Calgarians using their bridge for the first time
The city of Calgary in Canada has welcomed its newest
addition spanning the bow river, the 'Peace Bridge' by Valencian architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava. The
single span helical footbridge gently arcs across the water, sheltering users with
a glass roof along its 126 meter length. Adjacent to the Prince's Island Park
in the Downtown district, the structure will provide pedestrians and cyclists
with connecting routes between the urban center and memorial drive. Pathways
defined with curbs separate modes of movement, allowing bicycles to maneuver
safely within a central bike lane and foot traffic travels along the elevated
sidewalks placed on either side.
The rounded cross section of the cover and platform is
generated mathematically with two clearly defined tangential radii to create an
internal and experiential space formed by the crisscrossing of the steel
exterior leaves openings which have been selectively screened with a fritted
glazed panel to protect form rain and snow. Pigmented a vibrant red, the
framework generates a landmark presence for the area, accenting the trees and
grass-covered landscape, especially during autumnal foliage. Linear lighting is
integrated into the structure and handrail, producing a downward way-finding
illumination. Its delicate presence is reflected within the water below.
'Peace Bridge' by Santiago
Calatrava, Calgary, Canada
Separated pedestrian and bicycle paths
Aerial rendered view
Side view of the bridge with
the downtown beyond
Courtesy : www.designboom.com
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