Memo to builders: meetings agenda(s)

 It is with good fortune that reinforcement can be found in the communities where we have built, but too in return something has been given as well as not yet returned.  For the sakes of future endeavors, it is important to work out how to keep accounts and maintain those books for the various adjustments and contributions so much effort is given to.  Such is a task we must lay grounds out towards, as nothing is built in a day, so no books is ever written in an hour.  But that so much is done, at the very least, the most significant or important works must be recorded in books and accounted for, not just for our presence of mind today, but also to have records for our endeavors tomorrow.  

We are fortunate to be building in an advanced society.  There are many benefits and amenities afforded to everyday citizens of this society.  Of this pool of resources there is the opportunity to inquire and request because we have been living and working in this society for a substantial period of time.  Of such I want to draw particular attention to health benefits and retirement security.  Since we projectively see that our work will continue to find sites in Canada for the immediate as well as further future (remember not everyone think in the long duration as in this industry), and since we have rightly established through our works in the past, we are too entitled to these benefits and amenities.  Having the ability to see a qualified doctor for advice and more is a right and privilege earned, and such we have earned.  Books and a united front will serve to assist us in securing the rights we rightly earned.

In meetings of the near future, the following are items belonging on the agenda, not necessarily in order:

1. selectively inventory work rended and objects made - include professional works, secondary works, social works, legal or police related, and any additional items

2. finding acknowledgment and receipt for records of work rended and objects made from the community - provide opportunities for accounting of their respective value, whether monetary or through description/qualification

3. documenting works and objects for a folio or the "official book" - if any receipt is collected, include copies

4. acknowledge preparations for future building by government and groups, and note our own preparations

5. planning for our own well being in preparation for future locations where we are building

6. whether there is interest within the team in finer building work for interiors in Calgary as we reach the long completion stage of the skyscrapers and or educating younger generations concerning the trade

7. any and all outstanding criminal matters including those implicating us as injured parties in the last ten years requiring the attention and records by police local or otherwise

The outline above consists of many items and the first thing to attend to is the "how."  How is any of it to be worked?  Is implicit bookkeeping enough or is there a need for explicit records.  If the latter, then perhaps further meetings concerning each one item will be required to establish some common grounds and objectives which will prove functional towards expressed records.

Minutes of each meeting should be kept wherever possible.

Letter to Member of Parliament

 Dear Member of Parliament,

Following a long deliberation and due the changing landscape of international politics, the decision was made to investigate the protection of interior spaces with architectural potential within vertical architecture ranging from low-rising to the very high available in the City of Calgary.  Of no minor consequence, the consideration of zoning as an effective measure against illegal trespassing of any duration into such architecture will safeguard the spaces of economic potential for the present and the future with regard to Canadian and Albertan heritage.  Should fortune be with this country of Canada, we should find that the matter is not with urgency and that no amount of discretion were required.  We should also find that we are with friends whose regard for this city is well indeed.  Any delicate matter of importance requires consensus from the public at various levels.  The outcome in objective consists of legislative measures that could support our officers of the law, whose enforcement of laws and bylaws should be supported by judiciary personnel with the force of law that stands behind efforts as appropriate.

This letter is a rare request for consultation with the national government and the request for advising concerning additional legal options in the interim period while the investigation for the call for legislative measure and subsequent measures to be allowed to take place.  It is at once a call to reconsider what novel immigration regulations and practices could be possible and which ones to reinforce.  

No enterprise had ever been advanced without a measure of risk.  In Canada, the regard for the great potential of the future matched with the intent to maintain heritage, values, and social order in the present, is unprecedented on this continent in recent history.  Alberta oft prides herself as conservative, valuing and emphasizing deliberation and worth of action over voices outside near and far.  The necessity to be set in flight beyond the weight of labels continues to be a persistent motivation, appearing almost a collective will that at once unites us.  

