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-   -   [Halifax] Waterfront Arts District | ? m | ? fl | On hold (https://skyscraperpage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=243973)

DigitalNinja Sep 21, 2020 6:00 PM

[Halifax] Waterfront Arts District | ? m | ? fl | On hold
 
The submissions for the design competition have been released today and can be seen here: https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/artsdistrict

I'm not a fan of the Architecture 49 one. The other two I like but the second one by DIALOG is the most interesting to me. I like the curved front and modern design.

bluenoser Sep 21, 2020 6:21 PM

A selection of renderings from each submission:

ARCHITECTURE49 WITH DILLER SCOFIDIO + RENFRO AND HARGREAVES JONES --

https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/si...iles/A49-2.jpg
https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/si...iles/A49-1.jpg
https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/si...iles/A49-4.jpg
https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/si...iles/A49-7.jpg
https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/si...iles/A49-6.jpg
https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/si...iles/A49-8.jpg
https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/si...iles/A49-9.jpg
https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/si...les/A49-10.jpg

Source: https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/artsdistrict

bluenoser Sep 21, 2020 6:24 PM

DIALOG, ACRE ARCHITECTS, BRACKISH DESIGN STUDIO AND SHANNON WEBB-CAMPBELL ---

https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/si...s/Dialog-2.jpg
https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/si...s/Dialog-1.jpg
https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/si...s/Dialog-3.jpg
https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/si...s/Dialog-4.jpg
https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/si...s/Dialog-6.jpg
https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/si...s/Dialog-7.jpg
https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/si...s/Dialog-8.jpg
https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/si.../Dialog-10.jpg
https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/si.../Dialog-11.jpg
https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/si.../Dialog-12.jpg

Source: https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/artsdistrict

bluenoser Sep 21, 2020 6:25 PM

KPMB ARCHITECTS WITH OMAR GANDHI ARCHITECT, JORDAN BENNETT STUDIO, ELDER LORRAINE WHITMAN (NWAC), PUBLIC WORK AND TRANSSOLAR ---

https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/si...les/KPMB-3.jpg
https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/si...les/KPMB-2.jpg
https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/si...les/KPMB-5.jpg
https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/si...les/KPMB-6.jpg
https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/si...les/KPMB-8.jpg
https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/si...les/KPMB-4.jpg
https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/si...es/KPMB-10.jpg
https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/si...es/KPMB-11.jpg
https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/si...es/KPMB-12.jpg
https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/si...es/KPMB-13.jpg
https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/si...es/KPMB-16.jpg
https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/si...es/KPMB-18.jpg
https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/si...es/KPMB-19.jpg
https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/si...es/KPMB-21.jpg
https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/si...es/KPMB-24.jpg

Source: https://artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/artsdistrict

MonctonRad Sep 21, 2020 6:52 PM

Very nice. :tup:

I like the KPMB proposal best, but it seems very busy.

I recall when they had four different architectural visions for the new downton arena in Moncton (the current Avenir Centre), all four firms came up with grandiose plans that did not end up looking like the final product whatsoever. I suspect the same thing will happen here, but the KPMB proposal is certainly a good starting point.

mleblanc Sep 21, 2020 7:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonctonRad (Post 9048874)
Very nice. :tup:

I like the KPMB proposal best, but it seems very busy.

I recall when they had four different architectural visions for the new downton arena in Moncton (the current Avenir Centre), all four firms came up with grandiose plans that did not end up looking like the final product whatsoever. I suspect the same thing will happen here, but the KPMB proposal is certainly a good starting point.

Wow! Blown away by the KPMB/OG submission. I had high hopes after following Omar Gandhi for the past few years, and they certainly did not disappoint.

someone123 Sep 21, 2020 7:33 PM

Interesting how they all have somewhat different footprints. KPMB ties in with the Waterfront Warehouse but Dialog does not.

I think the interior public space is actually more interesting and important than the exterior space. Halifax has tons of outdoor public space but not a lot of indoor space. I think that the new library was a hit partly because it filled a niche as far as being a good place to go when the weather's not so great.

AdAstra Sep 21, 2020 7:54 PM

If I had to rank them I’d absolutely place the KPMB proposal at the top. It’s such a dynamic space, and it just seems like it would draw people in, a space that both locals and tourists will love. It comes alive with all the nature they’ve incorporated, and I think it’s a bold design for one of the last two vacant lots on the waterfront. Love it!

I’d put the Dialog proposal in second. I think it’s quite beautiful, but it seems a bit overpowering for the Salter lot, especially with Bishop’s Landing next door. The space also doesn’t seem to come alive in the same way that the first one does. This could certainly be fixed by adding more trees and landscape features to the site. If this were the chosen design I’d be more than happy, I think this is a great concept for our waterfront.

