The winners of the Atlanta Bridgescape Competition were announced today at the American Institute of Architects' (AIA) National Convention. The urban design challenge sought proposals for creative interventions at two existing freeway overpasses in the city’s Midtown and Downtown districts, with a referential budget of $3 million per bridge. The winners were selected from five finalists by a panel of industry experts.
See the two winning proposals as well as the winners of the People’s Choice Award after the break.
“(SIN)UOSITY” at Midtown’s 10th Street Bridge: Designed by Max Neiswander and Luke Kvasnicka of Atlanta, GA
Project description courtesy of the competition organizer: Wrapping the bridge structure in a series of undulating steel ribs clads the bridge in a sculptural form while leaving the structure of the overpass intact. The sweeping curves of the ribs fold over into a canopy on each side which shield pedestrians and then peel away to allow breathtaking views of the Midtown and Downtown skylines. Serpentine sidewalks compliment the sense of movement and dynamism evoked by the bridge and separate pedestrians and cyclists from the busy thoroughfare of 10th Street.
“Organic Canopy” at Downtown’s Courtland/McGill Bridge: Designed by Roger DeWeese, AIA, with Peachtree Architects of Atlanta, GA
Project description courtesy of the competition organizer: The bridge would be reimagined as an organic canopy constructed of a steel frame with a tensile structure covered in an open stainless steel netting ‘mesh’ that is landscaped to create a sculptural shroud. The lower portions of the structure create a gateway tunnel on the Connector while the top would provide shade to pedestrians.
Over 3,000 people also voted online to select the winners of the People's Choice Award. The two proposals selected were Green City Spector proposal for 10th Street Bridge in Midtown by KAMJZ Architects with Arup, and Roger DeWeese of Peachtree Architcts' Organic Canopy for the Courtland/McGill in Downtown.