Yet, no venture to add such as very high vertical architecture to a city was advanced without due consideration of many aspects.  Canada is a unique country in that its regard for creating a great potential and its capacity to protect it are fundamental principles upon which building prior to the arrival of the present need is possible. The perspective upon which the premise is drawn holds that the demographic is deliberate and intellectual, that the populace is strong, that the view beheld is of the horizon in which is known the future is of a very long duration ahead.  Much as an old growth forest had endured a long time and should be expected to endure in all normal circumstances a long time yet, the urban heritage of Calgary and the discipline in citizens’ varied actions have always been the bases upon which building into the future were held as not only possible, but optimistically probable.

Concerning the call for legislative measures, of course, due process is required to arrive at any effective legislation.  The process must be kept in records for reference towards continued development as well as future selective elaboration and possibly even implementation.  To commence the process, a premise is laid out and the corresponding problem.  The problem is identified as the risks from speculation that leads to the raising of an illegal real estate market, which is counterposed to the intent of protecting future architecture for appropriate use at present and in future generations.  This is not without precedent elsewhere.  That this risk has been escalated due to migratory patterns internationally not only intensifies the urgency but leads to the question of whether immigration policies guarding the national boundaries and illegal migratory patterns of new arrivals were sufficient.  That the problem lies upon a complex premise built from a longstanding regard and way of life only foregrounds the non-complementariness with those who may engage in such invasive speculation.  From existing urban conditions can be extrapolated possible urban futures; also, from careful readings, urban objectives set within the urban fabric can also be observed.  The urgency of the matter is raised upon the dynamic circumstances internationally and regards the stability of the demographics and the deliberate growth of the citizenry count.  Public choice and consensus must also be drawn, this being an item of no small importance.

To note, legislative measures are not the sole avenue towards which an equilibrium of almost the same state yet with further protection in place could come into sight.  What solution is possible includes not only legislation but also popular support and architectural measures.  That correspondences must be found between each of these spheres as well as with the judiciary and enforcement offices, urban and economic development bureaus or offices, various professional offices, etc. must be brought into the fold.

The point of contention by this letter: the primary item being proposed for deliberation by your esteemed offices is the one concerning the review of immigration policies, specifically, the enforcement concerning the freedom of movement and permanence of stay by newly landed residents and tourists, with an eye to their admission into the country while they harbor ulterior motives.  As open and free as a country is depends on the strength and solidarity of its citizens: in times such as these, no investment of time is too big to stress the gravity of society.  In light of our common heritage and values, we must promote our long fought views and consensus for the respect for future potential in the happiness of our children, and to note again as we have, for order and Nature herself.

With optimism, I propose that further deliberations on legislation and architecture be continued today into the time-frame of Tomorrow.

Your citizen,

Ann Lee

Open letter to the city of Calgary

 It is usually of importance that shifts do not occur abruptly in an explicit manner: this has been long recognized in societies with stable governance and intellectual demographics.  While long term measures may be well within the logic and capability of a government and a people, the sequence of actions must be determined at least partially or in outline in advance so that events do not occur in ways out of order beyond the influence of legitimate powers including the agency and health of citizens.  That such a sequence must adapt to changing conditions of social events surrounding the issue under question leads to the implication of a social organizing to occur at various levels concurrently.

The assumption is made that proper inquiry has been conducted and conclusions drawn concerning the state of things relevant to the urban development in Calgary.  Also likely is that the optimal manner in which the city should grow has reached a certain degree of consensus despite the diversity that marks our communities.  

The growth of a city is, of course, multi-faceted, and each aspect is linked with each other aspect in complex ways.  Where the demand from the citizenry is stable growth or at least development within projection and influence, the solution involved must be multiple in makeup.

The response in discouraging general migration and irresponsible occupation is natural and with merit.  Due long history for settlement and consensus in common values, the process of mutual information routinely occurs between local citizens and and with folks from outside Alberta.  The diverse cultures represented within Calgary have not prevented the inclination to maintain the city as future oriented, stable, and safe.  That different peoples in Calgary are with different obstacles in facing such a challenge raises the question of the origin of the Town Hall.  It has been the case that common concern brings a community together.  The City of Calgary has a populace of more than 1.5 million people but still maintains a stable number for the populace for the reason that communication has continued over the decades.  Even as representation and rights remain a call for long term consideration, there is no doubt that all are united in the search for well being, economic opportunities, protection, and a good life.  It is not inconceivable that where denomination is found in the city, such as colleges and universities, representatives could be discovered who may see past the “conservative” label and begin to explore the perhaps harsher requirements to maintain society in a subtle manner.  Communication across ethnic, cultural, and other differences in disposition is always possible.  What mediation and or coordination could prepare for such as Town Hall without attracting undesirable attention?

