2023 - Data Points by Date/Period

The Cross-Harbour Tunnel (CHT or XHT) is Hong Kong's first underwater tunnel, consisting of two steel road tunnels with two lanes each, constructed using the single shell immersed tube method. Opened in 1972, it was the first of three vehicular harbour crossings in Hong Kong. Initially built under a 30-year private-sector franchise, the tunnel’s title passed to the Hong Kong government in 1999 when the franchise ended.The tunnel, one of the most congested roads in Hong Kong, saw 116,753 vehicles passing through daily in 2013. The project followed a build–operate–transfer (BOT) model, with a private company responsible for financing, construction, operation, and toll collection for 30 years. The original concession was granted to Cross-Harbour Tunnel Company Limited (now Cross-Harbour Holdings Limited), which was founded in 1965. The Hong Kong government held a 20% stake to maintain influence. Designed with two lanes in each direction, the tunnel was intended to accommodate 80,000 vehicles daily. The project was jointly engineered by Scott Wilson Kirkpatrick & Partners and Freeman Fox & Partners.Linking Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, the tunnel connects Kellett Island (now part of Hong Kong Island due to reclamation) to a reclaimed area near Hung Hom Bay in Kowloon, near the former Hong Kong Technical College. The tunnel's toll plaza, located at the Hung Hom end, has 14 toll booths. Before its construction, cross-harbour vehicular traffic relied on ferries, while passengers used the Star Ferry.Construction began in September 1969 and was completed a year ahead of schedule, opening on 2 August 1972. Initially charging HK$5 per car, the operator recouped the construction costs in just three and a half years. In 1984, the Hong Kong government introduced an additional tax to address overcrowding, raising the toll to HK$10 per car.In 1993, an electronic toll collection system was installed, increasing vehicle capacity by better managing traffic flow. The tunnel was operated by Cross-Harbour Tunnel Company Ltd until 1999, after which the government took over. From November 2010, Serco managed the tunnel under contract, later replaced by Chun Wo Tunnel Management Limited in 2016. In November 2022, Serco resumed management.The tunnel gained cultural significance in 2017 when it was featured in the Hong Kong action film 'Shock Wave', starring Andy Lau. In November 2019, during the Hong Kong protests, demonstrators set up roadblocks and set fire to tollbooths, leading to the tunnel's closure for several days.In 2023, manual toll collectors were replaced by HKeToll, an electronic toll collection system. Cash and Octopus Cards are no longer accepted, and toll booths have been removed. The tunnel now generates approximately HK$700 million in annual toll revenue.

Habitat 67, often simply known as Habitat, is a housing complex located at Cité du Havre on the Saint Lawrence River in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It was designed by Israeli-Canadian-American architect Moshe Safdie, originating as his master's thesis at McGill University's School of Architecture. An amended version was built for Expo 67, the World’s Fair held from April to October 1967, and is situated at 2600 Avenue Pierre-Dupuy, near the Marc-Drouin Quay. Habitat 67 is widely regarded as an architectural landmark in Montreal.Initially conceived as part of Safdie’s architecture thesis, the project gained attention but faced controversy, highlighted by its failure to win the Pilkington Prize, a top thesis award for Canadian architecture students. After working briefly with Louis Kahn in Philadelphia, Safdie was invited by his former thesis advisor, Sandy van Ginkel, to join the master planning team for Expo 67. Safdie proposed his thesis design as one of the pavilions, and after receiving approval from officials in Ottawa, including Minister Mitchell Sharp and Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson, he was granted permission by Expo’s Director of Installations, Edward Churchill, to focus exclusively on Habitat 67 as an independent architect. Montreal-based Anglin-Norcross Ltd. completed the construction, despite Safdie’s youth and limited experience—a chance he described as 'an amazing fairy tale.'While the initial vision for Habitat 67 involved constructing 1,200 units at an estimated cost of $45 million, funding limitations allowed for only a scaled-down version, built at around CA$22.4 million, funded by the federal government. In 1985, tenants of Habitat 67 formed a limited partnership to purchase the building from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and they remain its owners. Habitat 67 was commemorated in 2017 by Canada Post with a special stamp for its 50th anniversary, symbolizing its enduring legacy.From June 1 to August 13, 2017, the Centre de Design at Université du Québec à Montréal hosted an exhibition titled 'Habitat '67 vers l'avenir / The Shape of Things to Come', which displayed archival materials alongside conceptual drawings and models, offering insights into both built and unbuilt aspects of the project.As a defining symbol of Expo 67, which attracted over 50 million visitors, Habitat 67 earned global recognition as a 'fantastic experiment' and an 'architectural wonder.' Although it did not lead to a wave of modular affordable housing as Safdie had envisioned, it successfully redefined urban living and launched Safdie's distinguished career, which now includes over 75 architectural projects worldwide. His continued focus on high-density housing and social integration in architecture remains synonymous with his work. However, some have critiqued Habitat 67 as a 'failed dream' due to its limited impact on affordable housing solutions.In 2023, Safdie Architects partnered with Epic Games to recreate Safdie’s original, larger vision of Habitat 67 in Unreal Engine, allowing the world to visualize the full scale of his pioneering design.

