Why try to create winter in the entertainment district when winter, an intrinsic force of creation, is already there?
The primary inspiration for Chemin des glaces comes from the simplicity with which the most extraordinary winter landscapes are formed. Imagine a virgin landscape. Imagine this same landscape transforming itself before your eyes, day after day. Imagine a structure that forms with the freezing and thawing, that grows with the cold and that will disappear with the coming of spring.
The Ice Road consists of two networks of pipes attached to a wooden structure. The pipes, perforated along their entire length, let water escape, which the frost will transform into ice cubes, then into real ice walls.
Once the ice has solidified to its maximum height, the installation becomes opaque. Curious, passers-by will venture between the ice walls to discover the activity that has suddenly taken place there. A bring-your-own-wine area, a hot chocolate bar and a winter hammock area are just a few of the activities offered in the multi-functional open-air alcoves that dot the walkway.
From its creation to the night of December 31, the installation will be bathed in a cold white light, accentuating the effect of an icy waterfall. At the first stroke of midnight, the lighting will change to a warm red, celebrating the new year.
(From competitor's text)
(Unofficial automated translation)
The jury underlines that it is the only performance that is completely in line with the winter theme and that fits perfectly with the idea of "creating winter". Winter as a creator, as an indispensable collaborator in bringing the installation to life. The members of the jury also note that the architectural language of the installation is interesting and that the proposal has evolved in a convincing way with regard to the constraints of maintaining the ground raised in stage 1.
The jury again questions the evolving nature of the concept. The installation, without ice, remains much less visually interesting. Without a refrigeration system, the success of the installation depends on the weather conditions. The risk is great, especially for an installation on the Place des Festivals site.
The jury also took into account the comments of the technical committee to the effect that it is possible to carry out such a project but that the efforts and expenses in research and development (research of precedents, prototyping, validation, etc.) must be substantial. However, the budget presented by the team does not reflect the R&D required to implement an effective and safe project. The jury notes that the team has improved after stage 1 by integrating a specialist in ice structures, but his contribution to the project, in relation to the hours allocated to the budget, seems minimal.
The jury would have liked to see a project of this nature in the Quartier des spectacles. However, the team did not convince the jury of the feasibility of its project. Important doubts about the functionality (ice formation, water control), safety and contingency management remain. Too many uncertainties remain and the project is not retained by the jury.
(From jury report)
(Unofficial automated translation)
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