In terms of the proposal by Architecture 49, I honestly just don’t like it. I think it looks too busy, and the design on the whole is just unattractive, in my opinion. I don’t see this as a space that is going to draw people in like the first two, and it just seems unremarkable.

Overall I’m really excited and hope that one of the first two proposals is selected. I just hope that what we get in the end matches the renderings and is as ambitious and beautiful in actuality as it was on paper.

I’m interested to hear everyone else’s thoughts!

Keith P. Sep 21, 2020 8:54 PM

As I posted earlier in the Cunard Block topic; I deleted that post there and moved it here below with additional commentary/editing:

First impressions: they are all pandering to the current social climate to some greater or lesser extent, and some have an overdose of woo-woo in their proposal documents.

The Architecture 49 version is mostly on stilts, which I figured we would see for some, but the wood used on the outside and especially the waterside perspective reminds me somehow of the Maritime Museum which is not a plus, though overall this is a far more impressive design of course. It routes the Boardwalk rather awkwardly, as does #3. Plus it appears to have a set of Killer Stairs (TM Regd.) inside, which is a deal-breaker of course. :haha: I agree with the other voices seen here so far that it is by far the least impressive of the three.

The second design by DIALOG is certainly distinctive and landmark. They appear to be counting on a sea wall of sorts to control water infiltration. I'm not sure I buy the beach concept nor the little theater perched right on the shoreline (it looks very small) but at least they allow the Boardwalk to pass straight through the site, which is a plus I think. I really like the exterior of the building itself. Interior renderings seem rather sparse though. I wasn't sure if I was looking at a giant round picnic table or an art piece in one of the renderings, but I didn't care for it.

My impression of the third design by KPMB has changed after looking at it in more detail. At first it was the least impressive for me. Seeing the interior spaces proposed it is redeemed somewhat as those look much better to me than the exterior. I don't care for the teepee structures shown outside though, don't think we need another set of steps going into the harbour, and am unsure how those people shown on the island in the last rendering seen above got there, or are going to get off. That ties into this:

I presume there was a requirement given to integrate the water somehow into the space, but all of the proposals don't really thrill me with the approaches they propose. I see the ponds and such being murky, dirty and smelly, and possibly magnets for tourist trash in the summer. The areas would likely all be pretty desolate in the winter too. This is a harbour, not a tropical lagoon, and the abundance of greenery that makes those areas look like a tropical jungle just seems jarring.

I also wonder what these would all cost. Some of them seem to be proposing ridiculously expensive ideas based upon first impressions.

teddifax Sep 21, 2020 9:21 PM

I watched the videos and was disappointed with the Wave version video... It didn't show anything.

Keith P. Sep 21, 2020 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teddifax (Post 9049072)
I watched the videos and was disappointed with the Wave version video... It didn't show anything.

Yes, that was part of the woo-woo element I referenced. It seemed to have little point.

Hali87 Sep 21, 2020 10:14 PM

They're all... interesting. And clearly very different from the AGNS's current space. I wonder what the plans are for the existing gallery buildings?

Overall I like the second one best. It reminds me a lot of the Calgary central library, and just feels like the best design for this location, of the three.

The first and third ones feel like they might work well in Winnipeg but not so much here - I just find they look awkward in that location. The quasi-naturalized wetland in the first one feels out of place, and the building kind of looks like a Daniel Libeskind design that someone forgot to unpack out of its boxes. The third one feels particularly "Winnipegish" to me and I agree that its strong point is its interior spaces (which I guess makes sense for a gallery); its exterior looks awkward in the renderings.

Jonovision Sep 21, 2020 11:47 PM

I'm a big fan of the KPMG proposal. I think it hits a lot of the right marks for what this site needs. It has a distinctive presence when viewed from the water. It does a good job of integrating the public realm with the building itself and the landscape plan is amazing. I love the marsh, boardwalk extension and what looks like a swimming area out beyond the boardwalk. And I like how it overflows the site both into the harbour and north towards the waterfront warehouse. It also has the best interior spaces in my opinion. Those big, open wow spaces that you want in a public building of this nature.
I also love that it looks like its made from cross laminated timber products instead of concrete and steel.
My one concern with it is what gets cut as it goes through the process. I think I would not like it nearly as much if it didn't have those overflowing public spaces.

I am a fan of the Architecture49 proposal. I really like the fact that its up on stilts and creates all of these interesting public spaces in and around the building. I do think the top level needs another round of refinement though. It is a little lacklustre. I think it would be cooler if all of the little building sections on this level looked more to our waterfront heritage than to what they have in the proposal. I like the naturalized shoreline too.