The addition of members to forces of police and security may also have occasion to occur.  The question appears to concern the balance between the self-organizing capability of a force and the talent to subscribe to the natural rule of order.  In actuality, the question is upon the determinability of a problem or crisis at hand, and only then, does the ability to execute enter the question.  A central item at hand is the way of life in how citizens best relate with the police officers.  Whether improvements could be made to a police force could be debatable, although a course of action seems to be that the precedents and examples in other cities and states could be considered for reference.  The various private security companies nevertheless appear curious; perhaps an inquiry could be made unless all is already known and yours truly is the one in the dark.  Protection and order are well hoped for and deserved; it is in preparing for the unexpected, for instance, unusual traffic into the city for well publicized events, that some additional modes of operation could be recommended.

In terms of architecture and urban development, the availability of office and residential spaces, as well as the openness or closure to developers from outside the province, are the basic factors that could attract interest.  This, like legislation, brings into our purview an extended term through which additions, modifications, improvements, and adjustments could occur gradually.  In safeguarding the preservation of culture, the promotion of economy, the protection of nature, the security of citizens, and the quality and pace of life, there is much that could be possible.  If the fruits of such labor be further towards the horizon, various drivers that could curtail unwanted expansion of numbers should be employed wherever possible.  Actions or requirements are possible at a few different scales; if not all possible, then the rationale behind them may be effective nevertheless.  In a larger context outside of architecture, there are items concerning Canadian values and heritage that we could rely on to examine how best to guide discourse.  Should legislation follow to provide for the protection and preservation of openness to slow and maintained growth into built and not-yet-built spaces, that could of course be ideal as it would be a long term safeguard that also would provide the power behind the rule of law in containing the sudden and unexpected crises.  

What values underlie the Canadian mindset and the Alberta-and-Calgarian disposition I believe to draw deeply from the tradition and practice of setting and protecting our natural reserves and National Parks.  There is a deep respect for the natural and furthermore the untouched, the pristine, and the great potential of what we hold for future generations.  It is in line with and in preparation for the promotion of what is good towards being protected and enjoyed in times to come.  There is nothing selfish in believing that in preserving the grand potential of what is good would in future times become put to great appreciation when the time is right and the proper appropriation, be it of inaction, be had.  In the case of architecture, there is no sense in believing that it shall forever remain empty or underutilized; yet upon the same token, it is in waiting when the architecture that could provide the appropriate space is complete and ready where this deeply held value must be drawn.

There is great leadership across the community, not least of which is that of the individual police officers, EMS, and firefighters who respond to every call, coming from the heart of Calgary.  Despite so much effort, there is something for there being the force of law that stands behind all legitimate actions.  In the case of architectural space which is to be protected and preserved for generations to come, the role of law is no exception.  This is a matter to be considered and deliberated upon as carefully as possible.  There are many items in the field and discipline of architecture in and of itself: these too must be passed through the processes of the community so due thinking and actions could have the opportunity to occur.  

Suffice to finally note that at the bases these must always be held in mind: the well-being and happiness, general health, economic opportunities and adequate work, culture, nature, education, protection, and pace of life.  It should be a right and privilege to safeguard our way of life in this city of Calgary.

Greeny economy

 From a distance from our communities logics are in arrangement to seek out the points of contention worthwhile of consideration and debate so we shift to informing stabler societies and safer communities.  The acts seem to come from nowhere and land quickly onto media though not into our consciousness.  We have no idea when the motions seemingly so slow in motion will arrive to be in effect.  Yet, they do, sometimes.  That they are apparently able to see the larger picture and see the greater concerns is a bonus for us.  It matters less what they find sufficient for themselves, though if they are exemplary, they could be models and our friends if our reciprocal support be given.  Where they have lent us their understandings, they have made a positive contribution which should not be forgotten.

