Submission #32 CLOSE

ARUP (Toronto) and Frederic Schwartz Architects (New York, New York)

As a new icon for Calgary, the pedestrian bridge is not singular in its use, but rather a dynamic, living component of the riverfront environment. The centrally located spiral around the iconic mast provides both a recreational, fun and logical way down to the island. Along with places to sit and enjoy the views, the bridge is envisioned as a passageway and thrilling destination. The structureís curving, spiraling path offers pedestrians a rich, varied experience with constantly changing vistas from St. Patrickís Island.

The name of the Bow River refers to the reeds that grew along the banks and used by the local First Nations peoples to make bows; the Peigan name for the river is ìMakhabn,î meaning ìriver where bow weeds grow.î The curved plan (ìBowî) of our bridge design is an important symbolic reference to the riverís name.

At night, the bridge becomes a glowing ribbon with the soaring mast extending into the night sky like a beam of light. From the waterfront the bridge is a gateway ñ from a great distance, it is a beacon.

The pedestrian bridge structure (207.0 meters long) is realized as a thin line on the horizon, coupled with a soaring, iconic mast. The mast is positioned to minimize the bridge spans and to provide unrestricted river access. In plan, the bridge deck is gently curved ìbowî with a spiral that develops a unique pedestrian connection with the water. This spiral generates a vertical transition that allows flowing and seamless access to the island. To achieve the curvature, cables are located along only one side of the deck with the deck section shaped in response to the inherent torsions and lateral forces.

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