In case you missed it, yesterday Open File posted a 3D flyover animation about the new design for Lansdowne. First of all, it's MUCH better than what we have right now. There are some great design elements. I particularly like the terraces near the restaurants. Some parts remind me of the Byward Market, which is too bad because it would have been nice to see something different, more original. And it looks like the bicycles will have to share the road with cars near the stores. It would have been nice to have a dedicated bike lane instead. Who knows, maybe that could change last minute. Nevertheless, I think this it's what Lansdowne needs, despite what some naysayers may say.
I see this as a lifestyle upgrade (as long as it's done right). The stadium would be awesome for open air concerts in the summer. Imagine Deadmau5, on a summer night with the stadium full of people and a cool light show. This would also be a great place for more events during Canada Day. Think of all the new possibilities. Now imagine if there was a metro that would bring you right in the middle of all this so you wouldn't have to use your car to get there ;)
Let's hope this starts soon. This project is way overdue.
I really wanted to love the design of Landsdowne because, like everyone, I want to see something happen with the site.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, this is very underwhelming. The giant buildings overpower the space and are pretty bland. Nothing here is new, inovative or unique. Such a shame. I am not against the retail section, I just don't think it looks good (check out the outside mall in belfast - Victoria Square). The cinema is the worst part...urgh.
The South stands are beautiful, there's no doubt about that. The north side is still ugly and unchanged.
The park is nice, but not more then that. Again, nothing particularily new or unique to the site. I was really hoping for some water or big fountains (like they have in Paris), but instead we get another skating rink right next to the canal...
I'm sorry for being so negative, I just think this project is ho hum.
I see what you mean. I agree with you on the skating rink. How many skating rink does Ottawa need? Especially when we have the canal. A water fountain would be more interesting.
DeleteI'm sure there are ways to enhance what's already proposed without going back to the start. Any ideas?
Ugly. Why are they ruining all that great pedestrian space by allowing cars? Can you imagine how crappy that will look in the winter, with road dirt etc. all over the place? I doubt you'll be able to see any difference between Lansdown "park" and any other downtown street: crowded by cars/newspaper boxes/sidewalk sales/dirt and little room for people.
ReplyDeleteOuch! That's a little harsh.
DeleteStill I agree the road could use a redesign. Perhaps narrower streets, larger sidewalks, proper and separated bike lanes would help improve things. I also agree with the ugly newspaper boxes. It would be great to find a solution to that as well.
Is Crate & Barrel really coming to Ottawa? We need more home decor stores! I'm not sure what I think of this plan - it looks a lot like any other urban neighbourhood. I think something more pedestrian and bike friendly would be better - that would make it more unique and interesting. It really needs something that sets it apart and makes it a real draw for people. More green space would be good, somewhere to have picnics and play with your dog. Cobblestone streets would give it more of a European shopping experience. Just the first thoughts that popped into my head :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas Kelly! I especially love the idea of making Lansdowne dog friendly.
DeleteIt looks like Crate & Barrel is coming too. There was an article on OpenFile about it not too long ago. This would be a great addition. We need a couple anchor stores like this to make the whole plan feasible.
View of the Aberdeen Pavilion that will be obliterated (along with the trees) once the mega movie theatre is plunked down at the bottom of Adelaide Street
ReplyDeletehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/blumsy/1412796044/in/pool-944944@N24/
It's in great need of change, let's just hope it ends up better than it currently is
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