The Banff Centre, metling pot for creativity and concrete in the core of the mountain

You'll find it slightly remote from downtown, which is somewhat amazing for French-speakers: centre is the name for downtown... Banff Centre, off from Banff core. But this centre is rather a monastery, a centre for work & retreat & concentration; a monastery of the modern age.

"What I have achieved here, I would have never achieved it anywhere else"

Faith speech? Not too far, panels display the good words of great minds & artists of our troubled times, preaching the power of this haven. Human sciences & contemporary management wisdom repeat this idea again and again over the walls & flags, here is an efficient place, the ultimate conference centre, one of the place where the western can still hope to revitalise its old strength, his fading genius.

In the middle of the mountains, the green slopes & the white summits, pine tree & flowers! How could it fail to provide the magic potion for creativity, creativity, innovation! The unpredictable wealth of the new millennium can be dug here, come here, come her!

Behind the tree and the thin wildlife, the new Venezia of the XXIst century is still under construction. Concrete bags are coughing, lying on their sides. Automatic lifter remain quiet under their dusty rusty gown. Forbidden entrance! Pedestrians must go this way if they want to discover the wonderful site - the amazing construction site in the middle of widlife, at the centre of the natural park.

Unfinished uncut beams maintain their balance in front of large peaks under the blue sky, next to dirty Porsche & rows of tall, tall, tall trees. I could & should have stayed longer in the crazy place, my appetite for pictures & texts triggered, sparkled. Definitely a catalyst for creativity.

June 20th, 2010 - The Banff Centre - Banff, Alberta