On Fri, 14 May 2004 at 20:59:33, Richard J.
wrote:

John Nuts wrote:
I can't make head or tail of what the metal construction on the
south side of Vauxhall bridge, near the MI6 building, is? It shows
this metal construction pointing upwards, WHAT ON EARTH IS IT?

I've been meaning to ask the same question myself. I think it's a
Network Rail initiative, based on a visit to Alton Towers. If you
emerge from Vauxhall NR station grumbling about the state of the track,
they say "If you think that was bad, just wait till you try out our new
ride ..."

Isn't it some sort of new bus station? But goodness knows what the
architect thought - I used to go past every day, but now it's only once
in a blue moon, and I nearly had a fit, last time!
--
Annabel Smyth
http://www.amsmyth.demon.co.uk/index.html
Website updated 9 May 2004

"Annabel Smyth" wrote in message
...

Isn't it some sort of new bus station?

According to
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acro....html#Vauxhall ....

"In April 2000, planning permission for a £15m "beetle-shaped" bus station
was being sought, with completion planned for December 2001".

Is it not finished yet then ? ;-)

But goodness knows what the architect thought

The site was a unique challenge because of the Victoria Line and various
other untouchables passing beneath nearly every square inch of the area. I
have a vague recollection that the River Effra might flow beneath the site
as well. This meant that load-bearing spikes had to be mounted on the few
solid spots, and the rest of the building had to be hung from the spikes. So
it is an intelligent and appropriate design, they aren't just being avant
garde to show off.

--
John Rowland - Spamtrapped
Transport Plans for the London Area, updated 2001
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acro...69/tpftla.html
A man's vehicle is a symbol of his manhood.
That's why my vehicle's the Piccadilly Line -
It's the size of a county and it comes every two and a half minutes

"John Rowland" wrote in message ...
"Annabel Smyth" wrote in message
...

Isn't it some sort of new bus station?

"In April 2000, planning permission for a £15m "beetle-shaped" bus station
was being sought, with completion planned for December 2001".

Is it not finished yet then ? ;-)

I think you might be refering to an early design John, there was a
definate 'pod' deign floating around a few years back which seemed to
have been ditched. I think what everyone is commenting are the two big
arms or mandibles that are being constructed carrying solar cells
providing some of the stations power. I'm prepared to be proved wrong
but I think they will look terrible when finished as it looks pretty
bad in the 'Artists Impression'!

http://www.transportforlondon.gov.uk...ll_cross.shtml

"Jim Brown" wrote in message
om...
"John Rowland" wrote in message
...

"beetle-shaped" bus station

I think you might be refering to an early design John

Indeed I was. Thanks.

http://www.transportforlondon.gov.uk...ll_cross.shtml

How the hell did they get planning permission for that? I approve of use of
solar cells, but...

--
John Rowland - Spamtrapped
Transport Plans for the London Area, updated 2001
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acro...69/tpftla.html
A man's vehicle is a symbol of his manhood.
That's why my vehicle's the Piccadilly Line -
It's the size of a county and it comes every two and a half minutes

"Jim Brown" wrote in message
om...
"John Rowland" wrote in message
...
"Annabel Smyth" wrote in message
...

Isn't it some sort of new bus station?

"In April 2000, planning permission for a £15m "beetle-shaped" bus
station
was being sought, with completion planned for December 2001".

Is it not finished yet then ? ;-)

I think you might be refering to an early design John, there was a
definate 'pod' deign floating around a few years back which seemed to
have been ditched. I think what everyone is commenting are the two big
arms or mandibles that are being constructed carrying solar cells
providing some of the stations power. I'm prepared to be proved wrong
but I think they will look terrible when finished as it looks pretty
bad in the 'Artists Impression'!

http://www.transportforlondon.gov.uk...ll_cross.shtml

No, no, no !!! That's the launchpad for Ken's escape pod.
Cheerz,
Baz