Re: [The Smiler] Construction Updates and Ride Speculation Part 2
I have to say, from first viewing the photos of the Station building in-particular, I absolutely hated the concrete aspect of it, it just looked so huge, clumsy and bland, however, having seen it in person, I actually really don't mind it at all! In person, unlike the rest of the ride and the Marmaliser which seems much larger, the station building looks much smaller and less obtrusive than in photographs! Yes, it's still a massive building, but the rest of the ride just overpowers it and puts it very much on the back view! The spiral paint work is now also helping to further break down the harsh edges of the structure, which is really effective!
I agree, yes, there is a colossal amount of concrete being used in this project, like seriously LOADS! But unlike others, as I say, I do not mind it at all, I really quite like the blandness of it and the concrete and gabion walls sit nicely in the surrounding space. As people have pointed out, the original plans showed bare earth excavation in a similar vane to Nemesis, and yes, while this would look much more aesthetically pleasing... In my honest opinion, it would just look completely wrong and out of place!! Such a landscape would just sit completely out of harmony with the rest of X-Sector and completely detract from a coherent theme. Personally, I think the shear amount of concrete and unbroken harsh lines used fits well with the rest of the area, but has just enough contrast to the smooth curves used on Oblivion.
Though, do not take me liking the concrete to be me saying that Towers have the excuse and permission to let it rot and fester! In fact quite the opposite, if they are really serious about using it so prominently, they really must make the effort either annually or bi-annually to give it a good clean, it must always look in relative pristine condition for the theme to have full effect and work well.
Also, in response to those saying the use of concrete is too much as it is harsh and overpowering, isn't that almost the whole concept of this ride! What I get from it is, that it is to be very sterile, monochromatic and generally oppressive, in order for there to be no distractions or emotions present other than the ones that The Ministry of Joy wish to enforce on you via The Smiler! But, that's just my opinion, after all, themes are very much down to personal interpretation and are often made better from what you make of them! It's all a very personal thing I guess.
But as I say, I am really loving the look of this ride so far, it is looking absolutely incredible! I just can't wait for it to open and see the whole thing running as I feel that will be what really makes or breaks this for most people. One thing I will say is, don't be too quick to judge unless you've seen it, the whole thing just has such an immense presence in X-Sector and has an entirely different feel in person, it really is very impressive! I look forward to seeing the remaining small details to be added to the ride over the coming weeks in the run up to it's opening
