2012: Transforming the Bridge | 12128

Award: Honorable Mention

Team: Nadja Korbut, Anastasia Vaynberg

Location: Russia

Overview: The bridge connecting the two banks of Cuyahoga shall become not merely a transport link, but a point of recollecting and reinventing of the city. As ancient cities were building around a river crossing, the Cleveland center shall obtain a new influx of life through its bridge, whose new life will spread itself around, remodelling the decaying industrialized zones. Thus the bridge shall become the starting point of conversion of the defunct city parts, using cultural activities at the bridge as a driver of change.

The architecture of the bridge is too good itself to be hidden, so it stayed as is. The lower level of the bridge is converted into series of lively courtyards and enclosures for various functions interleaved with magnificent structure. The new spaces provide for both daytime activities as childcare, learning and markets, and nightlife — concerts, performances and exhibitions, bringing together various people.

The top level of the bridge will continue to route traffic between the banks via four lanes, while at the ends of it two bus stops will be connecting the traffic flows with the lower level of the bridge. The bike route rushes through the lower level, joined with a dozen of bike parkings. In three spots the bridge is connected vertically from the top level to the ground with stairs and lifts to allow visitors both from the ground and from bus stops to get to the public level of the bridge.

The west end of the bridge is designed for markets – the space between the columns is perfect for selling fish, greens, fresh bread and rare birds; deeper into the bridge an old book market shall smell of paper and reading, vinyl and forgotten postcards. In the depth, where the underground tunnels were, art galleries will show their treasures, turning the industrial spaces into dwarf’s caves. Cafes’ terraces are lingering at the adjoining slopes of the riverbank. A gourmet restaurant near the market is awaiting for guests. Further into the bridge a children center brings back the oulde trades of pottery and woodcut, choirs are rehearsing and music is played, and art workshops are open at all times.

At the center of the bridge an open zone with seating is ready for performances and sports events, hanging around and fashion shows. Two pavilions are siding this open space, providing the visitors with hot chocolate and pastries.

Further east are built several spaces with small piazzas ready to house student works and uni faculties. Nearby stands the library box and a small hall for concerts, lectures and conferences. Closer to the east end of the bridge are the bridge management rooms and an infobox with the bridge-shop. At the catacombs of the east end are hidden more gallery spaces and small movie-theater for rare films, bringing the cultural underground back in the beloved under-grounds.