Quote:
Originally Posted by driveway
All public art & architecture in Calgary goes through a series of phases:
Phase 1: "It costs WHAT!? For THAT!?" Everyone complains about how much the art or building is going to cost, and how ugly it is. This phase usually lasts through the entire construction process, and is often combined with moaning about how long its taking, and the upheaval construction is causing.
Phase 2: "Oohhhh..." Someone from outside the city places value on the art or architecture. A publication or expert makes the claim that it is a great example of such-and-so, or it wins some kind of award.
Phase 3: "WORLD. CLASS. CITY." Calgarians become fiercely proud and defensive of the structure or art, relentlessly pointing to the external value placed on it as further evidence of Calgary's being underrated globally and its superiority to Edmonton / other Canadian city.
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I'll say this much. I visited Calgary again this summer for the first time in 5 years. The public art and new bridges added something to my experience of the downtown area that had been lacking my entire life. I think it's great, and people should always be in favor of more things that gives a city a unique culture and vibe. Chicago is one of my favorite cities, and it's because of all the great public art, architecture, and museums that one can simply walk around and enjoy.
It makes a difference. Ask me where I'd like to spend a day between Calgary and Edmonton, and it's not even close. Hell, I'd probably prefer Calgary to Toronto, despite all the things you can do there, simply because of aesthetics.
Now if they could just revitalize Eau Claire I'd be happy. That place was depressing to see.