Submission #7 CLOSE
Buckland and Taylor Ltd. (Vancouver) and Kitchell ñ Architecture + Design (Victoria, BC)
This design for the St.Patrick’s Island Bridge is a new destination in the City of Calgary.†This location on the Bow River in front of the Calgary skyline is both unique and scenic; a place from which to watch the City and the River together in their endlessly changing rhythms of days and seasons. A bridge for this location should be in scale with the City and its future – it becomes a portal where people arrive in the City, cross the river, go to St. Patrick’s island, and return again. At the same time, the bridge is a large deck where it is nice to enjoy the view and the constant activity of the City and the riverfront in a grand panorama. It is a postcard place in the making, a place where families gather for a picture or two friends sit on a bench and discuss their lives.
The unique feature of this bridge design is seen in its bow-shaped plan. The bow gathers force towards the island while facing the river and downtown Calgary. The plan invites a panoramic view, moving out towards the City along its curved decks and in towards the dramatic pylon at the head of the Island. The deck also leads towards the Island where the backstays are anchored at high ground.
The entire structure is poised, hovering and balanced, much like a bow. The bridge also becomes a sculpture where shadows from the pylon and stay planes play over the entire point of the St. Patrick’s Island.
This design offers a unique landmark for Calgary suited to this unique location. It is a grand and generous gesture, full of hope and confidence for what Calgary has achieved and is becoming. The bridge is a place to go and admire what is being created all around in a beautiful natural setting. No one will mistake what city this bridge is in or what river this bridge crosses – a bridge gracefully shaped like a bow on the river of the same name.
56 Responses to “Submission #7”
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The only one with any hope. It’s somewhat standard, but iconic and considers the interface with the island best.
Wow. All three submissions are underwhelming. What’s the point in having a design competition if this is the quality that gets shortlisted? This is very dissaopinting, there were so many more captivating entries.
Nice design. Far more interesting than the other two.
I agree with rt.very dissapointing
Looks like there’s a serious concern about the budget. They should have just asked for the cheapest designs people could design.
This is very 21st Century–I really like the mountain effect.
Congratulations to these designers and the committee for the inclusion of this design amongst the finalists.
Please, please, please I for one of a million beg that you pick this one out of the three. It is the only left worthy of representing all the effort expended with the re-development of this area of the city.
it amazes me that after what has been considered a ‘conceptual’ design competition we are left with three of the most least conceptual of the 33 submissions.
i was under the impression that a large part of this competition was to set the tone for the redevelopment of the east village.
no disrespect to the respondents chosen, but this competition has severely missed the mark.
Coolest design of all three.
Really the only inspirational design out of the three. At least this one made it to the finals.
this is very elegant – not too conceptual and not too practical. the structure is very suited to the site whihch will give the city an exciting new landmark. amazing competition.
I like this one best. The Calgary/Paris consortium goes for the minimalist, don’t get in the way of nature approach, whereas this one has a certain flash to it. I think we need flash against the skyline.
Absolutely stunning design. Great use of height and shape, well worth the money and would make a nice feather in the cap of the city’s skyline from this area. Great work on this short-list!
I was always hoping for a design that is a reflection of what I believe the spirit of Calgary is. Calgary is a place filled with intelligent, creative and bold people. We have some of the highest rates of education in the country and a bold business community. I think this is a design that pays homage to what I see as the human element in Calgary. Some of the other designs that are more humble and do not have the vertical elements, are not as inspiring in my opinion. I also feel some of the other designs that had a lookout point had a view that would be overshadowed by three busy overpasses to the north. The best place to enjoy some calm and tranquility will be on the riverbank and ample seating is already available by the Simmons Factory (with a view of the river and future bridge). I also think that it is a great idea that the spire of this bridge becomes a wayfinding point within the riff and the city so I hope that the height is kept to what are in the proposed renderings (roughly 120 m). I respectfully hope that the selection committe strongly considers this design as I believe it is most inspirational.
