Stormwater from the Parkdale neighbourhood will flow off of sidewalks and driveways, into the streets, into the outfall and into the Bow River. Outflow is an attractive addition to the pathway, but it has a function. The sculpture’s purpose is to encourage Calgarians to think about the connection between the natural environment and the urban environment, where our water comes from and where it’s going, and what we need to do to protect our water systems. Tolle created Outflow using a computer program to generate a 3D image of the mountain and then constructed the sculpture using high-performance Ductal concrete. Specifically, it’s Mount Peechee, a mountain north of Canmore in the Bow River watershed. It’s called Outflow and it represents an inverted mountain. The biggest feature of the plaza is the sculpture, created by highly acclaimed American artist Brian Tolle. Poppy Plaza and the Calgary Soldiers’ Memorial are both part of this same project. Parkdale Plaza is part of the City’s Landscape of Memory project along Memorial Drive, intended to make the corridor a living memorial to the people of Calgary, events that shaped the city and the natural environment that has helped form Calgary. Artists, architects and engineers have collaborated to create a space that’s ideal for Calgarians to slow down, sit down and reflect. It’s called Parkdale Plaza and it’s a new public gathering space. The Peace Bridge took a lot of heat and some have been able to shift their view to see the asthetic it adds and I hope they see the same with Outflow.If you’ve been on the Bow River pathway between Edworthy Park and Parkdale at all between April 2014 and now, you’ve probably noticed that something was being constructed. I love the inverted mountain idea and while I have heard a few people say they just don’t get it, don’t overthink it. As a component of the stormwater collection system it stands out as the prettiest storm water retention system I have ever seen. The art installation «Outflow» is both functional and visually impacting. There are comfortable benches and the pathway is individually placed cobbles for a very rustic finish. The park is nicely situated and provides a good spot to relax and enjoy the river view. Visitors will take an inside look as water travels from our streets and back out to the Bow River.» I’ve watched the progress of this new park and art installation over the past months and have been exited for it’s completion. It encourages Calgarians to think about the origins of our water and our role in its protection. Also a functioning component of The City’s stormwater system, the artwork invites visitors to explore the delicate balance between our natural and built environments. The Outflow artwork is a sculpture of an inverted mountain, namely Mount Peechee, which is just north of Canmore in the Bow River watershed. As stated in the City of Calgary invite: «A unique and progressive collaboration between artists, architects, landscape architects and engineers, Parkdale Plaza features benches and bike racks, native vegetation, sweeping river views, an upgraded stormwater outfall and an integrated public art piece.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |