New WE Ferry Dock will be ‘organic and futuristic’! Works start July
With preliminary designs for the new West End Ferry Terminal completed, Virgin Islanders can expect to see the construction of what is described as an organic and futuristic building in the coming months.
A German company, INROS Lackner SE, was awarded a $1,048,909 contract to provide project design and management services for the rebuild in August of last year.
Speaking at the public meeting hosted by the government yesterday, the Project Manager for the designs, Dr Karsten Galipp said the construction of the terminal is expected to begin in July of this year and be completed by November of next year.
Dr Gallip also noted the architectural designs of the building took into consideration the climatic conditions of the Virgin Islands and the possibility of experiencing additional hurricanes, considering the two that destroyed the ferry terminal back in 2017.
“We will include in the design flood protection measures definitely because of climate change and sea levels are rising. What exact kind of measures this will be, will be designed during the detailed design phase and as I said, we must submit a Climate Vulnerability Report. Based on the details, we will adjust the design so it can resist the rise in sea level,” the Project Manager said.
One of the architects on the project, Hans Vijoen, said the building is designed to protect against natural disasters. He said they have decided to use the mountainous backdrop of the location as an added means of protection from natural elements.
“We have decided to make an exterior skeleton which is very strong and concrete, and we put in between them several measures to protect the building from not only hurricanes but from the sun and rain. Also, the shell can open during sunny days,” Vijoen said.
“You can see that we put in between the ribs some solar panels. The roof is completely covered with solar panels so that you can generate extra energy there. We are very concerned about the night view because it is a tropical country, and the sun will set at around six o’clock — at the latest 6:30 — so a lot of traffic will be here during the evening hours, so we need a good design lighting concept for the terminal. You can see the exterior skeleton has a unique layout to give lighting to the building,” the architect added.
Vijoen also noted the terminal will have a parking lot that will be suitable for the ever-changing car industry. He said they are looking to have charging ports for electrical cars in the parking lot.
Meanwhile, Premier Andrew Fahie said he appreciated the organic and futurist design as it takes into consideration the importance of a greener economy.
“They have solar power, hurricane resistance and preparedness measures. So, in terms of building eco-friendly structures to face the new environment, as a government we have asked the RDA (Recovery and Development Agency) to ensure that any rebuilding considers disaster preparedness and resilience so that generations in the future can continue to build on,” Fahie added.
The Project Manager for the RDA Sergio Dantas said the designs also takes into consideration disabled persons in the community. Dantas said it is important that the Virgin Islands make provisions for both locals and tourists who are disabled.
The rebuilding of the terminal has faced several setbacks because of the pandemic. According to Fahie, the West End port accounted for nearly 40 percent of the territory’s arrival before the hurricanes destroyed it in 2017.
A temporary facility was opened so that maritime service could be resumed at the facility.
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Frugly! What’s wrong with a look in keeping with the other side of West End. Caribbean architecture is beautiful.
First there were plans completed and bid out years ago by CH2M Hill. The problem at the time was that only a foreign construction company bid the project on budget and on time. The project didn’t go forward because the project was to go to T** Construction so that all could share in the money. Only problem was his bid was twice what the foreign company was. Soooo, here we are today with a design that was done for a Middle Eastern client and now being peddled to the dumba** and crooked Belonger. There’s the whole story in a nutshell and everyone have a nice week.
Dr Karsten Galipp is in for a shock if he seriously thinks that is appropriate here and that it will be bult in a year! He obviously doesn’t know the BVI.
This has clearly been designed by someone who has no idea how design works here. The background in the photos is pasted from somewhere else. It’s as if they think this is Florida. Why oh why didn’t government ask our local guys (I don’t care which ones) to do this? They have a feel for our culture, topography, aesthetic and budget!
Looks like a first year student designed it never been here. Never asked the locals what works here. No idea how to maintain it. No idea how to build it. No idea how soon it will be destroyed by the elements. No plan showing how all this building will magically fit on the plot with those huge roads behind and car parking. aparently nothing to stop the public (including token arabs) from wandering past immigration in the building. This project is tiny for these guys so they gave it to The New Boy as his first project. Pathetic.
They should burn this drawings an get Alan an Chris from Sophers to do it. We done design in Berlin, why they think they know here? LMFAO
“Based on the details, we will adjust the design so it can resist the rise in sea level,” the Project Manager said.”