The Prairie West Historical Society, also known as the Prairie West Historical Centre, is a museum and art gallery located in a restored farm home formerly known as the Evans House, built between 1910 and 1916. Situated on Highway 30 in the Town of Eston, the museum offers a glimpse into local history with displays featuring photographic equipment, antique furniture original to the house, and a 2023 exhibit showcasing vintage clothing.The Heritage Art Gallery on the lower level highlights artists with local connections and includes a Picasso lino print. Visitors can also explore the one-room Lovedale School, the Homesteader’s Shack, and the Acadia School Barn, while enjoying the surrounding wildflower and vegetable gardens.The museum is open for tours Monday to Friday from May to August, located at 946 2nd Street East.

The Aldred Building (French: Édifice Aldred; also known as Édifice La Prévoyance) is an Art Deco structure located on the historic Place d'Armes square in Old Montreal, Quebec, Canada.Completed in 1931, the building was designed by Ernest Isbell Barott of the firm Barott and Blackader. Standing at 96 meters (316 ft) or 23 storeys tall, it was constructed at a cost of $2,851,076 (equivalent to $54,622,444 in 2023). Barott aimed to create a modern building that harmonized with the historic surroundings of the square. The design features setbacks at the 8th, 13th, and 16th floors, allowing more light to reach the square and creating a cathedral-like massing that reflects the nearby Notre-Dame Basilica. The Aldred Building is constructed from limestone, a material common to the area, and aligns with both Place d'Armes and Notre-Dame Street, stepping back on the third floor to square with Notre-Dame, subtly addressing the angular intersection.Resembling New York's Empire State Building, which was completed in the same year, the Aldred Building was commissioned for Aldred and Company Limited, an international finance firm based in New York City. Barott began the project around 1927, initially planning for a 12-storey structure due to Montreal's height restrictions, which allowed for buildings to reach 130 feet (40 m). However, a 1929 bylaw permitted taller buildings if setbacks were utilized to reduce their mass. The Aldred Building took advantage of a clause in this bylaw allowing for an additional height of up to 200 feet (61 m) on public squares, leading to its current design. The total floor area is 238,946 square feet (22,198.8 m²).The Aldred Building's exterior features Indiana limestone set on a granite base, complemented by aluminum spandrels. The entrance lobby showcases a variety of marbles, with the interior doors inlaid with white metal and the exterior gates made of bronze. The flooring above ground level consists of terrazzo with brass strips, while bronze frames adorn the windows of the ground-floor bank. The building’s steel structure is supported by a solid nine-foot-thick concrete mat two floors below street level, and fireproofed with terra-cotta tiles. It boasts 840 windows, accounting for about 20 percent of the building's surface area, and incorporates modern services such as conditioned ventilation, a central vacuum system, an electric time-clock system, and high-speed elevators installed by Otis Fensom, capable of traveling at 700 feet (210 m) per minute with teak interiors.

