Judy Bales
Proposal for Artistic Enhancements for the US 1/64 Pedestrian Greenway Bridge
This project presents complex challenges for design, material choices and installation of art elements. The arch and truss form of the bridge is both functional and quite beautiful, with a simple organic curve contrasting with the angular trusses. However, the necessity of the chain link enclosure causes the area at the center pier and the bridge ends to deaden, and the enclosure does not relate attractively to the truss structure. After carefully assessing the US 1/64 Pedestrian Greenway Bridge and surrounding area, I identified 5 areas for enhancements. These areas are:
- Exposed chain link area above center pier, seen by motorists
- Exposed chain link area at bridge ends, seen by motorists
- Entrance to bridge, seen from approaching pedestrians
- Center area inside bridge over center pier, seen by pedestrians
- Trail approaching bridge, seen by pedestrians
Proposed Art Enhancements
Above the center pier and at bridge endings there will be a metal mosaic alluding to botanical forms. The materials for this mosaic will be a combination of brass, bronze, stainless steel and Cor-Ten steel, textured so as not to create a glare and clear coated to preserve the finish. The mosaic, seen briefly by motorists driving at highway speeds, will be dramatic but very simple. There will be no details or intricate parts to cause the motorists to want to see it more closely or gather in greater detail. The organic, curving lines, and the unity created in the whole bridge are both comfortable and comforting, in part because those lines relate to the natural landscape and to the human body. By night the bridge will be bathed in soft light, just enough to articulate the structure.
The entrance to the bridge will serve as a welcoming gateway to trail users, and will give the sense of entering a forest canopy. The metal mosaics at the bridge endings will flow into an archway with botanical patterns that now are more detailed and specific than the exterior designs.
As the pedestrian walks through the bridge, if observant he or she will notice metal designs of flora and fauna of the North Carolina environment, ranging from 8" x 10" to 15" x 18". These images will be designed by the artist in collaboration with local children or youth during an artist residency early in the project. The students chosen to work with the artist will be determined with community input during meetings between the artist and the local community. This involvement from the community early in the project will create interest in the bridge, a sense of ownership by the community and foster harmony between artist and community. These elements, understated but detailed, and not predictable in their placement, create a sense of discovery and adventure on the interior of the bridge. They also serve the practical purpose of concealing the points where the exterior mosaic is attached through the chain link onto an interior support.
As the trail leads away from the bridge, the pedestrians will observe wildflowers and grasses planted along the trail and railing, and the area at the bridge abutments. These will be low maintenance perennials, and will also be chosen with input from the community. As the railing ends there will be a small area of plants known to attract butterflies and birds, with simple seating available. It is hoped that groups in the community will decide to care for these particular areas. However, if that is not the case, the plants will be carefully selected for ease of maintenance during routine care by park or trail crews.
The proposed enhancements will be dramatic but low maintenance and will pose no safety problems. They will allow the bridge to gracefully and harmoniously connect the parks on either side of the bridge, enriching the experiences and daily lives of the pedestrians and motorists that come in contact with the bridge.
Tell us what you think about this proposal.
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