If I had three comments for improvement they would be: 1) Make sure the bridge has ample lighting for at night and reduces security hazards (both real and perceived) 2) Adjust the bridge slightly northward so that less green space was sacrificed. As the city grows more dense, quality green space on the island will be a rare amenity 3) Research alternative materials including different surfaces (limestone, cement, high quality aggregates, wood) and paints and colours that will be pragmatic solutions but offer a higher quality design.
congratulations on the short-list, because it’s a very light and sleek bridge. i think it does what many other proposals were trying to do in a simpler and more direct way. which means it can be built on budget. cool to have a new landmark – or should we say, “rivermark!”
Wow, that cable shot in the second image is really disturbing. Cost? Feasibility? Iconic yes, but a little bit scary…
I see cable icing issues in the winter. Falling ice & pedestrians don’t mix. Too much liability & maintenance $ in the winter. Nice concept though.
Far too iconic and pimped structure for my taste. The inclined mast looks like something went wrong during construction. I prefer the other two bridges.
Well, if the city wants a landmark, something with drama and flare, something beautiful in its own right, this is the one.
I agree with the others, in that this is the only one of the 3 with any hope. It’s got height and presence.
Not like anyone at the CMLC actually reads these comments anyway…but I hope this wins.
Why have an actual Calatrava bridge upstream and a poorly executed Calatrava rip-off circa ‘92 bridge downstream. Poor poor poor.
I was picking this one from the contest beginning. Congratulations on the short list. If we want to build the bridge then it should be something iconic, otherwise letÃs wait until we have enough money.
Thanks for the interesting design.
Out of the last three design this one has to win… I have commented with eager anticipation on all the designs and this was one of the choice I had chosen, defenetly not the other two unimaginative, uninviting, boring designs that I don’t even remember being on the list. As much as calgary like to minimize the impact on the island we are thinking backwards. Calgarians have to realize the island is a wasteland full of homeless because it’s secluded, quiet where no people want to stroll on today. This island need to become part of downtown’s image when east village will reconnect it and the bridge will be the gateway to draw attention to Calgarians and tourists alike to walk on this structure and worth to explore the island. Reading the comments from before and now the majority of people craving something more than just a skinny road with uninviting fading structure so if the choosing panel is listening to what the people of Calgary is writing here I beg please pick this one.
I have been reviewing all the submissions since the begginging and came to the conclusion that high mast structures are completely out of scale for the location! You can also notice that there is no elevation provided to show the relationship of the pylone height with it surroundings… probably the team realised that it was not a good relationship! From my point of view, this will not work!
would love to see the views of this one against the city skyline, it must look great
Well, I’m not sure how much this matters, since the 3 shortlisted options clearly shows public feedback on this website was not taken into much consideration (or perhaps the CMLC was just unwilling to face down the hyenas and therefore chose designs that gave the impression of affordability).
But hey, if this is, let’s at least go with the one that has SOME personality. Buckland and Taylor might look like a knock-off of a bridge the architect down river might do in his sleep, but at least it has some presence on the water. The other designs are frankly uninspiring in every aspect…..a boring bridge is hardly the kick-off one would hope for the East Village.
But seriously guys, next time, why bother holding a competition if you’re not willing to get a little excited?
This one is by far the most inspiring of the three. How did the other two even make the short list? Must have been a pretty sad competition…
Suspension cable clutter ! A blight on the natural landscape .
I suppose it’s the best of the boring. A real shame that we’ve decided to go with such a continued lack of vision in Calgary Architecture. #27 was a beautiful design. Safe and static.
The best of th bunch. At least it has some height and design. Could look really good with the right materials and lighting. This one has to be chosen to save face, otherwise this competition was a waste of time.
Based on the rationale for the choices in the papers they wanted something that was minimalist in its surroundings. Unfortunately this wasn’t conveyed to the public nor the competition participants. It set up the expectation of something truly daring, excentric and iconic. We got quite a few of those in the competition, but it’s now clear they never had a chance. Sorry you wasted your time. They could have gotten these results through a local engineering firm.