Notre-Dame Basilica (French: Basilique Notre-Dame) is a Catholic minor basilica located in the historic Old Montreal district of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Situated at 110 Notre-Dame Street West, at the corner of Saint Sulpice Street, it is adjacent to the Saint-Sulpice Seminary and overlooks Place d'Armes square.The basilica is renowned for its dramatic interior, a Gothic Revival masterpiece. The ceiling is a deep blue adorned with golden stars, while the sanctuary features rich colors—blues, reds, purples, silver, and gold—alongside hundreds of intricate wooden carvings and religious statues. Unlike traditional church stained glass, the windows here depict scenes from Montreal's religious history. A standout feature is the 1891 Casavant Frères pipe organ, with 7,000 pipes, four keyboards, and 99 stops.The Sulpicians, a Roman Catholic order, arrived in Montreal (then Ville-Marie) in 1657, and by 1672 had built the original parish church, dedicated to the Holy Name of Mary. By 1824, the congregation outgrew the church, leading to the commissioning of a new design by James O'Donnell, an Irish-American Anglican. O'Donnell, a proponent of the Gothic Revival style, converted to Catholicism on his deathbed and is the only person buried in the church’s crypt. The new basilica's construction took place between 1824 and 1829, with the towers completed in the 1840s. When finished, it was the largest church in North America.Throughout its history, Notre-Dame has undergone various modifications. Notably, the interior was redesigned by Victor Bourgeau in the 1870s, drawing inspiration from Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. A more intimate chapel, Chapelle du Sacré-Cœur, was added in 1888 but was later destroyed by arson in 1978. The chapel was rebuilt, blending traditional and modern elements, including an impressive bronze altarpiece by Quebec sculptor Charles Daudelin.The basilica has hosted many significant events, including state funerals for notable figures such as former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and hockey legend Maurice 'Rocket' Richard. It was also the setting for Celine Dion’s wedding to René Angélil in 1994 and Angélil's funeral in 2016. Additionally, the basilica welcomed a display of Napoleon Bonaparte’s artifacts in 2014 and accepted donations in 2019 to support the reconstruction of Notre-Dame de Paris after its devastating fire.With around 11 million annual visitors, Notre-Dame Basilica is one of North America's most visited monuments. In 2023, it was named the 6th most beautiful building in the world by Angi, a home service publication that ranked Notre-Dame de Paris second and Barcelona's Sagrada Família first.In 1982, Pope John Paul II elevated Notre-Dame to the status of a minor basilica. It was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1989, further cementing its role as a cultural and architectural icon.

According to a BBC article, the small town of Pomfret in Vermont has been struggling with an overwhelming influx of photographers and tourists during the fall season, drawn by the area's stunning autumn foliage. The surge in visitors, fueled by viral social media posts showcasing Sleepy Hollow Farm, has led to significant disruptions for local residents, including traffic congestion, property damage, and safety concerns. In response, the town implemented road closures during peak foliage season in 2023 to manage the situation. While this decision has faced criticism from some tourists, residents and officials are focused on balancing tourism with respect for the community. Pomfret is one of many places grappling with the challenges of overtourism, as it seeks to protect its rural charm and infrastructure.

Uptown Tower, a towering symbol of modernity and sustainability, rises majestically in the heart of the vibrant Uptown Dubai district. This mixed-use marvel encapsulates the essence of luxury living and commercial excellence. Comprising offices, residences, a prestigious five-star hotel, as well as an array of dining and retail establishments, Uptown Tower epitomizes urban sophistication. Designed by the renowned Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture firm, Uptown Tower stands tall at an impressive height of 340 meters, soaring above the bustling cityscape. With 81 storeys, it is set to be the premier super-tall tower in Dubai's Uptown district, offering unparalleled panoramic views of Dubai's glittering waterfront and iconic skyline. More than just a towering structure, Uptown Tower is a testament to sustainable architecture, with a commitment to environmental responsibility ingrained in its very core. The entire complex, including Uptown Tower, has been meticulously crafted to meet the rigorous standards of LEED Gold certification, ensuring minimal ecological impact and maximum energy efficiency. Construction of this architectural masterpiece commenced in 2019, marking the beginning of a new era in Dubai's skyline. Scheduled for completion in 2023, Uptown Tower is poised to redefine the city's skyline while setting a new benchmark for high-rise buildings worldwide. With its blend of luxury, innovation, and sustainability, Uptown Tower stands as a beacon of progress in the dynamic landscape of Dubai's urban development.

