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Google Barges' lack of fire-safety features caused their early demise
Google's four-story barges didn't even get the chance to shed their safety nets before the project was scrapped. We mean that literally, as one of the four barges was dismantled and sold for scrap in August. Now, we finally know not only the reason for that, but also that the project was put on hold way before we even found out about the vessels last year, all because of fire safety issues. According to documents relevant to the project, the barges' contractor (Foss Maritime Co.) was forced to shut down construction due to several fire-safety concerns raised by the Coast Guard. Since Google wanted to turn the vessels into floating showrooms, they would have hosted a steady stream of visitors per day, so authorities were mainly worried about overcrowding.
Google Barge bids farewell to San Francisco, to make Stockton its new California home
Still think of the Google Barge as a wacky idea from a company that makes more money than it knows what to do with? Well, Mountain View will soon prove that a floating building has its merits: for one, when the company gets in trouble with authorities, it can get the hell out of dodge... literally. According to CNET, the vessel is slated to set sail to Stockton, California, after it was discovered in early February that it didn't have a construction permit in San Francisco. The barge is still a work in progress (hence the need for the proper paperwork), but once it's done, it will showcase the company's more avant-garde creations like Glass, autonomous cars and other projects from Google X's lab. Google's moving because the 35-day window it got from the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission to secure a permit is almost up. Without the permit, Google's liable to be fined up to $30,000. Clearly, even though 30 grand is pocket change for the tech giant, it chose to pack its bags and finish construction in friendlier waters (read: outside BCDC's jurisdiction). A rep from the Treasure Island neighborhood (where the barge is currently moored) said the vessel could leave as soon as next week, and since Stockton's just on the other side of the bay from SF, it'll be there in no time. Fingers crossed that Google can now focus on finishing construction, because we can't wait to confirm if the barge's party deck exists.
Google's so-called mystery barge must relocate in light of permit blunder (updated)
Sure, Google's so-called mystery barge is a little less, well, mysterious now that we know it's meant to be "an interactive space where people can learn about new technology," but the tale of its creation continues the theme of intrigue. After receiving complaints about the craft's construction, the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission looked into Mountain View's project and discovered that the proper paperwork wasn't in order. As it turns out, the city of San Francisco nor the Treasure Island Development Authority, which gave Google the green light to set up shop in the bay, had applied for the permits necessary to let work begin at the raft's current location. According to Larry Goldzband, the commission's executive director, Page and Co. must move the vessel, and sending it to a permitted construction spot in the bay would do just fine. The future might not be as rosy for the Treasure Island Development Authority, however, as Goldzband says they could face fines and enforcement proceedings for stepping out of line. This isn't the first time Google's float has had a run in with government officials either. Last fall, the US Coast Guard inspected the watercraft and seems to have suggested some design changes. The paperwork blunder likely won't mean much for the barge in the long term, but we've reached out to Google for word on how they'll adjust to the troubles. Update: Google's chimed in to let us know it's still digesting the permit news: "We just received the letter from the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission and we are reviewing it."
Here's what Google's mystery barge is going to look like
What's 50-feet tall, 250-feet long and outfitted with decorative "fish fin" sails? Google's so-called mystery barge, apparently. Mum's still the word in Mountain View, but at the Port of San Francisco, details about the floating technology scow are starting to emerge. Documents obtained by the San Francisco Chronicle through the Freedom of Information Act describe an "unprecedented artistic structure" built from recycled shipping containers with collapsable sails "reminiscent of fish fins, which will remind visitors that they are on a seaworthy vessel." It's also expected to carry 1,000 visitors a day, docking at ports in San Francisco, Fort mason, Redwood City and at the Riveter Historical National Park in Richmond. On board, an exhibition area will be used for "local organizations to engage with guests and gain visibility in a unique way." Although the above statements come from paperwork filed by a firm called By and Large LLC, they closely match the simple description Google issued earlier this week, which said it was "exploring using the barge as an interactive space where people can learn about new technology." That plan still seems to be in the early stages though, as the Port of San Francisco says the documents are just part of a preliminary proposal. It seems like Google still has some permits to hurdle before it can finish the sea-bound showroom, but the documents promises it'll be a sight to see in the end. "The artistic structure combines innovative architecture with a bit of nautical whimsy," it says. "The structure will stand out." Sounds like it.
Google finally talks barges: it's an 'interactive space where people can learn about new technology'
It's stayed mum as speculation has run rampant about just what the "mystery barges" under construction in San Francisco and Portland, Maine will actually be used for, but Google has now finally offered its first official comment on the matter. In a statement provided to TechCrunch, a Google spokesperson says that while "it's still early days and things may change," the company is "exploring using the barge as an interactive space where people can learn about new technology." That mostly lines up with a report from San Francisco TV station KPIX 5 last week that the barges would serve as a "high-end showroom," although Google seems to be downplaying the existence of a "party deck." Unfortunately, the company still isn't offering much more than that brief comment, so it remains to be seen just what those interactive spaces will look like.
