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May I? .... Thanks .....
Like a fish cooked on a grill, I have stopped flip-flopping.
In my last long post, I concluded by adding that none of the three
really does it for me.
Does the choice HAVE TO BE between the three designs presented?
I cannot really go for any of them.
If asked what I would put instead, I'd probably say a loose variation on the active edge version, with the plaza and sidewalk permeable, withe perhaps a recangular fountain (be it in a rocky bed, or otherwise designed) two places where the plaza and the sidewalk meet openly and easily, then perhaps another, smaller fountain at the corners and/or a small grove of trees like scotch pines or such (not deciduous; too bleak too much of the year), all of which would leave a lot of plaza space. If planted more trees is insisted upon, I'd limit it to something like the trees along the Hornby side of Robson Square; tight and disciplined rows, preferably not deciduous. Sculptured pines might do it. others will disagree on that, no doubt.
As for the plaza itself, I would remove the planting beneath the Art Gallery front windows and put in square reflecting pools that were rectangular, not protruding outward past the steps (let alone the lions) but sufficient to reflect light upon the building at night.
It would be important in my mind to illuminate the building, to honor its beauty and elegance, and this can be achieved largely through lighting,
(and a regular building scrub-up)
For the plaza itself, I think it's important not to clash with the building, and something like matching Robson Square paving stones, made of the same concrete would be as good as anything else. Perhaps even Bloor Street-style striping with another material might be elegant, as long as it goes well with the Art Gallery, (the roof of which is copper oxide green, opening the possibility of green granite elements or such - but that's up to the designers.
Regarding flowers and other planting, there could be a "node"(s) built for clumps of flowers and greenery, along the Howe and Hornby sides of the plaza. They'd be big enough to be noticeably pretty, small enough to leave
optimal plaza space.
The plaza should be somewhat polyvalent; suitable for large gatherings whatever the context, but also a place of mid-town repose, with the option of chairs, tables, and cappuccino bars on good afternoons (yeah. That, too.) People will want to take pix, especially when Nordström's reflective wall is installed. To relax and eat at lunch hour.
A place for everybody. Non-gimmicky, not overpowering in the design elements, but yet with a certain (I hope) "crispness" of design, and a place to appreciate the beauty of the centrepiece, and just to be.
In a way, perhaps just a little, the "Trafalgar Square" of Vancouver.
OK, fire when ready.
Last edited by trofirhen; Dec 3, 2013 at 11:45 PM.
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