Promised Decisive Memo to Builders January 31, 2023

 As of today, accounting of activity for the previous six months, our numbers have held steady. There were short duration visits from those within our trade from overseas, and also, some of us have taken the initiative to visit places in our vicinity.  Prospects on the continent remain within our scope in the horizon, but as work by many continue to steady and maintain status quo so for stability across the land to hold true, the puzzle remains for us at this location to find position and work as closely associated with our trade and level of profession as possible.  This memo will address some of the contextual actualities within which we need to build trust and permanence.

The five items:

1) As before, five designs were requested.  As per our high level of attainment, designs were prepared in the last half year. However, considering our mobility as relevant to the current task of establishing here post large volume of work completed, new designs are being made right now, which will be more appropriate for Canadian sites in our vicinity.  For your information, these geometrical designs are being examined and furthered as relevant to proportionate beauty. The necessity for realistic designs that fit the aesthetic and structural requirements as demanded by these Canadian cities must not be overlooked. Care must be given duly to not give in to constructing designs which are context free.

2) The protective zoning proposed in the document I penned is receiving preliminary uptake by Calgarian community and implications are being drawn. The investigation into how extrapolating from local established history into a zoning program that allows for measured and paced utility of the resource of architectural space continues. As visitors make entrance into this city, we should mind who from our trades do arrive, what they bring, and what they are looking for. It is the case that more established architects may be more understated in their making of appearance. We will be careful not to uptake young architects armed with little more than ambition into any rushed activity of raising structures, especially those at scale, not examined and approved by those in position. The future orientation of greening skyscrapers remains an area which could attract our interest for our continuing relevance in this city.

3) Despite divergent interest in my presence at Brookfield every Monday, I continue to welcome you. Architects including a design architect previously affiliated with myself have now announced their presence in the city. You may have become aware that I am intending to place my firm Helix on the web but also in this city. As I continue to examine the very many avenues possible for furthering this intention, my inclination is towards optimizing the firm's agility without compromising commitment to place. Efforts are ongoing to apply network principles to the organization's capacity for collaboration so that in the future our work can achieve social significance in real time.

4) Although the report to the RCMP and the public in writing has been put on pause, research continues into the meaning and reality of compensation.  As the economic and transactional realities of the world are transforming, all of us need to think beyond the confines of tradition. Looking around ourselves, we see that pay is essential to all jobs posted within organizational structures of society.  Business with financial transactions as a basis are increasingly central such that this mode of movement of anything in society is the motivating force that is at once the explanation. Much as we belong strongly to the tradition, we must not let this type of phenomena escape our attention. Building some semblance of a business model has now entered my purview next to finding arrangement for future local utility of the spaces we ourselves built. Unrelatedly, as our efforts continue in finding recognition and consequence for trust with community here and at future locations, the reminder is here given that local police is at least one authority that will always remain relevant where protection and security exist as requirements. The suggestion is here provided that individual relationships be forged.

5) Recently I have been considering the enormous architectural and urban efforts made by my predecessor and his friends in the last century. As I continue to look towards Saskatoon and or Edmonton, even as security looms largely in my mind, I am overwhelmed by what is possible. Certainly, our specialty is in skyscrapers; however, our understandings concerning the various types of architecture which may enter a city as we build could yet find our advice. It is once again reiterated here that these two cities are no blank canvases. Their urban heritage needs to be respected and local voices be given regard. It may not be too early to achieve common understanding amongst ourselves as to what needs improvement and what must be retained. Recent news of Alberta has revealed that foreign groups are vying for relevance despite their foreign status. Despite the obvious difficulty of entanglement, we must nevertheless mind that their interference does not disrupt our good works and reputation. Our objectives are to give solid regard for existing capacities to a location and to participate in elevating what is good and what works in a town, specifically, the civic society and its structures which history did labor to build.

So, whenever it is of convenience to you to engage with me concerning any topic addressed in the memo or any topic which bears significant relevance in your work life, I am here. The continuation of our work is of course day to day and month to month, but continuance is also to a future in which the building principle is the motivator for our creating the new and the possible.  It is of interest to me what news did come to Calgary from overseas within our trades. The work should always continue and I hope into a long future.

New memo March 1, 2023.

Thank you.

Ann Lee

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Promised Decisive Memo to Builders: January 1

 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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Promised Decisive Memo to Builders: December 1

 In that Calgary has the great potential of being home base for us in the future, our futures shall be found in more than one location. For that our contributions to locales are magnificent and great, and bring great wealth to each of the location, we must achieve the understanding that our works find appreciation by discerning individuals across dimensions of society.  To disclose thus, we have to make time in addition to our actual work to socialize at different levels of society because the disclosure of appreciation brings to our immediate life the awareness of recognition and the possession of joy which we must not disallow for ourselves.  It is part of life to find recognition and joy for work we rend; though it may seem like a simple pleasure perhaps outstanding from the hard work we do, their allowance will open new doors for the future which we can expect to be of a grander stage than what we had previously attained.  It will be to our advantage to find more doors than we can walk through, as the public's recognition of our contributions can in this way reach new lands of which our architecture shall celebrate.

