Edmonton- University of Alberta

[naidoo]

agreed....what the hell? Is this temporary?

[Coldrsx]

^nope PERMANENT because they do not want to pony up the proper money for this.

ABSOLUTELY DISGRACEFUL

I am not only saddened but actually quite angry that an institution like the UofA would essentially ruin a piece of architectural history.

... maybe if it had been on the west side of campus it would have been given proper funding and a little engineering.

PATHETIC

[Hardhatdan]

Holy fuck that is brutal. Hub will be awful with no sky lights.

[basilbrush]

I think this is old news. There's been a design posted on the Barry Johns site for a couple of years almost. From the description in the article it sounds like that might be the chosen design.

http://www.bjalstudio.ca/

[Kevin_foster]

What the?? BRUTAL!

[Coldrsx]

Originally Posted by basilbrush

I think this is old news. There's been a design posted on the Barry Johns site for a couple of years almost. From the description in the article it sounds like that might be the chosen design.

http://www.bjalstudio.ca/

nope... or at least not to my knowledge. This was part of a design competition from a few years ago. Three entrants, one winner, no movement until they decided to just do what they are planning.

pathetic

[CMD UW]

I understand why they are doing it, it's a known fact that they have had issues with the skylights and maintenance costs have added up. I am, however, not convinced that they explored all of the alternatives to ensure that the architectural integrity and significance of HUB would not be compromised.

[leendert]

Article in the Canadian Architect on the design competition held in 2005 for the Hub Mall skylight replacement:
http://www.cdnarchitect.com/issues/I...aid=1000166876

Lots of interesting proposals ... and probably too interesting for the University ... so sad that budgetary considerations take precedence over architectural merit in their aim to become "world class".

Note that all new buildings at the UofA do not have any skylights - I believe the "no rooftop skylights" is part of their policy for new buildings. How pragmatic.

[Kevin_foster]

This was the most interesting, IMO. Simple, cheap(er) and functional!


source cdnarchitect

[Coldrsx]

I hope you all take 10 mins and write a letter to the University about this.

Indira

uofapres@ualberta.ca


perhaps even comment on how this reno flies in the face of this

http://www.president.ualberta.ca/daretodiscover.cfm

[Kevin_foster]

Can the UofA really be blind as to how culturally important this building is to their own institution?

[Mycroft]

Originally Posted by Coldrsx

I hope you all take 10 mins and write a letter to the University about this.

done This sort of shortsightedness simply will not do

[Coldrsx]

^great, thanks!

^^obviously not! I am sure there were other options...

[Simon Speichert]

Originally Posted by Coldrsx

I hope you all take 10 mins and write a letter to the University about this.

Done. I can't believe they're even considering it. The natural light those skylights let in gives the building most of its character. I spent a lot of time in HUB when I was at the U, with many happy memories. Mmm.. Jacket Potato Man.. must be getting close to lunch time!

[Coldrsx]

I essentially lived in HUB during my 4 years and it was such a pleasure to have not only natural light, but to be inside during our long winters and feel connected to the outside.

...jacket potato so good...

[basilbrush]

From the article:


The new flat roof will sit 2.5 metres above the current opening, with vertical windows on either side to let light filter down.

The U of A budgeted more than $6.5 million for the renovation. It's expected it to take more than a year to complete but the building will stay open during construction. The southern third has already been covered with plywood to provide a working floor while crews erect a new roof overtop of the old.


There will still be significant natural light and $6.5M is still a significant sum to spend on a roof replacement.

[Coldrsx]

"There will still be significant natural light and $6.5M is still a significant sum to spend on a roof replacement."

You sound like the 'meh its good enough' in the opinion today! Significant natural light or total natural light? I am sure for a similar $ figure or not much more you would have been able to do all glass.

[Coldrsx]

OMG it is so amazing and think of the natural light.... woooo

[Coldrsx]

ah.... here it is... the typical 'Edmontonian' slant on justifying this pathetic renovation and historic loss.
--------------

Leaky roof had its chance


EDMONTON JOURNALJANUARY 12, 2010


STORYPHOTOS ( 1 )



HUB mall on the University of Alberta campus will undergo a tranformation, as the sloped glass roof is replaced with a flat roof and glass panels on the side to allow natural light to flood the area.
Photograph by: Shaughn Butts, Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Journal
When it comes to iconic buildings with leaky glass ceilings, the University of Alberta's HUB Mall is in exceedingly good company.

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/opini...853/story.html

[Coldrsx]

"Given recent financial constraints and past sincere efforts, the administration can't be fairly blamed for the utilitarian decision, the classic saw-off between art and commerce, not to mention the cautionary tale of building skylights in an often unforgiving northern locale."

whoever wrote this deserves a lashing