So far, the movements in and out of the city of Calgary in the past five years have caused some turbulence but we have held fast. Yet, despite continued work, the outcomes have proven to be less than fully satisfying. We must agree that tides rise and fall, and do our best to hold onto the dignity of work. This memo will be a shorter one, as we look towards February.
Here are the five items:
1) Looking at the five concepts so far drawn, it has come to my attention that they are variously sited in different geopolitical locations, which may raise difficulty in negotiation and build in the future. It has been decided that two or three will be sited in Saskatoon; however, the absence of resistance and security by the local populace continues to raise questions in my mind. To maintain integrity of our build teams by locating skyscrapers close by, it is being considered whether Edmonton could serve as one of the sites. This remains a question.
2) Our work futures in Calgary where relevant to building advanced design interiors to the skyscrapers we have erected, I am wondering whether our builders should consider roles where they can offer direction and guidance. It is true that building a skyscraper and building interiors are vastly different, but to retain Calgary as a home base, we need to find suitable and respectable roles that can continue into the future. This task of advancing interiors will depend on social organization from within the community that will allow for orderly uptaking of spaces. I continue to work on the notion of zoning as an ordering principle. It may be possible to connect young established architects for their potential consulting roles and future design roles with the Calgarian community. Future working with community will depend on the trust and ties we form with its members.
3) Both firm and guild to be located in Calgary will require some basic premises. I have a mailing address for now used doubly personally and for my firm. A postal box costs just over $200 a year. Perhaps the guild will like to consider the same. Office for my firm and meeting place for the guild remain outstanding. I am reluctant to put the designs online so urge representatives to visit with me at Brookfield on Mondays between 11am and 1pm. Otherwise, we may have to rely on fortune as we previously did.
4) The long report including investigation into compensation has been paused in writing. This is due the prioritization of documents that are proof of work and are important to the securing of future projects. This matter of future work outside of Canada needs to be addressed in future memos. Compensation at the proper level and quality to be achieved requires popular understanding by community and comprehension in specifics by local decision makers. Research will continue in this vein; information from those in position in the building community is being requested.
5) The current circumstances of the urban center of Calgary include the management of migrants from Asia at volume. Such belated management means that security is being formed in real time. This is less agreeable than management with foresight and planning. While we are not responsible for this issue, this issue may well yet rise if we build in other towns as Edmonton and Saskatoon. How such an item can reach preparation for future cities where our buildings are sited will hopefully reach collaborative investigation. If our move to neighboring towns is stalled, I am initiating efforts into exploring high quality residential towers for Calgary that should prove more pleasing than what have so far been put forward.
Therefore, the transition from building in one city to the building in other cities will be a move where we have to learn and adapt. There is no doubt that we can manage the transition, but plans have to be made ahead of time. As it should be apparent from 5), building further in Calgary is not out of the question, but the selection of designs must become very careful, as builds are very expensive and post build adjustments are next to impossible. As in last month, I invite builders to explore social connections, but must urge great care in forming ties with those who are not representing locations in North America or who are lacking in respectability. I continue to be available for debate and discussion, whether from the building community or any other Canadian or American community - do not hesitate to contact and reach me.
Thank you.
Ann Lee
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