Robson Square Renovations - Page 63

rsxstock · #**1241** Posted **Nov 25, 2015, 2:40 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Klazu

Yeah, there should be something like a water feature. This kind of simple feature would do.

There should also be some LED lighting with colors included IMO.

how about a pedestrian activated water fountain like piano keys being stepped on the sidewalk and each key activating a single stream and led light

mcminsen · #**1242** Posted **Jan 19, 2016, 6:39 AM**

The fountain pool on the north side of the Art Gallery is full of water again. Maybe it's just accumulated rainwater. The fountain doesn't look quite so derelict when it's a reflecting pool. Some of the newly sealed and recovered area near Howe Street (see last pic) is also holding water.

Jan.18 '16, my pics

trofirhen · #**1243** Posted **Jan 19, 2016, 7:22 AM**

Although I'm not a big fan of that particular fountain, I can certainly understand why some people are, having grown up with it.
My biggest reservation is the harsh, red, yellow, and blue lighting at night. It's "raw" done in primary colors that way.
If they are still keeping the fountain, couldn't the lighting be changed to pure white, and done in a finer, denser spray? The sculpture would still be there, only in a finer context.
Or is it definitely being removed? Anyone know for sure?

Klazu · #**1244** Posted **Jan 19, 2016, 4:45 PM**

Ah, the Microsoft signs have been installed on Nordstrom.

officedweller · #**1245** Posted **Feb 18, 2016, 2:32 AM**

Vancouver Archives pic from 1986:

http://searcharchives.vancouver.ca/old-courthouse-square-800-west-georgia-street

From 1969:

http://searcharchives.vancouver.ca/view-...tain-750-hornby-street-at-georgia-street

officedweller · #**1246** Posted **Apr 8, 2016, 9:08 PM**

From the other VAG thread:

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlousa

Somewhat on topic, here are the presentation boards for the north plaza of the current gallery, don't believe these have been posted here.

http://development.vancouver.ca/800wgeor...773ApplicationTeamPresentationBoards.pdf

Warning it's ~50mb.

Looks the same as posted November 2015.

EdinVan · #**1247** Posted **Apr 8, 2016, 9:53 PM**

The proposed plaza is dull and drab. It's just one big flat surface with a few benches. Why does the city need an architect for that? The original plaza looks much better; the fountain is beautiful and the grass adds a nice touch of colour.

trofirhen · #**1248** Posted **Apr 8, 2016, 10:00 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by officedweller

From the other VAG thread:

Looks the same as posted November 2015.

I think it is. Judging from all the 3 concepts put forth, it seems that none of them really grabbed public appeal, as they were too overdone and gimmicky.
Good taste won out.

Migrant_Coconut · #**1249** Posted **Apr 9, 2016, 2:59 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdinVan

The proposed plaza is dull and drab. It's just one big flat surface with a few benches. Why does the city need an architect for that? The original plaza looks much better; the fountain is beautiful and the grass adds a nice touch of colour.

That's the entire point of the renovation - unless you wanted the splash pool or giant hula hoop, in which case, my condolences.

Seriously, by that definition, almost every public square in Europe and South America is a failure. The old plaza was great in the 60s, when all they did was walk around, or sit and feed the birds. We, on the other hand, want somewhere that looks pretty half the year, and holds events the other half.
That means a plaza, not yet another park - can't have a concert/free movie/volleyball tournament with a fountain in the way. A fountain, might I add, that doesn't even work anymore, and grass that hadn't been maintained since the Olympics.

VancouverOfTheFuture · #**1250** Posted **Apr 9, 2016, 4:08 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Migrant_Coconut

A fountain, might I add, that doesn't even work anymore, and grass that hadn't been maintained since the Olympics.

don't use that as part of your argument for the reason for getting rid of the fountain. the fountain not working was a choice. the grass not being up-kept was a choice. if they make that area look like crap, and make people forget how nice it was it is a lot easier to get people to like the new design.

its the same thing that lots of people do, let it fall apart and then say "oh well, look how bad it is, how about we do this!" yet neglecting to show people how nice it once was, and the fact that letting it go to crap was a strategic plan so that there's more space for tent cities, smoke ins, and all the other crap that goes on there.

Migrant_Coconut · #**1251** Posted **Apr 9, 2016, 4:35 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by VancouverOfTheFuture

don't use that as part of your argument for the reason for getting rid of the fountain. the fountain not working was a choice. the grass not being up-kept was a choice. if they make that area look like crap, and make people forget how nice it was it is a lot easier to get people to like the new design.

Fair point.

I stand by the rest of my post though. The '86 photo looks more like a garden than a plaza - while it's a shame City Council played dirty to justify the reno, I'd rather have the new square "plain and functional" than "edgy/ornate and useless."

officedweller · #**1252** Posted **Apr 20, 2016, 9:10 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by officedweller

Pics from City Hall Watch:

https://cityhallwatch.wordpress.com/2016...ncouver-art-gallery-robson-square-north/

Pic by me today.

mcminsen · #**1253** Posted **Apr 20, 2016, 9:41 PM**

Perfect overview, thanks!

Here are some ground level pics from today.

April 20 '16, my pics

mcminsen · #**1254** Posted **Apr 20, 2016, 9:42 PM**

And a few more.

April 20 '16, my pics

officedweller · #**1255** Posted **Apr 20, 2016, 9:43 PM**

Thanks.
I was wondering if you'd be able to photograph past the mesh.

mcminsen · #**1256** Posted **Apr 20, 2016, 10:03 PM**

It's easy!

If I can't reach up over the top edge of the fence then I find a gap in the mesh and then insert my slim little camera through one of the holes in the fence (whilst keeping the wrist strap on of course) and then I turn the camera on to extend the lens, orient and frame the shot (usually way above my head and while the camera is on the other side of the fence), push the shutter and turn the camera off and retract it back through the fence and check the shot and repeat as necessary until a reasonably good image is achieved.