Here are the five items as in the previous months:

1) The final concept drawings have been slightly rocky due to them finding modifications for improvements as well an additional change to circumstances, but they will reach completion by February as promised.  The complex in California as mentioned before is proposed to be on the water.  This is a more complex siting that requires review by advanced architects, engineers, and builders and thus may be projected as at a later date, even if the call for it is more immediate in celebration.  There is great excitement from the advance of the digital frontier by that location as correspondent to our advance of the built frontier from wherever we build.  A quiet discussion is ongoing for rebuilding in NYC, but with the geopolitical circumstances being so incredibly complicated, we must submit to keeping that project in mind and within the domain of possibility without overextending ourselves in worry over the scale of build.

2) Considering our work futures in Calgary continues to be an item that I hope you will retain in your agenda.  There should not be any great number of further broad stroke determinations made concerning how to invest time and energy into this city.  In summary from the last few months, there are the following: to frame what we created as a principle of architectural nature, to advance a zoning paradigm and associated frameworks for guiding the wise and timely use of portions of the principle for economic and cultural growth, to facilitate the improvement and completion of interior spaces hopefully partly with our contributions, to contribute to such as prototypal floors that should act as examples for future tenants in considering completion of the spaces, and to create a simulatory digital and virtual setting to improve the quality of interest and to gain in volume of application.

3) Insofar as the opportunity provided to have a home base in Calgary, the establishment of our presence will involve not only finding permanent space in the public or commercial sphere, but also establishing continuing activity in this city.  It is my understanding that we have persisted in finding alternative work, usually at small scales, and hopefully this should continue.  With our advice and small actions, we must recall how rare it is for the public to find such content and service.  As such, it is important to find opportunity to articulate to those we serve something of our work history, of the intense learning habits, of the pride we take in undertaking any work.  Also relevant to our present considerations is the possibility that we may teach and educate select youths and other invested individuals of our trade and profession.  This educative capacity of ours will also add to the value we bring to the city for many young people of this city are with great outlook and dreams not out of line with how we ourselves had been when young.  The logo now has a hammer and a level in the coat of arms, thanks to a brilliant suggestion, but if anybody feels that the traditional image of construction in the hammer is still better replaced by something more appropriate, do let me know. I am very excited to share my projection of the gold eagle through this expression.  Finally, I am aware that my location has changed: I can now easily be found every Monday at Brookfield where I will take a coffee between 11am and 1pm.  My enquiry for an office last year did reach success; however, as you know, my health did suffer from unfortunate events last year, so the completion of deal there has now been delayed.

4) It is with regret that progress in my report to RCMP and public has now paused due to the emergence of urgent affairs requiring documents south of the border, which are also relevant here in Canada.  The good news is that the blunt of what had been advanced in the previous sections, as revealed in last months' memo, concerning our safety and experiences due unusual interventions, did reach readership.  I discovered in the newspaper of the Globe and Mail yesterday an article on the front page that alluded to the matter which had been so incredibly sticky.  It is a start to have public awareness of our delicate situation amidst our work.  The other matter concerning compensation is something being reviewed in my mind if not yet in writing.  Concerning this matter, I would like input from any relevant party so that I can attain a more comprehensive grasp of the problem.

5) The extraordinary value granted to a city by skyscrapers means that at any given time, there is interest in them by more than one city.  As before, my eyes continue to be casted on Saskatoon: I like this city very much for the hardiness, honesty, and being down to earth displayed and exhibited by its peoples.  I also find the horizon which can be viewed from every vantage point in every direction to be a romantic setting for the situating of elegant vertical architecture.  The consideration for building a world in such a place must contain itself to a humbler proposition where the scale of any such world will be reduced to fit best in a modest context.  It is not within my awareness whether any of you has already embarked to view the city, but I certainly hope that on holidays, for instance, you may find the opportunity.  Saskatoon is a beautiful city, with a sentimentality that borders between a sophisticated rural and the new urban.  It is true that many buildings there have reached an age, but there is no reason where our views, initially, and eventual contributions could not stimulate actions of maintenance and excite the civic bodies to consider renewing portions of the urbanscape.  Part of my work presently, indicated before concerning affairs south of the border, investigates the interest and potential in the public at large to not only stimulate restoration and maintenance of existing buildings, but also to bring about an outlook favorable for the new and prototypal.  Both infrastructure and architecture are being examined for work, especially if our teams could find support and coordination so to focus on certain localities, work which could be exhibited and circulated through media.  Such investigations are being made for advisory purposes, but also to open new doors in the future as we embark on a focused schedule of works.

There has been a certain concentration and intensity as we look forward in time to see where we can find the best fit and the most promising future.  Even though for now we need to delimit our ambitions due to the constraints of the present, we must remember that our public communication will open new doors.  Every new door is a portal into a different future, yet in discovery of new ones and looking through them without stepping through, we shall grow a better idea of how we are seen, who we are, and what great appreciation could support our works.  This city is future oriented as compared to other cities, in not that it fantasizes about the future unnecessarily, but in that its past is firmly established.  Tight connections within the community lend the city its strength, while selective curation of heritage and past buildings for functional retention as well as realistic and paced development in infrastructure continually create a weighty urban basis within which individual activity is undertaken.  We must not be too quick to relegate this location in favor of future locations; although it is with difficulty that we reach and attain widespread recognition, our works speak highly of our presence here and this we must not forget.  Calgary is not a city particularly memorable for being sweet, yet I find that this may just be my Home Sweet Home.

