Submission #24 CLOSE

ENDRES WARE (Berkley, CA) AND AMMANN & WHITNEY

The bridge must respond to several criteria at once.

The Endres Ware and Ammann & Whitney design for the St. Patrickís Island bridge is conceived both literally and figuratively as a gateway that welcomes the surrounding neighborhoods to the activities and festivities in Centenary Park. It also frames the views of Calgary and the Rocky Mountians seen from the pathways and St. Patrickís Island. Our design not only binds or connects the nexus of the river pathways but also provides an accessible route to the neighborhoods beyond.

Does the Bow River divide or connect Calgary? Bridges by defi nition connect. Our entry is about improving the Bow Rivers connection; its connection to the river banks and its connection to the communities it touches at the two ends. The proposed bridge also forms a pivotal fork in the City of Calgary trail system. Connecting the riverfront paths while staying above the flood plane and touching down gracefully on St Patrickís Island are our primary challenges of engineering with this project. Another signifi cant challenge is the connection of the communities that are separated by the Bow River and expressway nearby. However, our team sees that the most complex challenge is the symbolic connection of uniting the spirit of Calgary with a gateway to its future, as the presence of this bridge design the presence of Centenary Park binding the residents and city together.

The bridge will serve the community as a platform for viewing and also as a backdrop for itís festivities. It is an object that has the ability to gather space, to form space, to be backdrop for drama. The bridge will become not only a place to pass through but a destination to view and be viewed. It will become an iconic bridge for Calgary. The flared geometry of the backstay cables creates a compelling space for the bridge users. The bridges are oriented perpendicular to the banks and oriented to maximize the amazing on-site views of Calgary and the Rocky Mountains.

The flared backstay cables create and interesting and dynamic backdrop for those viewing angles. From the smaller bridge, the line-of-sight is directly to the City while the longer span frames the view to the mountains down its axis.

Engaging the banks with activities for young and old, the bridge will connect commercial neighborhoods, communities, the riverbanks, and will serve as a gateway to Calgary creating a focal point.The bridges are oriented perpendicular to the banks and oriented to capitalize on the amazing views of the site. The flared backstay cables create and interesting and dynamic backdrop for the mountain and skyline views.

If the trail system is a woven tapestry of paths, branching throughout Calgary and Alberta, encouraging people to explore itís network. The bridge can be thought of as a knot that binds the park and communities together. It will provide for daily access to its shoreline trail for human powered commuters and visitors alike spurring new growth and activity. It will be used by the young and old, universally accessible, a place to learn, a place to explore, rest and take in the view. It will become a Place urging the community to visit in a safe lighted environment at the junction between community and city, park and daily life.

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