of space for anchoring.

When you think about it this was actually a pretty difficult spot to engineer a bridge with the lack of space on the memorial side, the height restriction on the downtown side and the requirement not to have support beams.

[Stang]

I think you need to post the source of those renders.

I thought I saw a copyright in the bottom corners in small text attributing them to the architect anyway... What media outlet they were plucked from is irrelevant if they copyright message was intact, no? Could have been my imagination.

Edit: They're back up, so the point is moot anyway.

Edit II: And I read the image posting guidelines and, indeed, a link to a source is required, which Bigtime has done. Double-moot. :)

[CorporateWhore]

Almost everyone hated them.

You're full of shit. I lived two blocks from Central Park, and those things were a huge success on any level. The park was packed full of locals and visitors for the entire time it was up. Many people went back over and over to experience the Gates, including myself.

There have been a few public displays of art that have been considered duds (ie, the Eliason work from last summer) but the Gates were definitely not one of them.

[Bigtime]

I thought I saw a copyright in the bottom corners in small text attributing them to the architect anyway... What media outlet they were plucked from is irrelevant if they copyright message was intact, no? Could have been my imagination.

Edit: They're back up, so the point is moot anyway.

I reposted them after adding my credit to the Herald gallery.

[MichaelS]

I am surprised there isn't a rendering showing how this will look with the river frozen over and snow on the ground. As someone mentioned already, I bet the red will look amazing against a white/less colourful landscape.

[SteveP]

I like it. Very unique.

[Ramsayfarian]

You know what? Anyone who opposed this bridge will describe how they dislike the design. It could be the greatest thing since the Sydney Opera House and include the second coming of Jesus Christ himself as part of the unveiling and opposers would still say they hate it.

That can go both ways. This could have looked like a steaming pile of crap and the rabid fanboys would still support it. It's human nature.

[Bigtime]

That can go both ways. This could have looked like a steaming pile of crap and the rabid fanboys would still support it. It's human nature.

So it's like Leafs fans... :D

[nik8063]

I'm torn, I like it, but it's not what I wanted from a Calatrava bridge.

I'll still be using it every day though.

[oldschoolcalgary]

i know a lot of people mention a competition, which, in all fairness, is the best way of getting great things (though you'd need probably 250k to run a competition properly)...

BUT, the caveat to that is two fold:

1) have an anonymous IDEAS competition (not this RFQ crap)
2) have the guts to push forward with the design, regardless of qualifications.

Unfortunately, the city wouldn't have the guts to do either, so Calatrava's reputation and skill to design a bridge that could be executed was extremely important in getting the project through.

People can't dispute his pedigree, so they instead charge ahead with spurious arguments...

[CorporateWhore]

The hi-res renderings that Wooster linked too really help in seeing some details. The more I look at it the more I trust it will be fantastic.

Ok, bring on the next high profile architecture project.....

[Hali_user]

I'm a huge fan.

[Ramsayfarian]

So it's like Leafs fans... :D

Exactly... Now the next big hurdle will be budget. This bridge better be on or under budget else Bronc and crew will be hung from the bridge.

[Bigtime]

Exactly... Now the next big hurdle will be budget. This bridge better be on or under budget else Bronc and crew will be hung from the bridge.

Very true, even though the responsible parties will be local companies and trades that help build it!

Oh wait, but people will complain that the contracts were awarded to friends of Bronco and Co. to pad their wallets. A conspiracy for everything! :tup:

[mersar]

I like :)

I haven't checked the comments on the herald, though I can't wait to see how the news tries to spin this. Last night they were pushing the 'it only leads into a dead end party of sunnyside and as such is a waste' angle from what I caught.

[Calgarian]

I hope they put LEDs on this bridge, that would look great!

[gorebug]

I love it, but I think it should be called the Chinese Fingertrap Bridge.

http://www.magicfactory.com.au/shop/images/chinesefingertrap.jpg

I quite like the bridge myself, but it is clearly a stent (http://drsvenkatesan.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/stent.jpg).

[Ramsayfarian]

I quite like the bridge myself, but it is clearly a stent (http://drsvenkatesan.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/stent.jpg).

I was thinking the same thing, but I couldn't recall what they were called.

[freeweed]

let the suburbanites wail

Count me as one suburbanite who's positively enthralled by it, and will be there on or shortly after opening day to experience it. Believe it or not, we have to have SOMEWHERE to go with our SUVs and sometimes we do bring the Hummer into downtown. ;)

I think this is a perfect balance between style and practicality. I know some of you are disappointed about no arch, no bend, but to be honest I much prefer it this way. Straight and to the point. Wheelchair accessible, and bicycle-friendly. And it doesn't meander all over the damn place trying to look "cool".

