I really like the new BC Place roof so far:
Crown of thorns, I’ve heard it called. Whatever – better than the Marshmallow in Bondage.
In fact, at this stage of construction – these shots are from Saturday – it looks so strong and sculptural, I wonder if it’ll look as good with the fabric of the actual roof attached?
No need to prejudge. The views of the roof will be constantly changing anyway, creating more hide-and-peak perspectives.
I was very fond of the mushroom. The introduction of air supported fabric to the steel and glass skyline I always found to be — forgive me for being such a philistine — warm and tactile.
Well that’s a first. =D
I’m reserving judgement until it’s finished. I think it might not seem so brilliant, however, when cast against the backdrop of expanded casinios and problem gamblers.
Gord, good on you for going against the prevailing view. I too think this is an amazing structure. I’ve had a hardhat tour of the building, and the scale is breathtaking.
I understand Tessa’s reticence, but the plans to illuminate the building with LEDs that can change the whole building’s colour at night are very exciting to consider.
Also, the fact that they’ve “opened up” some of the ramps so you can view them through glass (instead of concrete walls) will give the dome a new ‘lightness’ of structure.
Most important to me, however, is the fact that this is a great example of adaptive re-use. Just imagine if we decided to turn all that concrete and rebar into rubble. Instead, the walls have been reinforced to give the building extended life. For Vancouver, keeping the sport, entertainment and jobs downtown is vital.
Just a clarification. My resistence isn’t actually structural in any way. I think it’s hard to judge when there’s so much scaffolding still up and the canvas roof isn’t on. When it’s done, I’ll see how I feel, but I always thought the German stadium the roof is modelled after looked pretty spiffy.
My resistence at this point is to the method of payment and expansion of gambling, especially while the provincial government is cutting the gaming funds that used to go to charity organizations. I think that’s going to have a lot of downsides to it, and I think it’s a bad plan for the city.