They are uncontroversial, which is what they seemed to be after, but the best architecture IS controversial. True love/hate like the Calatrava bridge is the best result rather than simply mild approval or dislike.
Unfortunately, the choices are controversial amongst people for exactly the WRONG reason – being utterly boring.
all those designs that were, quote “truly daring, eccentric and iconic” can be truly ugly if they get built. just because a design is shouting the loudest and doing wild & crazy structural gymnastics doesn’t mean it’s great. some of the competition entries loooked fairly trendy – how would they look in another five years? of all the high masted entries, this one was the most direct and simple, with a nice plan.
definitely don’t think it’s boring or even a calatrava copy.
this one seems to be about an impressive structure on an impressive site – which is impressive!
This Design is best suited to the landscape it reflects, a harbour full of sailing ships, and does not belong against the backdrop of Calgary’s beautiful Bow River Valley.
does that mean the other bridges look like barges? wierd comparison.
this bridge is shaped like a bow, read the description.
I like this design. It is inspiring and open.
Of the three shortlisted, submission 7 would be my pick.
Of all of them, I would have selected submission #1 and shortlisted #35 for the minimalist choice.
End of the day I will wager that #29 will be the one.
The best of all imo is submission #1.
Hello from Halifax, NS. My mother (long time resident) and sister are residents of the East Village and after my first visit home to Calgary this past July in ten years. I was amazed with all the changes going on ‘for the good’ in the East Village area. I know my mother is very active in the East Village community and I know this design does not suit St. PatrickÃs Island and would just drive my mother wild. So to avoid my mother chaining herself to a tree on the Island, please do not pick this design.
Anyone who is active in the East village and has been that end of St Patricks island knows it’s place that has potential and needs a grand gesture to make the river a safe and attractive place to be. Part of the problem with this connection is that there’s no east village on the other side, only a freeway and llr line a this point. so the bridge should also be a destination in itself, which this one is. i think it’s nice and look forward to seeing your mother
Judging the new bridge by IT’S LOOKS it not what is important in my opinion. Practicality, functionally, safety, and the budget are the prime factors to consider. What ever bridge design is chosen (hope that it is not this one) I hope that a few things may be taken into consideration.
INCLEMENT WEATHER – safe surface for walking on, etc…..Sculpture elements like that of Submission 7 winter safety concerns
PERSONAL SAFETY – District 1 patrols on the south side of the river (Fort Calgary side). District 3 I have been told patrols St. Patrick’s Island….well I have never seen any one
After 3:00 pm during the summer months, I DO NOT VENTURE over to the island due to the criminal element and homeless issues.
SUBMISSION 15 – bridge needs to be design so that people cannot hang out and also camp out underneath the bridge
12th Street Bridge S.E. it’s a simple bridge. What I would love to see incorporated into the new design is: small outlook to view the rive and scenery, and on the left and right sides of the new bridge designated that for WALKERS and the middle of the bridge designated for cyclists and joggers..
ENVIRONMENTAL/GARBAGE ISSUES it just takes a few to make their mark and leave a mess behind…waste disposal containers are needed on the north and south side of the river.
The Calgary Zoo parking lot on the south side…over the summer it is embarrassing at times in my opinion as the amount of garbage and debris left behind. One of the worst offenders are the rafters in the summer NOT ALL but a few who end up blighting the landscape. Thank you, I got that one off my chest!
I don’t know… but would it not make sense to have the new bridge in line with the Bridgeland/Memorial C-Train Station? Just a thought.
It has been most interesting reading others opinions….well folks…let’s see what is going to happen.