A lot of people dislike these fancy bridges for exactly those reasons - they are a pain in the arse because you have to walk twice as far just to get somewhere, or hump over stairs, or what have you. I bet many of the folks complaining about this bridge before would have complained twice as loud if this sucker had a huge bend in the middle - so hopefully this wins over a few more fans.

I also like how it ties in with what seems to be Calgary's colours. A nice bright red is fantastic in a city composed (most months) of brown, brown, and more brown, with the occasional blue-green glass on a highrise. Plus, red against the bright blue of the Bow will look fantastic.

Two thumbs up! :tup: :tup:

[outoftheice]

Share your opinion on the herald comments section!

http://www.calgaryherald.com/Calgary+footbridge+unveiled/1837221/story.html

Well I added my two cents to the Herald's comment section... we'll see how they go over or if they just get lost in the roar...

Like it or hate it, I think this bridge has accomplished what it needed to do. Great design often invokes polarized discussion, and this bridge definately does that. People may be talking about how they hate the look, but at least people are talking about it, which for me is a big step forward for this city. One other part of this story that seems to get lost is that the project cost includes $500,000 to fund a design contest for a second pedestrian bridge in the East Village, with the cost of construction paid for by CMLC. This contest will be open to all the local design firms that have boasted that they could have designed a bridge that would rival this one in appearance, and at a lower cost. The bar has now been raised for any future river crossing and it will soon be time for our local architecture firms to put up, or shut up. It challenges everybody on the next project to show that they can do better and that the decision to give the project to Calatrava was misguided. The citizens of Calgary will be the ones who ultimately benefit from this.

[Spring2008]

^^You make some good points there Freeweed.:tup:

[CorporateWhore]

A nice bright red is fantastic in a city composed (most months) of brown, brown, and more brown, with the occasional blue-green glass on a highrise. Plus, red against the bright blue of the Bow will look fantastic.


Agreed! I've been harping about more color in this city for that exact reason!
I woudn't have minded an all white designer either, but the boost of color is definitely a nice change. If this was a local form doing it, Im sure it would've been diarrhea brown.

[freeweed]

1. The comments in the Herald article are pretty funny. It seems like most people honestly believe this thing will be entirely glass-covered. Great reading comprehension there, folks. :haha:

2. Dare I be the first to say it? THIS is a "world class" bridge. Not some boring concrete span. If Calgary wants to look like anything more than a big Ft. Mac (sorry folks up there) this is exactly what we need. I bet EnCana could have saved a ton of money by building a plain concrete box, too.

3. Any bets how long this takes to hit the national (or even bigger) news?

[Zilla]

The Wormhole.

[oldschoolcalgary]

Count me as one suburbanite who's positively enthralled by it, and will be there on or shortly after opening day to experience it. Believe it or not, we have to have SOMEWHERE to go with our SUVs and sometimes we do bring the Hummer into downtown. ;)

I think this is a perfect balance between style and practicality. I know some of you are disappointed about no arch, no bend, but to be honest I much prefer it this way. Straight and to the point. Wheelchair accessible, and bicycle-friendly. And it doesn't meander all over the damn place trying to look "cool".

A lot of people dislike these fancy bridges for exactly those reasons - they are a pain in the arse because you have to walk twice as far just to get somewhere, or hump over stairs, or what have you. I bet many of the folks complaining about this bridge before would have complained twice as loud if this sucker had a huge bend in the middle - so hopefully this wins over a few more fans.

I also like how it ties in with what seems to be Calgary's colours. A nice bright red is fantastic in a city composed (most months) of brown, brown, and more brown, with the occasional blue-green glass on a highrise. Plus, red against the bright blue of the Bow will look fantastic.

Two thumbs up! :tup: :tup:

sorry, i know that a lot of people on this board do live in the suburbs, but really appreciate architecture as well...my generalization is just that...

i am hopeful that the bridge, once built (knock on wood), will change people's minds...

[bulliver]

I think it's pretty sweet. A lot better than the bridge recently proposed for False Creek in Vancouver...

[Spring2008]

3. Any bets how long this takes to hit the national (or even bigger) news?

I don't know I live in E-town still, they usually censor this kind of stuff

OOoooooo

k I'm joking:cool:

national news-within a week??

[Ramsayfarian]

1. The comments in the Herald article are pretty funny. It seems like most people honestly believe this thing will be entirely glass-covered. Great reading comprehension there, folks. :haha:

2. Dare I be the first to say it? THIS is a "world class" bridge. Not some boring concrete span. If Calgary wants to look like anything more than a big Ft. Mac (sorry folks up there) this is exactly what we need. I bet EnCana could have saved a ton of money by building a plain concrete box, too.

3. Any bets how long this takes to hit the national (or even bigger) news?

Define "world class"?

To me, world class means being one of the best in the world and I don't think this bridge cuts it. It's a nice bridge, but far from world class.

