Thursday, January 6, 2011

Makeover of the Convict Bogey Hole Newcastle


Newcastle Herald has just unveiled the grand plan for our Bogey Hole and its looking like an engineering eyesore with plenty to frighten the horses. While maintenance and repairs to the Bogey Hole are welcomed by our community, the decision makers should follow a minimalist option which blends with the environment and doesn't create new hazards.

Those proposed metal lower platforms cantilevered over the water look sharp and dangerous for bathers trying to get in and out of the pool. Its great to do some needed repairs but can't the designers just stick to making the stairway less slippery and forget the grand engineering statements? Perhaps the proposed stairs would be okay if they skip the ugly lower platforms jutting out into the water - it would look more harmonious and be less of an obstacle course for users. Perhaps engineers and designers need to work under the supervision of artists and citizens who use the space.