BRIDGING FLOWS

A street-scape transformation by way of a glowing node canopy that flexes and bends to follow pedestrians underneath.

North Los Angeles Street Bridge: Air Flow

The North Los Angeles Street Bridge responds to weather flows and air quality. At each end of the bridge is a set of twin pylons, designed to transfer the loads away from the center of the bridge. Between the pylons an array of translucent nodes stretches above (and out of reach of) the pedestrians, forming shade in the day time and gently signaling changes in weather and air quality at night through migrating tones of lighting. The pylons may have a capacity to very slowly raise and lower the array, forming a gently undulating lit skin above the pedestrians on the bridge. The possibility of wind generation on the pylons is also being considered; a main focus of ours is to consider resource conservation wherever possible. Sound dampening of the freeway noise below could be achieved by weaving recycled material into the existing fence. The "cloud" will also not be positioned on the edge of the bridge but rather above the pedestrian walk-way and thus will be less directly visible from passing cars on the freeway below. As for preserving the vistas to El Pueblo, the canopy is not continuous, it s permeable like a flock of birds – one can see through and beyond it. The cloud will form a minimal interruption of the view of the buildings and yet become a beautiful and inviting portal between the future downtown Los Angeles and its historic core.

North Main Street Bridge : Pedestrian Flow

The North Main Street bridge is about pedestrian flows, especially the pedestrian experience as one moves across the bridge. As there are fewer weight restrictions on this bridge, it may be equipped with a slightly raised pedestrian walkway across the bridge, that when walked across compresses under-foot. This small movement is amplified along an undulating array of translucent forms mounted along a series of vertical posts. The repeated forms are similar in material, proportion and spacing to the shapes that form the "cloud" canopy on the other bridge. The pedestrian will get a sensation of playful empowerment as s/he sees how his or her walk is translated into a wave along the tree-like canopy. By day, shadows play along the sidewalk and at night the overhead trellis gently undulates with lights. We are examining noise abatement methods for this bridge as well, so as to make the pedestrian experience as pleasant as possible. We have taken into account preserving the vistas to El Pueblo, as well as keeping the visual movement of the art work harmonious and flowing to minimize distraction of motorists. On both bridges, a wall of native ivy will transform the existing chain link fence into a green respite from the glare and dust of this freeway zone. Planters identical to those along Arcadia would anchor the ivy and would tie in the ends and centers of the bridges with the surrounding El Pueblo landscaping, achieving a gradual transition for the pedestrian experience. ADA compliance will be maintained by providing a minimum five foot wide regular walkway on the bridge.

Project in process.

Concept Design Oliver Hess

Design Development Jenna Didier

Business Development Marcos Lutyens

Collaboration with Ned Kahn.

Los Angeles, California