Wednesday 22 August 2012

The Cube

I've never been a big fan of The Cube, the performance stage at Winnipeg's Old Market Square. This is probably because it reminds me of the cage that my parents kept me locked in as a kid. Ha. Kidding. That never happened.

No, it's partly because it looks out of place in a park surrounded by heritage buildings. If I were given an enormous amount of time and a budget, I would probably design something with more of a steam-punk look, with cables and gears that turned as the stage opened up to the audience. I can envision it, but haven't been able to draw it.

source: Winnipeg Free Press
That's part of it, but mostly it's because it just seems like an inefficient space. A cube may be great for storing M&Ms in, but it's a questionable shape for this use. It's a big imposing structure, relative to the space it's in, but the amount of usable area seems small. As an audience member, it does not invite an engaging or intimate experience because the stage is deep and the curtains close off much of it.

I understand that from a performer's perspective it's not the best either. I really do appreciate aesthetics, but I would never buy something where functionality is seriously compromised for style; but that's what seems to have happened here.

Now, to make matters worse, the chain-mail curtain is falling apart due to "wear and tear" after only two years. I hope this thing came with a good warranty plan. This is shameful. A 5468796 Architecture spokeswoman "described the loose rivets as a regular maintenance issue." I find that hard to believe. If rivets are popping out so as to make the stage potentially lethal to performers after two years, and if it's "a regular maintenance issue", then I guess the maintenance schedule must call for the rivets to be replaced sooner than two years so as to ensure safe continued operation. So, was the city or Exchange District BIZ told in advance that they would have to replace thousands of rivets every year?

Anyhow ...

Remaining shows need to be moved to different venues as a result of this. Most, according to the Free Press article linked to above, will be relocated to the plaza at 201 Portage.

 I have another idea: move them to the new Park behind the Centennial Library. It's a larger space, and it's a quieter and less distracting place to watch a performance than a busy corner just off Portage and Main.

In addition to that, it would be a great way to introduce people to this new public space.

I could see there being a potential issue with the noise of the concert disrupting the peaceful environment within the library, depending on the day and time. After 6:00 on a Friday or Saturday would not be a problem.

I think it makes almost perfect sense. I'm sure that somewhere in the $7.4 million that was spent there were hook-ups installed for a band to plug in, and there's lots of room for folks to spread out. Why not? It's a good opportunity.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

The Cube is an overpriced waste of money. Basic concept is okay but cube should have been built so entire stage drops into a pit with roof at ground level & raised with hydraulic hoists to protect it when not being used.

cherenkov said...

Seriously? Wouldn't that make it far more overpriced?

One Man Committee said...

I like the Cube's bold design, but I wonder whether 5467896 has unwittingly provided more ammunition to the "build it cheap" crowd in this city. The next time an architect wants to build a public amenity beyond the basic 4-stucco-walls-and-a-roof, someone will inevitably bring this up as an example of what could happen if you decide to go big on a facility.

Hopefully the stage is still salvageable. I think it looks great and it would be wonderful to have it around for many years to come.

Anonymous said...

I've already seen so many amazing shows here - and the sound is absolutely terrific. I work in the area and most people love it. The odd closeminded senior citizen or mentally handicapped person is confused and intrigued by it, but public discourse is ok.

These broomheads have no idea what they're talking about - they are what we in Winnipeg call 'moles;' they stay in their parents' basements, masturbate over archie comics and watch three's company reruns in the faint hopes of catching a glimse of janet's (janet, really???) boobies. Cultureless schmuckos need to get a clue.

You have to see this thing lit up at night!

Anonymous said...

@Anon #2 - You don't know what you are talking about. I work as a professional audio engineer & have been to the cube for at least 6 or 8 shows this summer at the cube. Each evening I shook my head in disgust at what horrible sounds were coming out of that monstrosity. One of the best bands in town were performing on stage & the sound was absolutely terrible. I was embarrassed for the band bcuz I know what a great show they have, but the stage & soundman were just laughable.

Anonymous said...

@ Anon #3 - It is you who doesn't know what you are talking about. Every band I have talked to loves the cube stage and they say it has great sound.

Anonymous said...

wow, we have a professional audio engineer who's worked inside the thing, Anon 3 and then we have

a professional pegger, Anon 2 who "talks " to bands and insults anyone who isn't as mesmerized by the thing as he is ( do they use black lights ), lets see who do I believe, weighing weighing weighing, ahhh ya, I'll go with the pro audio guy.

So after 2 years its falling apart. Big Fail, not really that cool anyhow. Its tin cans on 1/4 in. strand, duh.

Anonymous said...

Anon #3 is not a professional audio engineer. I have actually talked with professional audio engineers and they have all told me the same thing, that there is nothing wrong with the Cube stage and that it has great sound.

Riverman said...

Take it apart and turn it into pop cans. This is the most worthless piece of crap ever erected in Winnipeg.

Anonymous said...

Tell my boss who writes my paycheck that I'm not a professional audio tech. Investigate b4 flapping your lips.

Anonymous said...

@ Anon 3 - Next time provide some proof that you're a professional audio tech b4 flapping your lips.

cherenkov said...

The disadvantages of anonymous commenting ...

I'm not a professional audio anything, but it's hard to imagine stellar acoustics coming from a structure like that. I find it hard to judge though because it's outdoors and I'm usually sitting pretty far back.

Anonymous said...

But that's the point. Done properly, the Cube would look amazing AND deliver great sounds and optics in the setting it was designed for!

 
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