[srperrycgy]

Looks interesting enough. Love the red, which is nice to see after being bombarded with "Banff Beige" all these years. Should be named "The Blinky Bridge" though. ;)

[freeweed]

Define "world class"?

I've mostly given up on the semantics game, because it's a meaningless term for the most part, but here goes:

You know when you visit major cities, and there are certain things everyone takes pictures of? That everyone who's been there talks about? That can show up in a movie shot and you instantly know where you are? That tend to dominate your memories of a place, even though there's tons of boring mundane crap in every city - but that stuff just doesn't "stick" in your mind, and you only remember the highlights?

The Calgary Tower was "world class" in its day. As is the CN today. Or the cathedral in Montreal. Or the Expo pier in Vancouver. Maybe "iconic" is more what I'm thinking of.

I just see this bridge as something you'd easily find in a European or Asian city. As opposed to just about every other bridge in this country, which tends to be flat, grey, and overall uninspired. This bridge, any city would be happy to have. The rest? Yay, another bridge just like the 15 we already have.

While this bridge may not have quite the impact on the skyline that I'm thinking of, considering the constraints I think it does an admirable job of completely changing the view into downtown. I honestly would place this on par with the Bow in terms of appearance.

[Look way up]

I like the bridge. Whatever your opinion of it, you have to agree that it's going to be the subject of many photographers, especially when lit up at night.

[mooky]

I wonder what the other bridge he was supposed to design but hasn't been funded for construction will/does look like... or was that part of the project squashed?

[You Need A Thneed]

I wonder what the other bridge he was supposed to design but hasn't been funded for construction will/does look like... or was that part of the project squashed?

He was never going to design that bridge.

[rapid_business]

love it.

[mooky]

Oh. Perhaps I misremember. Was is just in the original budget for a design of the second bridge, but not specifically by him then? Cause in the past I thought all the talk was off two bridges being planned, but only the first was funded for construction.

He was never going to design that bridge.

[You Need A Thneed]

Oh. Perhaps I misremember. Was is just in the original budget for a design of the second bridge, but not specifically by him then? Cause in the past I thought all the talk was off two bridges being planned, but only the first was funded for construction.

No, the original budget had a number included for the design of the second bridge (by the east village), to be designed by someone else (likely a design competition), and funded by the CMLC. So, the second bridge is funded, just not by the city.

[mooky]

^^^ Gotcha, thanks for the clarification!

[Danma]

What a bunch of complainers on the CBC website. I've never seen such a collection of maladjusted angry people. March on city hall for a bridge paid for by the province? Idiots.

[fusili]

Reading the comments on the Herald website (I don't even want to touch the Sun), makes me wonder why I still live in this city. Comments about how the bridge will be a magnet for homeless people? I just don't know what to say to that.

[nick.flood]

Reading the comments on the Herald website (I don't even want to touch the Sun), makes me wonder why I still live in this city. Comments about how the bridge will be a magnet for homeless people? I just don't know what to say to that.

And it should be. This bridge is so excellent even homeless people are going to hear about it and want to rush over to see it.

[Bigtime]

I see that Wooster is fighting the good fight on the CBC comments section, and being labelled as a "left-wing spammer" for his efforts.

I don't even read the comments sections of any article anymore, it is just depressing.

[Ramsayfarian]

?

The Calgary Tower was "world class" in its day. As is the CN today. Or the cathedral in Montreal. Or the Expo pier in Vancouver. Maybe "iconic" is more what I'm thinking of.


I can see iconic.

[lubicon]

Count me as one suburbanite who's positively enthralled by it, and will be there on or shortly after opening day to experience it. Believe it or not, we have to have SOMEWHERE to go with our SUVs and sometimes we do bring the Hummer into downtown. ;)

I think this is a perfect balance between style and practicality. I know some of you are disappointed about no arch, no bend, but to be honest I much prefer it this way. Straight and to the point. Wheelchair accessible, and bicycle-friendly. And it doesn't meander all over the damn place trying to look "cool".

A lot of people dislike these fancy bridges for exactly those reasons - they are a pain in the arse because you have to walk twice as far just to get somewhere, or hump over stairs, or what have you. I bet many of the folks complaining about this bridge before would have complained twice as loud if this sucker had a huge bend in the middle - so hopefully this wins over a few more fans.

I also like how it ties in with what seems to be Calgary's colours. A nice bright red is fantastic in a city composed (most months) of brown, brown, and more brown, with the occasional blue-green glass on a highrise. Plus, red against the bright blue of the Bow will look fantastic.

