Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Strolling in the city
Back in Bergen I stroll around in the afternoon to have a look at the booksellers where sale still goes on. Outside the bookseller window on the center square "Torgallmenningen" I do a typical observation after days with storm. It look like this:
Anyway it's possible to have a look at the show-windows even if the umbrella is crashed. There has been built shelters along both sides of the square supported by "Barbie bones", nice, artistic, but disputed pillars.
People and government were betrayed. Today the newspaper house have their TV studio behind these black windows. The street is named after the famous author of Bergensiana "hymne" to City of Bergen, Nordahl Brun. A double disappointment.
Anyway it's possible to have a look at the show-windows even if the umbrella is crashed. There has been built shelters along both sides of the square supported by "Barbie bones", nice, artistic, but disputed pillars.Booksellers and music stores are open late in the evening, but just a few customers can be seen. Most of the center core is abandoned. If you need to visit a toilet you have a problem. Every time I have tried these toilet doors, they have been closed. Why? This eminent kiosk (news-stand in the other end) was raised for nescessary common needs, now it's a shame.
A few steps further up, around the corner, some windovs are totally black, painted and taped black to emphasize that this part of the street is totally abandoned. I still remember the argument when the proposed building was approbed by the government. These rooms will bring life to the street, because in this newspaper house there will be working news-desk officers and enlighted activity also very late at night.
A few steps further up, around the corner, some windovs are totally black, painted and taped black to emphasize that this part of the street is totally abandoned. I still remember the argument when the proposed building was approbed by the government. These rooms will bring life to the street, because in this newspaper house there will be working news-desk officers and enlighted activity also very late at night.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
The skywalk
In Førde village a bridge is built so pedestrians can walk in the sky between two great warehouses. Even much bigger cities don't have bridges like this one. It is a result from serious design work, and is intended to let the main street look more international and fancy. The ambition of Førde village is to expand and become a modern city.
Sorry, but the bridge is not open for pedestrians except when the warhouses are open. To enter I had to climb a starcaise inside. The traffic does not seem to be very intense, so why can't people use the pedestrian crossing on the ground, just a few steps?
If you did not know that there are stores inside, you would not enter. The wiew from the skywalk is OK and look like this:
But some tremendous big fruits nearly block the inside passage. Now I look out to the chaotic surroundings across the street, at"Førde marked", and realise that another skywalk also should be recommended. May be that's what is needed to give Førde city the real image of a dynamic and fastgrowing commercial city.
