Now that the waterfront is heating up, I suggest adding down real heat to the momentum. Other cities have incorporated fire elements into their winter activities, including fire pits, warming stations, and public art. Starting off rather simply, just think of the fire pits at Templeton Landing. Those features look great at night throughout the summer, and can help to take the nip out of the air, but come winter they are retired as the patio is closed up for the season.
Can you imagine how great it would be to have some of these gas generated fire pits at the Inner Harbor? I know that The City has issues with these types of fire features, which is unfortunate. If constructed and placed by professional teams, there shouldn’t be much to worry about. (lead image: Lake Tahoe burning wood)
Some cities have gone so far as to construct warming huts that include fire features. In Winnipeg, at The Forks, a series of warming huts were designed and built after the city held an international competition. The huts are provided to skaters and visitors to the winter wonderland who can step into the huts to thaw out for a spell. These types of architecturally significant features not only look great but are effective ways to keep people happy. Ultimately happy people tend to stick around longer instead of hopping back onto the Metro Rail to get back home.
Finally, there are a number of cities that consider fire an artistic element. Much like water fountains, artistic fire features can be incorporated into public parks and gathering areas safely and effectively. Take, for example, WaterFire in Providence.
Have you ever sat on the beach and watched as a bonfire burned before you? Fire is mesmerizing and people gather around it, just as they do around water. Combining the two is the perfect storm, especially if you can incorporate the fire into the four seasons (snow and ice also being very effective).
Now that we are hitting our strides on the waterfront, it would be nice to see if there are some ways that we can incorporate fire elements into our public gathering spaces. If done by professionals, the lasting effect would be both safe and artistic. Now that would go a long way towards helping to change our winter image.