There are some such associations and organizations or organizings in occurring which bear the mark of understanding, of advising, of granting, of resolving, of et cetera.  To note which ones may be to draw to them attention undesirable due to the difficulties of conserving energy and resources where affairs of priority are complex and near impossible.  One of the causes examined and taken for consideration is the care and health of the earth: in climatic and geological stability and in the health of the earth's greeneries and animals and creatures.  The push towards noninterventionism towards the earth, the safe-guarding of earth's health, and industries that support renewable energy efficiency - the move for rejuvenated economies that takes our newfound purpose in earth's well being as its reason to be, it has realized initiatives, with objectives and beginnings to plans and policies as well as taxes in some places.

These are the initial moves on the political stage because our activists had brought the matter into the forefront in the political sphere.  Objectives and plans are directive-like and are considered top-down measures, leading to policies which often act as guidelines.  They presuppose correctly the ongoing generation of the new economies which are green, whether primarily as in the field of sustainable energy industries, or secondarily as in fields that cut carbon emissions.  Due to the large-scale and distributed nature of the fields of economy including the productive industries, the large domain and manifold actualities constitute what is apparently the base upon which policies and other top-down-like measures act.  This base is that which must rise.

Although the complexities of the generation of industries cannot be comprehended in a generic synopsis, a few words could be said about the rising of economies especially in the nascent stage.

The collection of capital is one way to start up.  The recognition of there being common wealth in the principle whatever being held by the earth is another.  What was given by the objectives, plans, and policies are the information oriented by the purpose deemed to be common for us to work out in our particular enterprises.  To enact the basis is as to make the preparation, as for the green economy, or as for unusual states of exception, or as for general economic growth through the growth of industries.

The notion of collecting capital is essentially the idea of gathering resources in the action of creating and motioning forward the enterprise, in each case or in a collective effort.  Information, talent, technology, currencies, and resources - these are all matters contributive to the general principle which could be casually called "capital" in addition to monies or money-derivatives.  Money-derivatives like funds or bonds may not be derivatives at all, but rather are marked to translate motion towards the gathering of other sorts contributive to the general principle or to activities adding to the motion towards the bettering direction.  That resources are matter found, technology are means made, talent are experts housed, information is data converted, and currencies are built should need not be mentioned.  

Capital is kept not only for holding and for actions by the enterprise but also for reinvestment.  As information held by an enterprise can be relayed to other enterprises, especially those in related fields of work, so too can currencies be relayed into smaller enterprises or other enterprises, or technology lent to another endeavor, et cetera.  In reinvesting carefully inside the green industries and related enterprises is the way that the economy grows and becomes more sustainable.

The realization of economics of the green never did begin solely in political gestures but in the minute and momentous realization of independent enterprises with the care of the earth in mind.  There is no definite sequence of collecting data, making a decision in investment, investing, and so on necessarily determinative for a business community, although if no avenue is available, such a directive-oriented motion could be undertaken by the community.  The effective collection of matters and gathering of talent and enactment of motion towards the goals given by guidelines and general objectives, such when propelled and maintained by peoples collectively as towards the objectives of the care of the earth, as if such is deemed  rational and correct after long consideration, or as if the economy grows sufficiently for profitable or otherwise gainful opportunities to presence, should be sufficient for our nation to move forward together towards bringing the future into place.

memo to builders: Meeting Space

The quick movement and fine adjustment by a crew composed of teams that take care of many items in a city carefully and precisely for the conditions to build to be of readiness is of no small matter.  As such, the requirements for compensation, benefits, security, and trust call for a united front as is traditional to many lineages of professional service.  The time has come for us to bring organization within up to level with the level of organization we express without.  Only with the regular and persistent effort does our own well being begin to be of interest and concern for those to whom we provide service.  It is required that the complex society we are consisted of be brought to such concentration as to reach representation in the public society.  Here I list the items of priority today and immediately:

1. towards a united front through internal communication

2. arrive at agreement of minimum optimal requirements such as health benefits, police communication, protection by law, credit for work, proper financial and other compensation, proper invitation to inspect prospect of work, public recognition of the extraordinary craftmanship and masterwork, retirement plan

3. arrive at agreement of procedures of accounting and keeping accounts

4. be poised towards representation in internal governance and external public communication

5. understand the value of negotiation power

To begin, we must picture internal governance as already ongoing.  While we are not seeking to institutionalize our internal affairs, we must mind and recognize good work done on this vein.  Although our numbers are not great, we are a complex society in and of itself.