I am lovin’ the feel of the East Village lighting at night. It looks very friendly and inviting (both with span between lights and brightness levels). If the same level of lighting was continued on the bridge and into the park, it would become an amenity during the evening when people have the best chance to enjoy it. I also like that some seating is provided right at the base of the connection to the island. This is a great gesture to say, that this bridge is also not about connecting the two sides of the river but also about enjoyment of the park. This is the spot where I think people will be best able to enjoy the view of the natural environment, Fort Calgary to the South East, and the river on either side. Depending where you sit on this bridge, you can view the downtown skyline and overpasses or enjoy some quiet reflection as you gaze towards the park and Calgary zoo.
This bridge has a lovely way of separating the urban realm to the northwest from the natural environment to the southeast. I can envision the island anchor playing a pivotal transition to a natural environment, but this will be best understood from the inside of the structure looking outward towards the park.
I also like that this structure is high enough to make a bold statement as being a gateway to the downtown and differentiates itself in a way so as not to be confused with the pragmatic overpass structures to the north.
To enthuse the naturalists I think that the anchor point needs to say more about the natural environment. The anchor point should really be the start of the transition to the park environment. Equal weight should be placed on the transition to the natural environment and the island anchor as opposed to the view of the skyline and the bridge.
While dramatic, the towering mast is likely to be an eyesore in a few year’s time. It’s trying too hard to be iconic.
wow…pimp by bridge anybody?
Are you kidding me! Maybe on the coast somewhere but not in Calgary. Number 4, 12 and 18 were all ahead of those chosen.
freestanding gateway facing the calgary skyline. i love it. the bow and arrow. no problems with this bridge that isn’t just a flat roadbridge. i love the shape – must look very cool against the city skyline and the river. c’mon calgary, this is great.
I agree with most of you on how this is a disappointing short-list. I find it surreal that Riddel Kurczaba’s didn’t make the cut; thinking that something reflecting Calgarians would have to be designed buy a Calgarian, plus it was a nice design.
Having said that, I did pick this one out as one of my favourites from the original 33, and saw it being a high contender.
This is the only option I see now. The other two submissions just don’t quite provide for our expectations, considering how much money we as a city are putting into this project.
Alas, as a final word I say this: We choose this bridge or no bridge; because the other two designs just are not worth it.
Whoa, #7 is just too invasive of the natural beauty of the river! Makes me feel like I am walking into an airport terminal.
Although I dind’t vote for any of these 3 submissions, I’d have to go with this choice. It has the most iconic status of the 3 finalists and I do like the seating areas and overall look of this bridge. I’m happy that Calgary is finally in a place where this type of competition is happening rather than having some drab, concrete slab erected as has happened through most of this city’s history.
Utter crap – far too grandiose for the beauty of the area. “Artistic expressionism” isn’t what we need here. My vote goes to any design that blends into the landscape.
There’s a strange split between people who think this place is in the middle of nowhere, which it isn’t, and should be left untouched, which it can’t. And then those who want a bridge for the city, which is a reality. What I like about this bridge is that it only touches down at one point, safely up on the island. This is minimal in impact and will avoid damage during flooding or ice in the winter. A good combination of minimum footprint and light structure. like the hovering idea.
too much clutter(cables)i think the other two do a much nicer job of intergrating with the surroundings
the cables don’t clutter at all, not like some of the earlier entries. in fact, they visually make the island a focus, which is nice.
this is a super elegant bridge. it fits the bigger surroundings of calgary and floats over the island. i really like the curved spans and imagine this would be a great place to watch the river and the city. this one has vision – the others look like something from somewhere else.
Congratulations to the shortlisted entries. All three are structurally known systems. Was a worldwide design competition required to come up with these ideas? I’m not convinced about that. Most engineering firms in North America can easily pull these from their drawer, even on a Monday morning.
A lot of the other entries, who came up with unique ideas will naturally feel let down. On the whole it was a “design” competition that promised “one unique bridge” but delivered “none”.
by far the best of the shortlist. I think this bridge is the best fit in the context it in.
Уважаемые, а нельзя оставлять комментарии по теме, а не разную глупость типа Автор молодец и т.д.
Да уж По моему мнению, об этом пишут уже на каждом углу