Notice Board

Calgary and Venice, which would seem to have very little in common, are both endowed with ambitious and controversial pedestrian bridges designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the Peace Bridge and the Ponte della Costituzione respectively. It is not surprising that bridge-building has played a controversial and galvanizing role in the history of both cities - the Centre Street Bridge defined Calgary's self-image in the early 20th century as the Rialto defined that of Venice in the 16th. Indeed, Calatrava's projects in Calgary and Venice faced similar objections when they were first proposed: many felt another bridge wasn't needed, the cost was excessive, the design was too radical and not in keeping with the spirit of the surroundings. Comparison of the commissioning, construction and public reception of the two bridges makes an illuminating case study of the intersection of aesthetics and functionality in contemporary urbanism. David Coman studied Art History at McGill University before earning a Master of Arts at the University of Toronto in 1992, specializing in French and English art of the early 19th century. David has been a sessional instructor in the Department of Art at the University of Lethbridge, Calgary campus since 1998, teaching Art History and New Media courses. He has lived, worked and conducted research in England and France, and has led travel study courses in Europe with the U of L since 1999. David led tours to Paris and Venice for the Southern Alberta Art Gallery in 2011 and 2013 respectively, and will be leading a Faculty of Fine Arts study trip to Venice this coming June. Although his primary occupation is in Corporate Communications in Calgary’s energy sector, David maintains a passionate interest and involvement in the arts in Alberta and internationally.