11TH STREET BRIDGE

This pedestrian bridge over Boulder Creek connects Downtown Boulder to the Hill through the new Civic Area with a streamlined design that evokes the dynamics of the site - the creek, people, and nature.

Tom Leader Studio designed a new park for the Boulder Civic Area, sitting adjacent to Boulder Creek near the main library. Part of this design was for a new pedestrian bridge over the creek that would align to 11th St. and connect the surrounding neighborhoods.

Sort Studio in collaboration with re:architetcure was asked to develop pattern designs for the bridge. The pattern is designed to be both aesthetic and performative as the sides of the bridge are integral to its structure. The desire was to maintain some of the original ideas developed by local school children through community outreach: the railing is kept low to allow for views up and down the creek, and the pattern opens up views to the creek below, creating maximum connections to the surrounding site and Boulder’s outdoor context. The sides of the bridge perform as the webs in an oversize beam, allowing for long spans via efficient use of materials. The pattern is designed to open up for views and where less mass is required structurally.

location // BOULDER, CO

year // 2018

client // CITY OF BOULDER

status // COMPLETED

category // INFRASTRUCTURE

lead consultant / landscape architect // TOM LEADER STUDIO

collaborating architect // re:architecture

structural engineer // JVA