Tory Burke: Bridge of Hero's (concept sketch)

[grafikman34]

Hello,
I want to thank 3DAllusions and all the sponsors for having this contest. I have enjoyed reading all of the threads and can't wait to see more of everybody's work. All the entries so far are really great, everyone has put so much thought into their work.
Well, here's my sketch. It's pretty self explanatory, I used one of the original 7 Wonders of the World for inspiration. Also brought in the idea of building a functional monument to 9-11. The Bridge of Hero's. I''m sure it will change as I work on it. Just thinking of this idea it changed a lot. Thanks again!

[TheAllusionist]

grafikman34,
Welcome to the competition, glad to have you on board. You have some strong symbolism going on there, at first I wondered what they were saluting then I realized the bridge mast was the 'Twin Towers'.

I haven't seen your program, but the rules require that the structure be a habitable space. I just want to make sure that your bridge mast/Twin Towers or another feature is a habital space that serves a purpose. You should tell us what the habitable space is and what habital function it serves. I am not trying to quelch your creativity, I am just trying to make sure, up front that your entry meets the requirements so that you can modify if necessary.

It kind of has a 50's poster feel to it, to me anyway. Good luck in the contest, Tory, we look forward to seeing your progress!

[continuumx]

Grafikman34- interesting approach. The sketch compositions conjure rich ideas from this idea of 'the structural jesture' which is like a structure taking on characteristics of personna.

[medicsmurf]

Nice concept... I must say it almost brought a tear to my eye when I saw it. I was working as an EMT in Fresno on September 11, 2001. It'll be interesting to see where you go with this.

[grafikman34]

I'm still working on how this modern wonder can be inhabited...I'm thinking that you can go inside the structures like the Statue of Liberty and the St. Louis Arch. People could be transported on water to the different structures. Reading all the other posts and conversations is helping out a lot. Any comments?

[TheAllusionist]

Well not to be a stick in the mud, but the structure should have some habitable function like a place of work, school, hospital, seat of government. I just knew when I included the Eiffel Tower in the logo image this would probably come up. The Eiffel Tower is more of a marvel of engineering and really isn't a habitable space. In order to meet the program requirements, one of your prominent structures should serve as facility that houses an actual activity and not just be an "architectonic sculpture".

At this point you can easily make the twin tower serves as something that meets the program requirements, it could be the headquarters for "The Victims of 911 Foundation" or "Core of Army Engineers", or some other activity.

I just want to make sure you are going in the right direction program wise, in the other portions it is pretty wide open and should give you plenty of room for concept developement. Good Luck!

[CAHDsman]

I think TheAllusionist is trying to make sure he sets the contestants on the right path, he suggested in a thread earlier and it came across as a little indecisive and got called on it. When I say called on it, I mean someone asked for a clarification on whether it was a suggestion or a ruling of sorts. So it looks to me that he is just trying to make sure he gives a straight answer. That is my take on it reading the post and dates.

Your sketch reminds me of old posters like TheAllusionist said, but perhaps more like the 1940's war effort and homeland defense type campaign that went on during WWII. What it does very well is captivate the viewers emotions due the the relatively recent event of 911 and hence has some sentimental value to Americans anyway. Good luck with it, the mamoth size of the characters will give it wonder if they come across as 'Titan' type statues!

[brianhay]

The symbolism and image is strong.

Not being an American, it seems a little too strong but is certainly in proportion to the global sentiment generated by 911 and the at times "Gung Ho", nationalistic and patriotic light that foreigners often see Americans.

It will be interesting to see how your concept evolves and how it can be utilized as a "habitable structure" whilst still maintaining the great sense of respect for the fallen that the monument dramatically evokes.

Regards,
Brian.

[Designer]

It seems to me to definately be a civic style building, something the government would build in memory of the events of 911, but that is my take on it so far.

[TheAllusionist]

I neglected to say thankyou for your kind words on the contest, we appreciate your appreciation and hope that the contest is a success so that we may have more.