Cityplace Bridge

[Filip]

Originally Posted by Taller, Better

this is a hideous abortion?





People... the paint is yellow.

It can be repainted.

Idea = B+.. Execution = D-

[Dimethyltryptamine]

I like it :/ that somewhat rustic yellow looks great to me.

[Taller, Better]

Just so that I am completely clear on this, this one is magnificent:



and this one is a hideous abortion:

image hosted on flickr


Is that correct?

[Marcanadian]

I don't think it's hideous, but the colour is a bit washed out, the mesh fencing looks really bad, and the exposed concrete is ugly.

[Filip]

Originally Posted by Marcanadian

I don't think it's hideous, but the colour is a bit washed out, the mesh fencing looks really bad, and the exposed concrete is ugly.

What he said. I reiterate: B+ idea, D- execution.

[Mollywood]

That red bridge in Calgary, is BEAUTIFUL! I'd trade any day.

[Toronto2008]

Originally Posted by Mollywood

That red bridge in Calgary, is BEAUTIFUL! I'd trade any day.

Would you pay more in taxes though? That bridge in Calgary cost $25 mill and crosses the Bow.

[Mollywood]

Originally Posted by Toronto2008

Would you pay more in taxes though? That bridge in Calgary cost $25 mill and crosses the Bow.

Of course, I think our taxes are too low. If you want a high quality city, and I do, you need to pay for it. I've never had a problem with paying taxes. Public transit and the public realm need huge infusions of cash and we all need to pay higher taxes, to pay for it. You can't build subways unless you find ways to pay for it. I guess it all depends on what kind of city we want Toronto to be. Great cities don't come on the cheap.

[Innsertnamehere]

too bad we got so close to the fort york bridge before our beloved mayor cancelled it.

[Toronto2008]

Originally Posted by Mollywood

Of course, I think our taxes are too low. If you want a high quality city, and I do, you need to pay for it. I've never had a problem with paying taxes. Public transit and the public realm need huge infusions of cash and we all need to pay higher taxes, to pay for it. You can't build subways unless you find ways to pay for it. I guess it all depends on what kind of city we want Toronto to be. Great cities don't come on the cheap.

I agree 100% with making investments in the public realm, but more into things like grand public libraries (have you seen the one in Boston?! Wow) and public gardens. They cheaped out with this bridge and now it's delayed for a month...surprise surprise! You get what you pay for.

[Taller, Better]

Originally Posted by Mollywood

That red bridge in Calgary, is BEAUTIFUL! I'd trade any day.

Do you know who designed it? I'll bet it cost at least 20 times to construct because of the famous architect.

I think a lot of this is boiling down to the colour of the paint.

[Nouvellecosse]

I agree with those who say the colour is too timid. Changing from a mild yellow to a vibrant red or an intense neon yellow, orange or green would change this bridge from being "ok" to being really cool.

[GenericUser]

That bridge in Calgary is beautiful!

The Cityplace Bridge isn't repulsive or anything, but I think that the three things really holding it back, in order of significance are:

1) The color. They really should've made it something more stand-out, like neon green or something

2) The entire underside of the bridge, especially where it meets the support columns. They should've done something more artistic/tasteful to the columns to make them feel less disconnected with the bridge.

3) They need to at least paint that hideous railing and the short chunk of concrete running along the sides! Why are they silver when the whole bridge is yellow? It makes no sense to me! Also, it looks like a railing for pedestrians to hold, but it's outside of the mesh...?? Speaking of the mesh; I personally have no problems with it whatsoever. The fact that it curves with the general shape of the bridge actually makes it kind of attractive.

[Mollywood]

Originally Posted by GenericUser

That bridge in Calgary is beautiful!

The Cityplace Bridge isn't repulsive or anything, but I think that the three things really holding it back, in order of significance are:

1) The color. They really should've made it something more stand-out, like neon green or something

2) The entire underside of the bridge, especially where it meets the support columns. They should've done something more artistic/tasteful to the columns to make them feel less disconnected with the bridge.

3) They need to at least paint that hideous railing and the short chunk of concrete running along the sides! Why are they silver when the whole bridge is yellow? It makes no sense to me! Also, it looks like a railing for pedestrians to hold, but it's outside of the mesh...?? Speaking of the mesh; I personally have no problems with it whatsoever. The fact that it curves with the general shape of the bridge actually makes it kind of attractive.

I totally agree. That concrete needs to be painted and what's up with those railings? What a terrible way to finish a bridge. Pain it, for god sakes. What is this, a third world country?

Stairs, on the east side would have been nice too, for those heading downtown. That ramp makes you walk out of your way. (on both sides)

[ssiguy2]

The Calgary bridge is gorgeous and makes Toronto's lokk worse than it already is and that is saying something.

It really is one of the ugliest, offensive structures I have ever seen and if that is their idea of connecting the city to the Waterfront then the Waterfront is doomed. This is why I am such a big supporter of the Casino/Conference development as it will completely cover over the rail corridor with greenery.

[SparksTO]

You get a little sad with the pictures. But a least Calgary has now a very nice bridge nice.

[Mollywood]

Originally Posted by Nouvellecosse

I agree with those who say the colour is too timid. Changing from a mild yellow to a vibrant red or an intense neon yellow, orange or green would change this bridge from being "ok" to being really cool.

I also am not a fan of that dull yellow. It's just not an attractive colour. I'd prefer vibrant RED or at least a deeper, richer colour of yellow, with the railings painted black. I love black wrought iron on railings. The Brits know how to do fences and railings right!

I wouldn't call this bridge ugly. It's a pretty decent bridge, it's just the details around it, that they got all wrong. (railings, colour, ramps, concrete, mesh fence)

[icemachine]

I've seen more inspiring bridges built out of K'nex. Hell an Army Bailey Bridge would be better than this piece of crap.

[Taller, Better]

So, it has been determined; red is a nicer colour than yellow.

[icemachine]

Yes, this bridge also is deficient due to it's uninspiring box beam design supported by precast pillars that look like they were pulled from your typical highway bridge.