1.3K 
A consortium of five companies, each with a firm presence in Edmonton, has unveiled its shortlist of ten proposals for a permanent place of attraction in the city. Called The Edmonton Project, the urban design endeavour launched at the end of August called upon Edmontonians to submit their ideas for a new public landmark. The concepts will be pitched to the 'Idea Den' on March 6, 2018 before a final vision is selected.
ATB Financial, BDO Canada, EllisDon, Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning, and zag creative are the founding partners in the initiative. The selected designs will receive design, construction, and engineering support before they face the judges next year.
The ten proposals run the gamut from the wild and wacky to the more subdued and practical. Georgina Atkin's desire to import European-style Christmas markets to Edmonton's public spaces, including Churchill Square, the Legislative Grounds, and Whyte Avenue, is a seasonally appropriate idea that is one of the most actionable propositions on the shortlist. Toronto's Christmas Market has proven to be an overwhelming success, and an analogous holiday festival would align with the City's goal of making Edmonton more winter-friendly.
Accessibility along North Saskatchewan River trail network could be improved if Matthew Roper's idea comes to life. He proposes a system of ready-made winter hubs that take the form of portable pavilions. Serving as temporary nodes of activity, the shelters would provide warmth and weather protection, and could also be infused with cultural programming and amenities. Inspired by other wintery countries, Emma Sanborn and Alex Hindle submitted a separate concept that looks to create Edmonton's first outdoor sauna.
Gene Dub of the eponymous architecture practice proposes a revitalizing boost to the Quarters District through the addition of a new multi-purpose public space made from 100 shipping containers. The orientation of the containers would facilitate pop-up markets, art displays, festivals and concerts. Dub sees the first phase concentrated along 103 Avenue and connecting to the 96 Street Armature, 97 Street storefronts, and the north side of 103A Avenue.
An idea for a container park within the existing structure of the Rossdale Power Plant hits many of the same notes as Dub's Container City. Carla Wilson and Elyse Chatterton contemplate a series of flexi-spaces outfitted for retail, food services, and even office spaces. A centre courtyard boasting a custom playground and garden would serve as a gathering place for families and a unique conversation piece.
One of the boldest proposals to be considered, Jyoti Lamba shoots for the sky by imagining the world's largest treehouse. To be located along the river valley, a wine bar, playground, restaurant, and live music space would be contained within a structure made of winter-resistant materials. The idea speaks to Lamba's assessment of Edmontonians as adventurous and passionate about nature.
Another intervention would shake-up Edmonton's transportation infrastructure by building a gondola between downtown and Old Strathcona. Gary and Amber Poliquin picture a three-station link, accessible at the Shaw Conference Centre, RE/MAX Field and the parking lot across from the Old Strathcona Farmers' Market.
Matt Schuurman and Megan Dart have devised an ode to Edmonton's rich foodie and food truck culture by dreaming up a Ferris wheel restaurant. The slow-moving ride would pass a row of food trucks parked on the ground, allowing passengers to order and receive their meals before enjoying expansive views of the skyline and river valley.
A solar-powered geodesic dome containing a year-round indoor park hosts vendors, games, performances, and art pieces under a scheme put forward by Cody Mathiesen and Kayla Bradford Sinasac. Envisaged for the 104 Avenue corridor, the structure positions itself as an environmentally conscious downtown attraction.
#OneEdmonton by Slavo Cech seeks to capitalize on the age of social media by projecting images that use a designated hashtag onto the sides of buildings. The so-called community-sourced library would then have a physical gallery to go along with its digital one.
Which idea is your favourite? Head over to theedmontonproject.ca to review the proposals.
