Mull
Active Member
Mods, can we get a poll on this thread!
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Banff Visitor Center Redevelopment
- Thread starter DougB
- Start date
DougB
Senior Member
I know design is subjective but this competition did something right as all of the entries are solid
adamyyc
Senior Member
1 - Is fine, but it could honestly be a pavilion on the side of the TransCanada Highway. I don’t picture a lot of people being drawn to it outside of using the washrooms.
2 - This feels like an Iroquois longhouse (which is obviously geographically out of place). I don’t love the exterior roof design, but obviously love the dramatic interior that it facilitates. I don’t think this is quite my favourite, but I do think this one would probably offer Parks Canada the best shot at an additional revenue stream, because I can see the space being used regularly for events.
3 - Might be the most unique and ambitious design, but is probably too fragmented. I also think it has the best exterior public space/landscaping.
4 - This one could easily win because it checks all the boxes, but it’s also the most corporate/sterile design.
5 - See #1. I would check out the taxidermy grizzly on my way to the washroom.
6 - What the hell is even that?
Overall, I like 3 best, but it seems impractical. I think 2 or 4 will likely be the winner.
2 - This feels like an Iroquois longhouse (which is obviously geographically out of place). I don’t love the exterior roof design, but obviously love the dramatic interior that it facilitates. I don’t think this is quite my favourite, but I do think this one would probably offer Parks Canada the best shot at an additional revenue stream, because I can see the space being used regularly for events.
3 - Might be the most unique and ambitious design, but is probably too fragmented. I also think it has the best exterior public space/landscaping.
4 - This one could easily win because it checks all the boxes, but it’s also the most corporate/sterile design.
5 - See #1. I would check out the taxidermy grizzly on my way to the washroom.
6 - What the hell is even that?
Overall, I like 3 best, but it seems impractical. I think 2 or 4 will likely be the winner.
CallmeCatbread
Active Member
This is what happens when we actually hold a design competition for something rather than just handing it off to whatever shitty firm has the most "qualifications" and lowest fee
Makarov
New Member
I like #2 and #3 the best. Least favourite are #5 and #6.
trtcttc
Senior Member
#4 looks very much like a KPMB design. A lot of their projects have the glass wall, swooping lines designs. I find their stuff to be a bit sterile but also the renders usually match the product because the design doesn't go too far out of the box.
Jack Layton Ferry Terminal and Harbour Square Park
More than a place to get on and off a boat – a green urban park between city and nature
www.kpmb.com
AK452
New Member
These designs look impressive, but I'm confused what it means "to support visitor reception, enjoyment and connection with the rest of the park, and to foster understanding of the challenges faced by protected areas like Banff"??? I must be a fuddy-duddy, but I've only set foot in park visitor centers to use the bathroom. I once forgot my hang tag and had to buy a day parks pass. What else is needed?
To educate people about the park and indigenous culture, why not some nice lighted signs and features along a landscaped outdoor walkway or on Bear St? Could be accessible at all hours and get random foot traffic.
If they're gonna spend a ton of money and build something grand, how about a performance hall or theatre, or conference or convention space? Most of designs are just an expensive atrium and "gathering space", what for? No matter the admittedly grand windows and high ceilings, this looks like a design competition to nowhere.
To educate people about the park and indigenous culture, why not some nice lighted signs and features along a landscaped outdoor walkway or on Bear St? Could be accessible at all hours and get random foot traffic.
If they're gonna spend a ton of money and build something grand, how about a performance hall or theatre, or conference or convention space? Most of designs are just an expensive atrium and "gathering space", what for? No matter the admittedly grand windows and high ceilings, this looks like a design competition to nowhere.
Urban_Views
New Member
This is what I thought when I saw the design of Option 2. It reminded me of Bowfort Towers attempting to be indigenous informed but missing the mark.
DiscoStu
Senior Member
Boy, there sure is lot of performative indigenous knob-gobbling in those videos. Back in Junior High we would've called all of em a bunch of tryhards.
After having a chance to look through them all closely, a few thoughts:
• I lean towards 5...It's perhaps not a design that wows off the bat, but I actually like its simplicity and timeless restraint. There's an elegant mid-century mountain vibe about it as well that I think fits wells into the context of Banff.
• #2 sure has a cool presence, that interior could be stunning if done well, and I like that it's one defined idea. Having said that, I'm not sure this is the right approach for the geography. The longhouse inspiration would be more suited for a water-adjacent location (but I say that maybe because it reminds me of the whale in Budapest https://kep.cdn.indexvas.hu/welove-...valoi_balkanyi-laszlo_20150518.exact1980w.jpg)
• I like 4 for some of the same reasons as 5, but I can also see this become pretty generic. It does feel like the safe option...so probably what will be picked.
• I like 3 as an idea, but I think it in reality all the various buildings would be tight and a bit claustrophobic. I prefer the concepts that have one cohesive building instead of many units.
• 1 to me feels kinda meh. As mentioned before, this could be a generic rest stop.
• The only one I flat out dislike is 6. There's no clear vision, it comes across as busy and disjointed, and even in the renderings looks claustrophobic inside.
Overall some pretty solid contributions (but please don't pick 6)...good job competition team!
After having a chance to look through them all closely, a few thoughts:
• I lean towards 5...It's perhaps not a design that wows off the bat, but I actually like its simplicity and timeless restraint. There's an elegant mid-century mountain vibe about it as well that I think fits wells into the context of Banff.
• #2 sure has a cool presence, that interior could be stunning if done well, and I like that it's one defined idea. Having said that, I'm not sure this is the right approach for the geography. The longhouse inspiration would be more suited for a water-adjacent location (but I say that maybe because it reminds me of the whale in Budapest https://kep.cdn.indexvas.hu/welove-...valoi_balkanyi-laszlo_20150518.exact1980w.jpg)
• I like 4 for some of the same reasons as 5, but I can also see this become pretty generic. It does feel like the safe option...so probably what will be picked.
• I like 3 as an idea, but I think it in reality all the various buildings would be tight and a bit claustrophobic. I prefer the concepts that have one cohesive building instead of many units.
• 1 to me feels kinda meh. As mentioned before, this could be a generic rest stop.
• The only one I flat out dislike is 6. There's no clear vision, it comes across as busy and disjointed, and even in the renderings looks claustrophobic inside.
Overall some pretty solid contributions (but please don't pick 6)...good job competition team!
MarLoopy
New Member
To me, 1-6 all have strengths.
If I was on the jury, I would select #3.
My best guesses:
1. EVQR or Revery
2. KPMB or Stantec
3. Revery or KK+A
4. Stantec or KPMB
5. EVQR or Alison Brooks
6. Alison Brooks or KK+A
That is as close as I could get, and despite picking 2 per scheme, I may have 0 correct.
DiscoStu
Senior Member
Ha, no kidding. When I think about what I would use a park pavilion for, it's basically:
Take a leak
Get a park pass or map.
Get some insight/tips from park staff.
Find a place to sit while waiting for wife/kids to come back from bathroom, contemplating how I got dragged to overcrowded Banff again, and what strategizes I can incorporate for next time.
I don't mind looking at cool historical photos or taxidermy...but I don't want to foster anything, celebrate anything, and I sure as hell don't want to take part in any group ceremonies.
IceCreamMan
Active Member
I'd love to know the architectural proponents as well; My guess is the majority of these submissions are teams - a design architect partnered with a local (re: Calgary) architect as a partner; someone that can attend regular meetings and stamp the drawings in Alberta. Would not be surprised if there's some local firms like Metaphor or LOLA involved, as they have direct and recent experience working with the Town and in the National Park (and in Canmore, etc.).