That just about says all we need to know. These guys seriously believe they can resist the rise in sea levels! Idiots. They think they’re King Cnut!
The whole thing is like a first year student did a bit of googling and said “there you go, you poor uneducated island people, this is what you need”. Never mind, it won’t get built.Any of us who went through Irma can tell them glass ain’t the way to go. There’s a reason traditional architecture works; it takes the lessons learned over the years and applies it. This is childish design.
Is this realistic?
I remember the guys drilling for piles there years ago. They stopped when they got to 40 feet of mud with no hard rock. These guys don’t have a clue.
A dump for decades. A joke 5 yrs. No water sewer schools. And u already blow $1000000 on this Fkn design before one rock move ?!?
It looks like a plant nursery in New Jersey.
You make me laugh with that one. I think you on point mehdon. Same feelings here!
UGLY
What is that???
A dead rat carcass? I’ve seen some ugly buildings in my time but that is the worst!
when they draw plans without visiting the site. The first small hurricane will wash that away
This is the second set on drawings Fahie had done for this project….please go back to the original that you had years ago from wasting more of our money…YOU ALREADY WASTED ENOUGH
After three years of being in government all they have is still a drawing. This government has not done one project yet that was not alstarted by the previous government. A set of badminded waste!
And the drawing looks like it is for a different place – no hill behind it and Muslims walking around. Just used a drawing for a different port and slapped the price tug on it. Will be washed away by the first storm surge. When is the UK going to come and remove this Government?
Only thing missing in the debacle is a consultancy for Claude.
Totally over the top, unrealistic and unsustainable. KISS. Keep It Simple Stupid.
This project will consume over 25% of tha annual BVI, probably more with the usual overruns caused by too many pockets needing to lined.
Let’s put up a slightly more developed building than we currently have and direct funds to other projects, maybe sewer,water or air pollution problems could be addressed.
This is just beyond asinine, even for the BVI.
Looks like Riteway by the sea
A couple of observations. The property lacks the depth suggested on the view of the front (roadside) of the building to accommodate the plan. (Have the designers even visited the site?). As we all know, there is barely room for the small road. Parking doesn’t seem to have been addressed and considering that this is the closest port of entry to the US (which is notorious for smuggling) why isn’t there a viewing tower where customs can monitor boats leaving and arriving? (Wouldn’t it make sense for the custom’s police to be located there?)
no way we can build this in the bvi
No way we should build this in BVI.
Based on the scale of the building, it appears that an alternate site is to be used; or a massive reclamation to fit it in the current position.
And why does it have to be futuristic? Haven’t we lost enough of our history and culture? Why nothing being developed look “Caribbean”. And that roof??
Another public forum on n this project is scheduled for this coming Thursday.
There is where your concerns would be more appropriately voiced and addressed.
Bet you wont be there.
I went to the public forum for the one they did 12 years ago. It was a joke. At the end of it someone asked what thye would do with the comments made . The minister said 2Oh, you don’t understand, we already have the contractor picked (with no budget or completed plans). The meeting wasn’t to allow any constructive input. it was just so they could say they had the meeting. That’s why I won’t be there.
That was along time ago. Come now. You may be in for a pleasant surprise.
Why is it this site hosts these haters of the BVI? I wonder if they believe their countries are better?
Then they should F— off
Paid NDP bloggers. Their daily job is to oppose anything VIP does or says.
Not paid by anyone. I have eyes and know ugly when i see it. I have sense of smell and know bullsit when it around too. This design is both.
Watching to much TV, Star wars
If the UK doesn’t come and save us we the people put them there we the people should be able to take them out I am sure there are ways to go about this. I think that most of the people of the BVI are sick of this crap.
need to save ourselves slave.
It does not seem as if those are actual designs for the project. The design phase has not yet begun apparently. What exactly was wrong with the designs done some years ago by the local design team. You know those guys who pay taxes here, but also have been EDUCATED by mostly experience in what is structurally needed in this environment? Did we learn nothing when we hired a group out of Holland to design the airport building which is turned in totally the wrong direction and did not take into consideration rises in temperature and mosquitoes off the ponds around it? Craziness.
You are totally mistaken if you think this isn’t the NEW preliminary design. And bet your dollar, this will be built following the public consultation. RDA projects always move forward.
Why is it that BVI Governments continued to be bamboozled by shiny things from outside companies who don’t give a crap about us and only the money$$.
