Submission #4 CLOSE
Manu Chugh Architect Limited and ISL Engineering and Land Services (Calgary)
Saint PatrickÃs Bridge provides a breathing connective tissue to CalgaryÃs urban core. The design presented here intends to go beyond the traditional concept of a bridge and introduce new public space to our changing city, a space to be enjoyed for generations to come.
The initial design concept was to mirror the movement of the Bow River water in the bridge structure. The curving deck cantilevers out towards the East and West providing two gathering spaces with views towards the island and Bow River valley. The gathering spaces allow users to move away from the fast lane of commuters to pause and connect to the river and their city. The circular ramp into Saint PatrickÃs Island is designed to introduce a meaningful landing to and departure from the St. Patrick Island. The landing gradually introduces the users to the island allowing them to slowly integrate and appreciate the surrounding.
An integral feature of the proposed design is the lighting. The lighting is designed to bring a renewed sense of vitality to the area which is emphasized with the use of a lighting system providing three intensity levels of light. The intensity level is at a minimum when St. Patrick Bridge is not utilized and increases as the number of users rise. Besides architectural beauty the lighting design considers energy conservation and sustainability as electricity usage will be at a minimum when bridge is not used. The shifting intensity of light is indicative of the pedestrian activity taking place over the Bow River.
The proposed bridge blends architectural beauty with sound structural design, helping to enhance the pedestrian experience and stitch together CalgaryÃs centre cityÃs urban fabric.