Dubai Opera, located in The Opera District in Downtown Dubai, is a 2,000-seat performing arts center developed by Emaar Properties. It hosts various events including theater, opera, ballet, concerts, conferences, and exhibitions. Plans were announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in March 2012, and it was completed in 2016, opening on 31 August 2016 with a performance by Plácido Domingo. The venue has a flat floor capacity of 1,800 m2 and has hosted weddings, gala dinners, fashion shows, and exhibitions. Emaar appointed Jasper Hope as the Chief Executive in January 2015. The venue was built by Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC), the same company that built the Dubai Mall. Dubai Opera was preceded by an earlier proposal to build a cultural center on an island in Dubai Creek, designed by architect Zaha Hadid, announced in 2008 but shelved during the property crash. The first Emirati singer to perform at Dubai Opera was Hussain Al Jassmi on 10 October 2016. In 2017, the venue hosted the inaugural BBC Proms Dubai. Dubai Opera's longest-running show was the Phantom of the Opera in late 2019. Paolo Petrocelli serves as the Head of Dubai Opera as of 2023. Designed by Janus Rostock of Atkins, Dubai Opera can be converted into various formats and is designed to resemble a dhow, a traditional sailing vessel. The Opera District, launched by Emaar Properties in 2013, includes art galleries, museums, design studios, and other cultural venues, along with hotels, retail plaza, recreational spaces, and residential towers.

In Agadez, Niger, the repeal of Law 2015-36 by the new military government in July 2023 has significantly altered the dynamics of migration in the region. This law had previously criminalized the activities of passeurs, who assisted migrants and refugees on their journey to Europe, leading to a decline in migration flow and economic activity in Agadez. However, with the repeal of the law, migration has resumed, bringing renewed economic opportunities to the city and its residents. Many view Agadez as the 'gateway to the Sahara,' historically serving as a transit hub for migrants traveling northward. Despite the risks associated with the journey, such as desert dangers and exploitation, migrants see this route as their best chance for a better life. The repeal of the law has also led to increased activity in Agadez, with many residents benefiting from the flow of migrants. However, challenges remain, including concerns about the safety of the journey and the plight of migrants who become stranded or face deportation. Despite these challenges, the repeal of Law 2015-36 has brought a sense of optimism to Agadez, although the long-term implications of the political changes in Niger remain uncertain.

Ain Dubai, formerly known as the Dubai Eye or Dubai-I, was a towering Ferris wheel located on Bluewaters Island in Dubai, UAE, standing at a remarkable height of 250 meters (820 feet). It claimed the title of the world's tallest observation wheel upon its opening in October 2021. Originally announced in February 2013, Ain Dubai experienced construction delays, finally opening to the public in October 2021, a year later than initially anticipated. Designed to accommodate up to 1,750 passengers across 48 cabins, Ain Dubai offered breathtaking views of Dubai's iconic landmarks, including the Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, and Burj Khalifa. However, the wheel has been non-operational since March 2022 for 'periodic enhancements,' and in April 2023, operators announced its indefinite closure, with the structure's axle surrounded by scaffolding. Despite its closure, the LED displays on Ain Dubai remain illuminated at night, visible from miles away, though the structure's safety certification was withdrawn by the German TÜV Association.

2023 (18)

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02-12-1944

14-12-1985

1333

01-11-1952

1733

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