A new memo will be forwarded on January 1.

Thank you.

Ann Lee

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Promised Decisive Memo to Builders: November 1

Discovering our future thus at hand, we must continue to take stock of our accomplishments and achievements in the city of Calgary and beyond and move forward with the full portfolio of our works to date.  Even as we intensify understanding of our past and present accomplishments in this city we have come to love, we must look towards the future and begin actualizing steps towards grasping tomorrow in the measured but immediate way as we did here in this city.  It has never been easy to forge forward a new path, but our strength and endurance through the strife forward together will reinforce the steps ahead.

As before, I address the five items as discussed in the previous memo, with positive news and ideas hopefully making their appearance:

1) The beauty of geometry and tradition when enacted in built form at a large scale never ceases to surprise and awe.  For this reason, the concept for the tower for Saskatoon has been revised to improve on the geometrical elegance in plan.  It continues to house the plan-wide rooftop garden in advertisement of the importance of building with appealing green environments in mind.  The major project for California has now been suggested in cursory form to someone from Silicon Valley, a founding partner at a major venture capital firm.  There is real interest in establishing a skyscraper complex to cater to their extraordinary work pushing forward the digital frontier from that community.  The difficulty in this project has to do with the complexity of building on the water, something accomplished for the Cornell engineering campus in NYC on the Hudson, and the Burj Al Arab in Dubai.  The water nevertheless is technically the mobile Pacific Ocean, therefore it is a new level of high advancement.

2) The premise of protective zoning is in a legal document, while the framework is being pondered upon.  FYI, this would be a Master's thesis for yours truly.  The idea dawned that instead of only a boring bureaucracy to buffer move-in's, a virtual simulatory cosmopolis could be generated via networking to support a wider interested populace in their activities related to working and to effectively engender natural priority and timeliness of move-in's to the actual skyscrapers, which ought to be protected like a resource as the forests as per the sentiment of Albertans.  There has not been time yet to work out the conditions for prototypal floors for our future engagement in this city, but interest amongst builders should set forth formulations and suggestions in favor of garnering future small scale projects in business.

3) Helix has now a landing page at http://helix.trade but the showcase of skyscrapers in light of the firm's need to foreground works outside of architecture that garners support as appropriate for world architecture is still amiss.  For the guild, I have not caught news of success in finding proper office/meeting space which has been disappointing, but it is noteworthy to mention that I am designing a logo for the guild.  It consists of a golden bird with five feathered fingers on each side that houses a coat of arms.  The coat of arms has an "X" made up of on one hand a hammer, a traditional tool, and on the other hand, not sure what yet.  Suggestions welcomed.

4) The report to the RCMP and the public did reach completion to the point before the discussion on the benefits we have brought to Calgary.  In the probable response to foreign pressure section, due to the detraction from building materials on reserve by the city to enable erecting many condo buildings, it includes the suggestions of inventorying and labelling of materials specific for future oriented visions by the architecture office, conspicuously yet named, and also the bringing in of vegetation, saplings, and related supplies to boost our advancement into the green skyscraper.

5) It does not escape my attention that in order to build in Saskatchewan, we need to have a projection of how many skyscrapers are to be built, perhaps along with a small number of vertical residential buildings, in order to project what type of settlement, temporary or long term, we as a team need to plan for.  This is a difficult question as we need to ponder whether we are building skyscrapers or a world.  World architecture is well within our tradition and such has been established with our builds in Calgary.  However, it is important to note that there needs to be a balance between economic and urban growth of a city and its longstanding principles of stable and grounded life style.  It was suggested that Edmonton is nearer to us and that city might be interested in some advancement via skyscrapers.  It is unclear how far investigation could lead into two different Canadian cities for future development within the next few months, but suffice to say both cities should be on my agenda in exploration.  It continues to be my belief and within my vision that Saskatoon is ripe for at least some development, therefore I continue to urge immediate news and exploration.

There is definite excitement and too a measure of anticipation for us to reach beyond this world of Calgary to other cities.  This world shall continue to receive my attention and I hope yours as well.  That positive interest and excitement constitutes the response I find when I explore the possibilities of other cities including those in America means that our future will be bright and full of new yet known rewards which could present themselves given adequate planning.  The question of whether we build skyscrapers or worlds will continue to hover on the horizon, but thanks to the strength of our tradition, it will be a path of discovery that houses all the promises one could hope for.  In reiteration, we must take into account, meaning in understanding as well as actual documentation, all the works we have accomplished, whether big and small.  This is the way towards showcasing our expertise and establishing efficiently into any future cities where we are to build.  Our business card is the city of Calgary which shines forth as a beacon in the ocean of worldly affairs.  

A new memo will be forwarded on December 1.

Thank you.

Ann Lee (now a.k.a. Ati Iken on the Internet)

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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.

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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

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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)