Hau Koda Info Hub

Now that the Flea Market is behind us, it's been suggested we begin to think about the Hau Koda Info Hub. As a result, I've put together some of the ideas previously submitted for the hub.

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AIRPORT PROPOSAL:



Given the location of Hau Koda, along the water's edge, in relatively low lying land, and near both the Bay City airship mooring and the Gulf of Lauren, a mid-century airstrip would make for a good theme.  Assuming the current terraforming, a small strip (dirt or rough asphalt) could be placed where the airship rez zone in Hau Koda is today. near here could be 1-2 small hangars (along the lines of http://www.dmairfield.com/Collections/Gerow%20Collection/images/Continental-Air-Map-Hangar.jpg or http://www.warbirdalley.com/images/hangar/hangar03.jpg) on the east side of the runway for use as theme elements, information kiosks, and even potential areas for people to "hang out." A small "fuel depot" building no larger than the smaller Atoll buildings would round out this side of the area.

Closer to the road and on the opposite side of the runway, a small terminal building would serve as the new member rez point. This could be a simple structure akin to http://www.lifelikecharm.com/Helena%20Airport%20Terminal%201937.jpg or http://www.dmairfield.com/places/tulsa_ok/images/TulsaAirport.jpg - control tower, possibly with decorative searchlight built in. Again, a location here for some of the standard information resources necessary for new residents.

A "SL airways" passenger stair unit (Previously built by the LDPW) as well as fuel drums, airplane props, and parts, maybe even a biplane or such in a hangar could provide additional ambience.

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BUS DEPOT PROPOSAL:



Borrowing from the idea of an Info Hub as a place of travel from one place to another akin to the airport concept, this would place a bus depot at the hub, welcoming faux travelers to Bay City.

Located along the road through Hau Koda towards Docklands, the depot structure would carry design cues from period Greyhound bus depots as seen in http://www.vintagepostcards.org/cathy/dayton-ohio-greyhound-bus-station-depot.jpg or http://media.photobucket.com/image/1940s%20grayhouse%20bus%20depot/VIEWLINER/0806/BUS02.jpg.

Additional nearby structures -- perhaps a stainless steel diner (such as http://www.dinercity.com/paDiner/sunriseExtM.jpg) or other related structures (a bus wash, a filling station) could assist in provide adequate "hang out" spaces for those who wish to "hang out" at an Info Hub.

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BEACHFRONT PARK PROPOSAL:



Also given the location and topography, the area is representative of where developers places beachfront getaways, much like the real world's Coney Island (NY), Pacific Ocean Park (SF), or Brighton Pier (UK). This could make use of much of the existing terraforming, with an entranceway off the main road out of docklands. Terrain textures may need to be modified, to allow for additional "sand."

Area would include a boardwalk as well as beachfront, similar to in this view of Vintage Coney Island http://history.amusement-parks.com/ConeyBeach/Beach.jpg.

A larger structure near the entrance could serve as both the "park entrance" as well as a "display of curious artifacts" which would include various objects d'art akin to what one might find in such a place to attract visitors. This would also serve as the rez point for new accounts.

Also overlooking the area might be a simple ride or two to attract interest, though nothing over-elaborate that would require heavy maintenance or lag the region. Items might be a ferris wheel, a carousel, a helter-skelter, or similar device. This would provide a view similar to this http://history.amusement-parks.com/Wonder%20Wheel/ww10.jpg

Idea might, unfortunately, be too close to the beachfront that exists in Moose Beach.

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AMPHITHEATER PROPOSAL:



This goes back to original concepts for the hub, focusing around a large outdoor amphitheater akin to the Hollywood Bowl. http://lh5.ggpht.com/_uiwmf0PUT14/SVGozWAyf1I/AAAAAAAAiTw/uni_Fko6Z0A/s720/64kbJZ.jpeg or http://lh3.ggpht.com/_uiwmf0PUT14/STh09d8NwKI/AAAAAAAAax8/6WXSA4xeyLk/s400/IMG_3260.JPG. This would presumably include a lot of open area space for new residents as well as fitting into the style of Bay City

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It has been further suggested to me to start a small survey on the above ideas, as well as asking if we should let the LDPW contractors build the side, or Resident volunteers from the Bay City Alliance. Please provide your feedback at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=1AMuTkwAr19vTcswfIel6Q_3d_3d

I think that rather than start with a discussion on the building theme, I'd like us to focus on the content of the Infohub.

What I would like to see is an Infohub being targeted at business developers in SecondLife. This is both consistent with Linden Lab's desire to bring more RL business into SecondLife, using it as a business development platform, while at the same time it can help establish Bay City as a point of entry for RL businesses into SL.

What I have in mind is not necessarily the large corporations, but smaller companies that see opportunities for using SL as a smart platform for business development.

Such a hub should also act as an information center for all the aspiring entrepreneurs inside SL who want to develop a business based on the experience they have gained being in-world.

I don't really see it desirable to have an Infohub that brings in hordes of noobs to the area (nothing wrong with them as such) because the layout of the city (small parcels) in combination with rather high prices makes it very hard to establish any kind of business that appeal to these users and at the same time make a return on investment on land.

A theme for such an infohub should be in line with the above target groups.

Gavin,