Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Promised Decisive Memo to Builders: October 1

 Then the decision has been made to move forward, and the whole of the teams stands intact and ready, we will advance carefully, with each point having been carefully considered.  It is not impossible that we could advance with deliberation and intention; rather, this has been the track laid out by the previous steps we have taken.  The action to take today is to take stock of past works and accomplishments, so that we can project forward a positive path, taking into consideration what we have learned in the past twenty years, and think optimistically about the path that lays ahead.

The items at hand today are as the items at hand a month ago, but here I provide a few more details:

1) The skyscrapers requested are five in number.  There is one major project tentatively planned for San Francisco, and single skyscrapers otherwise designed for different locations.  The one for Saskatchewan mentioned in the last memo is not a complicated build, but it differs from expected for it has a large rooftop green garden, complete with a water feature, partially enclosed with a tall transparent wall.  Greening is an aspect of build that we should need further research on.  Sub-infrastructural components such as underground watering systems could be accounted for before build embarks.  More on this in future memos.

2) The matter of protective zoning provides a way for a paced and measured move-in into the skyscrapers.  It will also offer a framework and guidelines to how to improve and complete the interior spaces.  The implications of a long futures city is that the city is now endowed with a great architectural wealth, of which could be uptaken for completion and put to use at leisure by the city.  The wealth thus generated by our efforts will guide the city into a positive future, when economic growth and business growth will be but one aspect of the development.  With ample architectural space, the community will also grow in that many of its lesser known interests could find space for expression and occupancy, as well as find opportunity for representation.

3) My firm is now named: Helix.  I have some sad news: my ability to transmit visions has been temporarily suppressed.  But rest assured, I will look for another person to carry over this particular duty.  In regards space for the guild, it is my understanding that in order to achieve a regular space, one must first attempt to make use of temporary spaces, such as a hall at the community center, in order to show that we have actual orderly business.  Once we have demonstrated a need and requirement for a more permanent space, continuing communication with community members will support the achievement of such a space.  It is important to demonstrate that we understand the implicit rules established in the community of Calgary.  It is also important to note that not all must attend meetings; even a handful of representatives may be enough to demonstrate proper business.

4) The report to RCMP and the public addresses thus far the circumstances at the start of work; the process of negotiation, design, and build; pressure from groups local and foreign; probable response and related problems.  It will address benefits endowed upon Calgary; requirements for us to be continually involved; ongoing problems; compensation; and more.  Meanwhile, police communication has begun concerning the unusual pressures we had faced, yes; but also, trust and liaison with police is considered tantamount for future endeavors.  The latter is where communication shall be found.

5) In regards the move to Saskatchewan, where we may yet build a fair number if not an excessive number of skyscrapers, I wonder if not a smooth transition could be found if we examine the possibility of moving in with a few smaller projects.  This may be the most ideal situation because we are still with smaller projects here, as such news did reach me.  If this is not palatable, I understand your concerns.  I am attempting to see into the future and understand what is required of us to move in securely with good intent.  Please send information to me as you find appropriate for no one person could be an all seeing eye at any given moment.  The idea to move into Saskatchewan with a few modest projects to first garner community trust could help us find a stronger foothold with the province as it attempts to address our security concerns.

So when we have understood the circumstances in which we are, we know that establishing in Calgary after so many years of work is reasonable.  A home base at a location to which we have contributed so much, at a location where we have increased the sum wealth so significantly, is reasonable to the utmost.  As our interests continue to include the Canadians, we must review how we have progressed here, of what we have learned, and to what ends we wish to achieve for ourselves as well.  This memo will end here, but a new Memo will be forwarded on November 1.


pdf link

Thursday, September 1, 2022

Promised Decisive Memo to Builders

September 1, 2022

To Builders:

 Now that the products of our labor have materialized to a stage of completion, items remain in the air for our continuing relationship with the City of Calgary.  Alongside these important items which must be on all of our minds, the specific object of this decisive memo is first to regard our future.

The items at hand concerning our future and a summary of the decisions made are as following:

1) Five skyscraper designs were requested by a representative of the builders just prior to Spring 2022.  Five pure concepts have been completed, the realization of which will demonstrate once again our expertise and consummate skill. The final concept drawings will be ready in February 2023.  Presently, architects have come to Calgary in enquiry for future work, therefore contracts may be preliminarily projected for complete drawings including structural investigations in the foreseeable future.

2) In terms of where the intersection between our future and the future of Calgary exists: protective zoning is being proposed via a document that finds heritage and ideal to be bases for holding onto now existing architectural principle as pristine in view that future generations may utilize portions of it wisely and carefully.  In view of the work that needs to be done to bring interior design and build to complete the spaces for use, the notion to be forwarded of prototypal floors may yet garner small projects for builders who are establishing homes here.  Such new work will contract our presence with proper compensation that should aid our generation of establishment and home in Calgary.

3) I have decided to establish my design firm in Calgary, with the possibility of securing local as well as invited talent.  It is my hope that the various building teams will continue to look into and place efforts in establishing a guild with representation to the public alongside my firm in Calgary or in Alberta.  The persistence of the products of labor from the past twenty years is beyond adequate in persuading the public to embrace our presence.  They will continue to require our presence to speak for and defend the architectural principle in support of nascent and growing industries and the long future economy in general.

4) There had been many transgressions and offenses reported, mainly instigated by groups foreign to this society but also by individuals who are part of this society, by our builders and architects.  This, along with proper compensation, need to be addressed and followed up upon.  A report to the RCMP and the public is being written presently that should serve to outline the type of problems we encountered here, the sheer quantity of work we performed here with the outcome of increased wealth to the city, and the relations we are seeking with the community. 

5) At least one of the skyscrapers designed is intended for Saskatchewan. At present, the city of Saskatoon does not yet have sufficient security to bar against unwanted influxes, but it is my understanding that this city is beginning to examine their security issues.  A plan needs to be laid out for a deliberate move to this city to prepare for building. As this Canadian city is closest to Calgary where a building program may be instated, much preparations need to occur.  It is not too early to bring word and news on the possibility that we may add to their urban fabric in the near future.  We will not be building as prolifically in Saskatoon as we did in Calgary, mainly because the economy of the city does not require such a long term future, but that they lack even a single skyscraper for their office functions is the main basis from which I understand the possibility to build.  The proximity to Calgary where we are establishing is one of the most persuasive factor for us to seek immediate work there, especially following the awesome success of Calgary's build.

In view that the present is still trickling with items outstanding in Calgary, it is important for us to establish a strong and assertive presence.  For all the work already accomplished, it is time to seek recognition, proper compensation, as well as investigation into transgressions.  The first thing to do is to garner proper spaces for our office and meeting functions, and the second is to seek recognized relations with building offices long and recently established in Calgary.  I am still working on the priority and sequence of our future actions.  I hesitate to publish my concept drawings here but suffice to say they are of a higher caliber and beauty than the previous designs which have been realized in Calgary.  It is my hope that Calgary will be our home base, so work is immediately continuing to account and address past problems as well as past successes.  I will publish another memo here on October 1, 2022.

Thank you.

Ann Lee


Download pdf