Two thumbs up! :tup: :tup:

freeweed, you bring up a couple of interesting points. My first reaction to the bridge design was a bit of a letdown after all the hype we have been hearing. I guess I was expecting something a little more 'wow'. But now that I think about it it might actually be the perfect bridge for Calgary. This is a city that seems to be all about function and practicality, it's a hard nosed business town after all. In a way this bridge gives us that - it's a straight shot across the river, no twists or bends etc. Pretty simple (and functional) yet there is also some artistic merit to it without going over the top.

I'm liking it more and more although I don't know if it will ever be 'fantastic' in my mind (I voted 'good' in the poll). The colors will certainly stand out and that is something we are not used to seeing in this city of beige.

[Wooster]

I see that Bertie is fighting the good fight on the CBC comments section, and being labelled as a "left-wing spammer" for his efforts.

I don't even read the comments sections of any article anymore, it is just depressing.

Yeah, I liked that one. I wonder if it's the Corndogger (i'm sure he's still around under a different alias) :cool:

[freeweed]

Red = commie. It's all clear now.

Wooster's a witch! Burn him!

[Wooster]

As I responded in CBC comments to these wild accusations, I consider myself a poly-partisan moderate, but someone who is an ardent supporter of good urbanism. :)

In general, I have a hard time reading comments or participating sections for the news media. They seem to be mostly depositories of the hateful and cynical on pretty much any issue. I just feel this issue deserves some rebuttal.

[freeweed]

Serious question to the naysayers:

Have any of you changed your vote because of this bridge? I see all these comments on the Herald website about "council is out of control" and "I'll remember this bridge next time I vote". Those come across as just about as partisan as it gets - I have a hard time believing any of those posters have actually changed their mind over this.

If you were always going to vote McIver, and have always hated Bronco, you're not adding anything to the discussion about this bridge.

It reminds me of all the discussion over unemployment benefits in Canada right now - thousands of brave souls standing up to remind us that unless Harper gives in, they'll *once again* be voting NDP. Yeah, as if you were ever going to change your vote anyway.

Someone prove me wrong. I'd honestly like to meet someone who was going to vote for Bronco, but won't because of this bridge.

[Bokimon]

I for one love it. I can see that maybe Santiago is starting to depart from his usual styles of cables and concrete spires for many of his bridges. I think for this city to incorporate a part of his new modernized design styles is fitting.
I think this looks better than the Venice one, first and foremost, no stairs and barrier free accessibility. Arch would be nice too even a subtle one but otherwise 9/10 for me!
Reminds me of those imax screens when you are warping thru the hyperspace with the funky colors and swirls.. :)

[Big Sky]

I have to say, I'm kind of underwhelmed by the bridge. Maybe I was hoping for something spectacular. I do find it an interesting bridge, and there's no doubt that it'll capture attention. I like the bike lane in the middle :cool: I'm not a big fan of the red, but at least it wasn't gray or beige. I would have gone for brushed aluminum.

[You Need A Thneed]

and thanks for another hazardous under-bridge corner.

looking at all the renderings, it appears that the "under bridge corner" you talk about is on the south side of the river, and likely is intended just as a walking path, since the main biking/walking paths are further south.

Simply not an issue here.

[Distill3d]

I'm torn, I like it, but it's not what I wanted from a Calatrava bridge.

I agree. Oddly, though this is also how I feel about The Bow. I like it, but I expected more with it being a Norman Foster and all..

Either rate, its an interesting, innovative, and artistic design. Hopefully it helps bring Calgary into that of a world class city.

[Frenzy]

I love the design of this bridge, and how the colours are integrated into the overall concept.

...however listening to am 770, I find it ridiculous on how some people automatically associate colour with a political orientation.

[Distill3d]

I love the design of this bridge, and how the colours are integrated into the overall concept.

...however listening to am 770, I find it ridiculous on how some people automatically associate colour with a political orientation.

LOL welcome to Conservative country.

[Bigtime]

I love the design of this bridge, and how the colours are integrated into the overall concept.

...however listening to am 770, I find it ridiculous on how some people automatically associate colour with a political orientation.

Do yourself a favour and turn off 770 right now.

[Ramsayfarian]

I have to say, I'm kind of underwhelmed by the bridge. Maybe I was hoping for something spectacular. I do find it an interesting bridge, and there's no doubt that it'll capture attention. I like the bike lane in the middle :cool: I'm not a big fan of the red, but at least it wasn't gray or beige. I would have gone for brushed aluminum.

Brushed aluminum would have been nicer. I wonder what was changed from the original design? My guess would was they added the red.

[You Need A Thneed]

I love the design of this bridge, and how the colours are integrated into the overall concept.

...however listening to am 770, I find it ridiculous on how some people automatically associate colour with a political orientation.

Or, maybe it's red because red is Calgary's "official" colour? The Calgary flag is red, the Calgary Stampede is red, the Calgary Flames are red, the Calgary Stampeders are red.

People are stupid. Really, red because of political orientation?