Next bridge process much better
Calgary Herald August 1, 2009
Push aside the buzz of complaints over Calgary's new footbridge and one can hear the healthy hum of a deeply engaged public, chattering about what the city's future should look like.
Chris Ollenberger, who is in charge of the project to build a second pedestrian bridge, understands the need for such input. The president and CEO of the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation immediately announced he will hold an open competition to find the right design for the next bridge;one located in his jurisdiction, the East Village. He says members of the public will have a chance to express their opinions in some fashion.
"Not everybody is going to come to a consensus on this bridge, that is going to be the sure outcome," says Ollenberger, who had no hand in the Peace Bridge process or the ill-conceived decision to acclaim Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.
"Not everybody is going to like whatever happens. But to actually have a debate and engage people with it should lead to a better project and should lead to a sense of pride in the city for being involved with it. It's good."
He's so right. What was egregious about the first footbridge went well beyond its outrageous $24.5-million price tag. Council disregarded the electorate, seeking neither public engagement nor the talent of local architects.
By acclaiming someone famous, the city paid top dollar for a design many now feel has been imposed upon Calgary by an outsider who has no connection with Calgarians.
Understandably, many are overly critical of the red, helix-like structure often likened to a Chinese finger trap or hamster tunnel. One Herald reader said "it looks like something you would find wrapped around asparagus in the produce section." Another called it "ugly as sin" and said: "Say No to the orange torpedo."
Much of this fury could have been diffused had the city involved the public more, or invited people to meet the architect. Cantos Music Foundation recently hosted a full house at its public unveiling of the shortlist for its King Edward renaissance project. The five finalists in the international design competition were on hand, making their presentations to the people.
This is how it should be done. Ollenberger plans on using the help of an advisory committee to narrow down the entrants. As long as there is a good balance of views represented from different walks of life, this can offer fresh opinions and new ideas to the project.
The competition should lead to exciting outcomes because it is open-ended. The sky is truly the limit in terms of ideas that could be introduced, at least conceptually. That doesn't mean the structures would work in reality.
Many of the proposals might not be practical. So be it. It isn't every day the city builds a structure that is supposed to benefit generations. Bring on the creativity, and let it flow as freely as the river this bridge will span.
© Copyright (c) The Calgary Herald
http://www.calgaryherald.com/opinion...281/story.html
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I was wondering that too...I've searched on-line, but can't find anything on it. I do remember the Sun talking about how great it was though. I wonder if that bridge has been used by 5000 people...ever. It links a remote area of Nose Creek with an industrial park.
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