Sinuosity

Project Description

Drawing from the patterns of simple harmonic motion, (SIN)UOSITY transforms the 10th street bridge into a sculpture that creates both a dramatic pedestrian experience above as well as a landmark to motorists below. Many Atlantans ironically see ‘The Connector’ as a divisive nuisance, but we aim to celebrate this opportunity to stitch together our urban fabric bounded by Georgia Tech and Turner on one side and Midtown on the other. At night, the sinuous curves and soaring ribs come alive with strategic lighting which highlights an elegant yet imposing sculpture that celebrates the exciting growth and vibrant future unfolding in Atlanta.
With six lanes of traffic and highway on-off ramps, the existing 10th street bridge is primarily a motorist’s thoroughfare. The existing condition is an unsafe and unpleasant experience for pedestrians and cyclists. This project aims to highlight ways in which we can transform our existing infrastructure as Midtown Atlanta aims to become more walkable and bikeable. Despite its sculptural appearance, much of the design is based on transforming the bridges traffic flow, improving the safety and experience for pedestrians and cyclists with wide raised sidewalks and dedicated protected cycling lanes.
Above street level, curved ribs soar 30 feet overhead to create a grand canopy, embracing the bridge and transforming a once noisy, unpleasant crossing into a unique space that sculpts viewsheds to the skylines of both downtown and Atlantic Station. Subtle variations of single steel and wood rib profiles create a sinuous surface from a simple and repeatable manufacturing process. Balanced along their center of gravity these rib sections are able to affix to a single reinforced steel span in order to preserve the bridge structure and minimize modifications to the existing bridge. Assembly of the project proved to be a design in itself. Grouping and offsite assembly of the ribs allow for large portions of the structure to be installed as units reducing the impact on traffic flow throughout different phases of construction. These considerations which helped to inform the design process ensure that minimal intervention can yield maximum impact.
Although limited in scope this project symbolizes a larger shift in attitudes towards urbanism and transportation that is redefining Midtown Atlanta. This design goal goes beyond a simple recladding to address a range of financial and logistical limitations without sacrificing bold design. Operating at multiple scales, this bridge symbolizes a future of new urbanism in Midtown for the passing motorist while realizing a safer and more enjoyable piece of infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists. It operates as a shifting sculpture to the speeding car below and as a sinuous spatial condition for occupants above. As a bridgescape, this design can epitomize and announce the dynamic atmosphere, the creative energy of the city, to both the millions of annual visitors as well as the locals who are proud to call Atlanta home.