2012: Transforming the Bridge | 12159

Team: Richard Lucas, Luke Amy, Rodrigo Balarezo, James Gdovin, Antoinette Belson

Location: New York, NY

Overview:
Transforming the Bridge
A Proposal for the Veterans Memorial Bridge and Cuyahoga River Basin

We believe that a successful transformation of the Lower Level of the Veterans Memorial Bridge must achieve three primary objectives:

Enhance and engage the surrounding communities by improving the accessibility, approach, and entry to the Lower Level, while creating a stronger relationship and physical connection to the Cuyahoga River, Towpath and Canal Basin
Invent an iconic, highly visible landmark that facilitates recognition and awareness of events on the site
Provide a flexible environment for multiple experiences and activities that can generate revenue to preserve the Bridge and operate its programs

Our vision for the transformation isn’t simply an isolated intervention at the Lower Level. Rather, it extends beyond the substructure and abandoned rail lines of the Bridge to encompass the entire landscape, surrounding neighborhoods and River Basin below.

Inspired by local History, Geography, Industry and Culture, we propose several architectonic interventions throughout the site, as well as the surgical manipulation of the landscape and roadway, along with a flexible, modular system of flooring and furnishings, to create a new Cleveland Landmark that enriches the urban experience, promotes investment, and fosters growth beyond its immediate boundaries, while also providing a link between Cleveland’s past and future.