We are using the mountain behind for protection?? Really – well if you are then have you actually checked how the winds in a storm affect it? Here is a hint – Sophers Hole is in a valley and its the wind from the SW with the swell that slaps the building. Have they ever been here?
Next – are we reclaiming the land to build this?? The old one was on concrete plinths and as dodgy as crap. How much of a footprint does this have?
Is this expandable?? How is this building going to age? Is it expandable in 5 years time?
Lastly, the prelim drawings don’t use any of the actual backdrop in them. This tells me that either the people didn’t come or b – it doesn’t fit in at all.
I am really disappointed how much the RDA has become yes men to the BVI Governments’ corruption and BS. We need to remove it because it is a waste of money for yet another board of directors and salaries. It is so far away from the original intent of being a separate entity to the Government providing value to the people of the BVI.
Why did you not raise the appropriate concerns at yesterday’s open forum? Another is scheduled for this Thursday.
Bet you won’t participate.
Really!!!!!
Well said
I thought I was the only one who has noticed that the RDA has been hijacked by the Government.
Without the loan funds the RDA has no purpose.
But the loan funds in and of itself gives the RDA Purpose, else the monies would have been incurring interest with no projects being executed.
The RDA Track record is clear. Several projects continue to be executed under their leadership, and this one, like the rest, will be completed.
The loan funds I speak of is not the loan the past administration secured. I speak of the +$400m loan that was being guaranteed by the UK.
The RDA would have been in a position, fully independent from Gov. to properly plan out the use of those funds. Be aware also that RDA = Recovery and DEVELOPMENT Agency. Something most people seem to miss because they are involved in simple small contracts.
The RDA has lost its purpose because they have to sit and wait for government to say to them, here is $xxx of money go and do this.
The loan funds you speak of can only be used on recovery projects. RDA was set up to work on recovery and new developments.
We cant wait for the UK to come and save us, we have to save ourselves. Let our voices be heard at the polls.
Also, while they are here doing bs they should be doing things to help the people. I had to go to St. Thomas about 2 weeks ago and the cost for covid test, ferry fare, departure tax, luggage fee, was the same as a round trip ticket to Miami. When is this incompetent government going to look into the exorbitant cost to visit our next door neighbor? Are they really going to leave this debacle in place? Peoples we all need to speak to the atrocities this government is comitting against us. We can no longer sit with our hands in our laps, or worse yet sit on them.
Wtf is that?
come save us bull crap illustrates where we still are mentally.
Slaves and a** lickers. It is quite depressing to read, actually.
I thought it was the mariguana farm.
Once it hurricane proof could care less wa it look like
Oh my…everything comes out of his mouth costs One Million Dollars! He need to start putting his pinky there when he says it.
And what we get this time? Some drawings???
How did this ibisilic project get green lighted? Is nobody awake in those cabinet meetings? This may be dumber than Prospect Reef (and that’s way dumb)
Why Arab attire
And the hot air balloon’s???
This is what happens when you hire a firm from Germany where the architects do not live here and know nothing about the place, the local vernacular, site context, etc etc. It is a soul less mess!
You people are so sickening.. It doesn’t have to look Caribbean df.. its called making a statement.. Thats why most these house and buildings don’t stand out .. Yall trying to become a well developed nation but want to continue with the same old bs.. does the airport look Caribbean?… Lol you will be the first ones taking pics … I don’t mind it.. who knows may land in an architectural magazine and thats more exposure for the BVI.. We in the Caribbean lol a building looking futuristic will not transform us to America!.
the statement is: “I am a dead whale carcass”
Based on all the Arab Sheikhs in the renderings its clear that the Germans think this project is in Riyadh somewhere and not the BVI.
This ugly thing doesn’t belong in Sopers Hole or the BVI
Electric vehicle charging stations, powered by diesel generators. For sure I am not the only one who thinks that is just plain stupid.
Think it’s powered by solar power though.
The high school got a full redesign because it had to much glass and sheet rock walls.
That’s all I am going to say
Is this building hurricane proof? Don’t forget Irma wrecked the builing that was down there. It must be able to withstand the winds and sea.
Is it a warehouse for the coke trade?
That design is fugly ugly
Modern times, The beautiful BVI better start upgrading its infrastructure, change is important when it come’s to a expanding growing country. I hope the government learn its lesson, when it come to over sending on projects.