To prepare for building trust with community, there is a need immediately for a formal meeting space where we can discuss and prepare some grounds for presenting that united front.  Arriving at a united front is beneficial because then there is greater negotiation power.  It is a secret that our excellent works have not been recognized, and proper compensation including protection have been rended in limited amounts.  It is impossible for the community to assist and recognize our continuing efforts if we are not entirely proactive about reaching the level of civil discussion. 

 The work never seems to end. One article near completion, and another calls.  How this town is precious to the world the way it is I shall have no words for today.  Another call returns the matter to the point of origin, the design, in the Grand Design.  How many worlds, big and small, call everyday I cannot begin to explain how a telephone should be designed in the future, oh, the far future, if only there were 2000 hours in a day.  Frontier, where we all are, all my friends, and a few of my enemies, all wanting to move forward in each their own motion, that takes a million million million seconds to decipher and recollect, and here I pen only two hundred words a day.  The brain has no final capacity, virtually no limits.  How many children have I passed that I looked internally with regret that I could not give a few choice words to, so they may know the extraordinary strength they possess, the incredible hurdles that must be overcome, to reach that plateau, that pasture, when we know we have arrived, finally, to this land to do our work.  Alas! I think that there are many many worlds: the geopolitical worlds cannot begin to comprehend the extents to which we could grow and blossom like spring daisies and daffodils upon this green pasture below the bright blue sky.  

Here now at the age of thirty-nine and almost four and zero, it strikes me how leisure and wonder are both possibilities in the world's potential.  There is still much unsaid and undone though much have been uttered at least by those about and much have been done too by those about.  I am best inclined to suppose I have done little, but in retrospect, it all seems like without recognition much goes unseen and so unrecognized.  Pity the fool who steals the glory - I joke.  

 

 hazy morning view

“Innovating legislation in zoning to be above and beyond the domain of bylaw is the challenge for Calgary in face of what decisive long term measures to be taken to protect for the future the enactment of fine architectural space rightfully in the potential of the skyscrapers built in recent times;

Preserving for future generations the fruits of labor by all the previous generations must remain within purview despite the novelty of vertical architecture in place of grand nature in the minds of Albertans and Canadians alike;

The openness of the country has never been a simple openness, but rather, hard earned from more than a century and a half of resolution and consensus: without the blunder of presumption blocking the way towards an optimistic and peaceful and common future, the Canadian heritage continues to grow through the civil actions of discussion and debate, through legitimate use of force and the court of law;

The pursuit of the discovery for children in each of the next generations should remain fully within their birthright and inheritance; 

Freedom always ruling the metric of the Good Life, the Way of Life of Calgarians and Albertans are governed by the individual’s sovereignty, their autonomous knowledge of self and moraled actions: there is True Good in the potential of the human being, and this they put to their day’s work, to their family and friends, and to the development of their being to the full potential.

I hereby propose the extraordinary task of zoning the interiority of Calgary’s vertical architecture, commonly known as skyscrapers, that such is of the highest difficulty, but that without a doubt within the capability of Calgarians and Albertans for generations to come, below are the items I bring to fore:

1. 

"

 First copy of The Protected Zone completed. 

The Protected Zone

" Principle held in common inclusive of vertical architecture and spaces of architectural potential

Is hereby promoted to be of a status uncommon

so such common principle is upheld for the proper present use in the orientation of future use, through appropriation in the present deliberative for the representation of long standing values and enduring goals so that vacancy

is held and protected in anticipation of the continuation of prosperity in growth by cultivation

by future generations... "

See complete copy here: link 
(pdf and annotations to follow)