Close
search
Un-built
Imaginary
Interviews
Bridging Views
A new vision for the Brooklyn Bridge.

"Bridging views" is designed based on the principle of balance. The new architectural insertion balances the safety and efficiency of pedestrian and bikers’ paths while creating new public spaces to honor the structural wonders of Brooklyn bridge in New York. The congeniality of this proposal sets a new precedent to the significant twinning of historic preservation and transportation efficiency. To preserve this historic monument, newly expanded bike lanes and pedestrian paths are introduced minimally around and within the bridge structure, resulting in a crisscrossing meandering spine. In addition, two new features- observatory deck and circular meditative pond are introduced above and below two bridge towers respectively. These newly added vantage points encourage visitors to explore, learn and meditate on the ingenuity of Brooklyn Bridge structure.

KOOZ What prompted the project?

TO | CH | YX This Brooklyn Bridge reinvention project is part of the Van Alen Institute’s open call for ideas to reimagine 21st century transportation on this graceful 140 years old landmark. We joined this competition as a concerned pedestrian, driver and cyclist. We also believe that there are countless possibilities to preserve and to amplify the beauty of the bridge structure while accommodating the busy foot traffic, as well as to harmonize architectural preservation with transportation efficiency.

KOOZ What questions does the project raise and which does it address?

TO | CH | YX Brooklyn bridge achieved the greatest feat of engineering as the longest suspension bridge in the world when it was first opened to the public in 1883. It sheds light on the intervention’s responsiveness to current needs and also to contemporary preservation techniques. Essentially, we were interested in rethinking new ways of historic preservation on transportation infrastructure and through this proposal, in pushing the city to recalibrate their efforts.

Secondly, when we think about transportation infrastructure, we usually associate it with efficiency. To put it simply, efficiency means how to get from point A to point B without much hassle. To turn it around, we asked ourselves how do we balance the notion of slowing down pedestrian activity along the bridge so as to enhance the experience in appreciating the architectural landmark while simultaneously allowing high efficiency foot or cycling travel.
Last but not least, the project also raises questions pertaining to public space activation. By re-linking the landmark structure with existing promenades, it will serve as a springboard to help reactivate the under-utilized spaces along the waterfront.

1/4

KOOZ How does the project approach and re-interpret the very infrastructure of the bridge?

TO | CH | YX We first observe many youtube videos where vloggers visit the bridge, tourists who film themselves looking out on vista points and cyclists who film their commute through the bridge as a way to understand where the “hotspots” are on the bridge. Then, we walked along the bridge to study the volume of its pedestrian flow and to verify the points where pedestrians and cyclists congregate. We learn that there are also many complaints about the insufficient space to accommodate cyclists and pedestrians on the existing pathway, making the bridge unsafe to walk through. Ultimately, the strategy employed is to rechannel the pedestrian flow to elevate the users commuting and their viewing experience. We also try to think about ways to frame the city from the perspective of the Brooklyn Bridge – hence making the bridge a “vista point” in itself.

[...] how do we balance the notion of slowing down pedestrian activity along the bridge so as to enhance the experience in appreciating the architectural landmark while simultaneously allowing high efficiency foot or cycling travel.

KOOZ What references/case studies informed and influenced the design?

TO | CH | YX During our initial research phase, we also looked at several precedents in order to kick-start our design process. With an intention to offer a new floating platform that allows visitors to get closer to the water, we took inspiration from Christo and Jeanne Claude’s “The Floating Piers” in Lake Iseo as a way to elegantly place a new walkway underneath the bridge. While the focus on the project lies on creating a harmonious balance between cyclist circulation and pedestrian circulation, we looked at the Bicycle Snake in Copenhagen (Dissing + Weitling) for its bold insertion of a cycling path as well as the Superkilen (BIG + Topotek 1 + Superflex) for its approach in inserting pockets of public spaces along a major artery for cyclists and pedestrians.

When we think about extending vistas, we also look at Tate Modern extension by Herzog de Meuron to reference how the symbolic old structure meets the new. The placement of the glass box above the existing brick building was an elegant way of preserving and celebrating the old and the new. We found an appealing strategy to present the ingenuity of Brooklyn Bridge Tower.

1/3

KOOZ How and to what extent will the current pandemic inform the way we approach and inhabit these types of public spaces?

TO | CH | YX The pandemic urges us to rethink the idea of creating connections while maintaining boundaries. Although the circulation design on the bridge isn’t separated by physical divisions, we are reminded of the importance of creating pockets of solitude and isolation whilst having the possibility of congregating together. We see current pandemic not just as a temporal phenomenon but an indication on how tightly connected we are as a species. The new connection we forge in this bridge redesign does not stop on a physical level. With the insertion of a series of open decks and viewing decks, we want to re-establish new connections with all walks of life and to encourage users in creating their space of congregation physically and mentally. In a way, this tackles the immediate need for social distancing while also enhancing the need for social interaction.

The pandemic urges us to rethink the idea of creating connections while maintaining boundaries.

KOOZ How do you imagine the bridge typology developing in the future?

TO | CH | YX The notion that well known bridges are designed with the priority placed on structural genius and formal aesthetic could soon be outdated in the fast-paced environment we live in. To future proof bridge design, it should be able to accommodate and to respond to the ever-changing ways of commuting. In rapid urbanization cities, development of public transport systems such as ride-sharing, high speed rail, shared bike systems, electric cars, or even Hyperloop will influence the population to be less dependent on cars. Versatility of transportation modes is key. Therefore, the new genius of future bridge design lies in the expandability or future proofing of the bridge usage. Design for functional flexibility could be the new aesthetic.

Interviewer
Published
19 Jul 2021
Reading time
10 minutes
Share
Related Articles by topic Unrealised Projects
Related Articles by topic Competition