I actually don't like the DIALOG proposal. The renderings are stunning but I don't see Halifax when I look at it. I think its a bit too flashy and doesn't fit in the way the other two proposals do. It lacks a lot of trees and landscaping on what is a fairly open site. I see that big beautiful arch structure more so as a big wind tunnel waiting to happen. It's presence on lower water is also kind of lacklustre compared to the others.

someone123 Sep 21, 2020 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonovision (Post 9049207)
I actually don't like the DIALOG proposal. The renderings are stunning but I don't see Halifax when I look at it. I think its a bit too flashy and doesn't fit in the way the other two proposals do. It lacks a lot of trees and landscaping on what is a fairly open site. I see that big beautiful arch structure more so as a big wind tunnel waiting to happen. It's presence on lower water is also kind of lacklustre compared to the others.

I like the building as a sculpture and think it looks the best of the 3 but I agree about these other drawbacks. I am not sure any of them look like they have a locally-specific style yet it is possible since Queen's Marque is a similar or larger development in the same setting that does look very tied to the area.

I'm a bit skeptical of the greenery renderings. Imagine these in March when everything is brown and muddy. I think a prime outdoor space should be usable and look good for most of the year. Also note that some of these renderings show large trees that won't be there for decades if they ever grow like that.

atbw Sep 22, 2020 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by someone123 (Post 9049215)
I like the building as a sculpture and think it looks the best of the 3 but I agree about these other drawbacks. I am not sure any of them look like they have a locally-specific style yet it is possible since Queen's Marque is a similar or larger development in the same setting that does look very tied to the area.

I'm a bit skeptical of the greenery renderings. Imagine these in March when everything is brown and muddy. I think a prime outdoor space should be usable and look good for most of the year. Also note that some of these renderings show large trees that won't be there for decades if they ever grow like that.

At least for the corner of Salter and Lower Water, the trees in KPMGs proposal seem to be the trees that are there now. Whether or not they make it through construction is another story.

I agree with others that the KPMB proposal feels the most like Nova Scotia. The Dialog is impressive and is very clearly an art gallery, but could be anywhere. I see modern Atlantic Canada in the KPMB rendering — inspiration from the indigenous populations, the timber construction and green space.

I would really like to know what is going to be happening with the existing space though. Perhaps a space for the Museum of Halifax if the old library is unfit?

Citizen_Bane Sep 22, 2020 2:12 AM

My fave is the Dialog submission. The building is architecturally unique and seems to not suffer allegiance to any particular place or people. Let the building be the canvas and let the art(s) tell the story. I believe the building design is memorable and could become another signature building for Halifax. This submission also has the most realistic interface with the harbour and the most realistic landscaping by far. I would like to see the Lwr. Water St. side and the side facing Bishop's Landing (the square parts) faced with the same sandstone as Queens Marque. Glass covering the rest of the building will reflect the harbour and surrounds nicely. It appears the boardwalk passes through an archway providing pedestrian cover. The small performance area closer to the harbour is nice.

PortaPetee Sep 22, 2020 11:58 AM

KPMB hands down for me. It’s beautiful. Bold architecture for Halifax but still feels like it fits with the waterfront. Good interface with the harbour. (Though I agree with the comments that a lot of this may look messy half the year.)

I mostly like the design of the Dialog one too. I don’t think it necessarily feels like it’s not “Nova Scotia”. Nods to the past are nice but we are also creating a future and this is a big opportunity - for example the curved panelled portions would (literally and figuratively) reflect the granite boulders and the water nicely. However, overall the building is just a bit too blocky for me.

I hate the Architect49 proposal. It’s like the Keshan Goodman library meets brutalist meets Mid-century meets shingled or plain-clad cottages. And yet somehow manages to look sterile and institutional at the same time as being in a messy identity crisis. And I really can’t see it weathering nicely at all. For me, it one of those race to the bottom designs that I really really hope doesn’t get pushed through just because it attempts to look more quaint than the others.

PortaPetee Sep 22, 2020 12:06 PM

P.S. is it just me or does the overall massing of the KPMB proposal in that last shot from the water resemble a tugboat?? That concept sounds terrible but it looks good.

Northend Guy Sep 22, 2020 2:09 PM

KPMB is by far my favorite of the bunch. As others have mentioned, the indoor spaces are really great. I really like much of the outdoor space as well, although I am a bit skeptical of the Lothlorien-ish imagery on some of the renderings. It's nice, but seems like a bit of a stretch. I also agree about parts feeling a bit busy outside. Particularly the addition beyond the existing boardwalk extending into the harbour. I like the idea, but it seems like something similar could be accomplished a bit more cleanly & simply.

Summerville Sep 22, 2020 3:01 PM

Seeing the layout of all 3 proposals, I was struck at how they take up the whole site. Wasn't it originally proposed that NSCAD would share the site?

I guess the plans have definitely changed. Develop NS did purchase the Svitzer wharf next door including the waterlot. I wonder if there is the potential that NSCAD may go there.

In any case, it was also interesting to see the use of the existing waterfront walkway as a breakwater. Especially in light of today's weather. The KPMB proposal actually shows a drawing of the site in the midst of a storm


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