2012: Transforming the Bridge | 12282

Team: Elizabeth Nowicke, Olivia Prais, Hu Peng

Location: Champaign, Illinois

Overview: Urbanscape stitches the fabric together at the waterÕs edges while highlighting
distinct qualities of the city and preserving the ecology of the waterfront.

West and East sides are divided by the barrier of the river. Providing common
program creates a social connection in response to the physical connection of
the bridge. Improving the water quality of the river will make both fronts more
enticing to residents. The scapes work together to filter the run off from the city.
Systems of permeable pavers, water collection and bioswales clean the water
and provide a more occupiable environment.

The West side extends the artisan atmosphere of Ohio City to its edge instead
of fading into unusable industrial space. The East side draws from the presence
of the public square in downtown Cleveland, providing an ordered but
engaging space to enjoy.

Urbanscape draws people to the edge conditions and seamlessly moves them
between entities. Residents can walk, bike or run the riverfront and continue
onto the bridge via terraces and vertical circulation. While proposed program
only exists on the end conditions, further development could inspire infill on the
bridge furthering the unity of the riverfront. Within the urban scape the bridge
becomes a conductor instead of a divider.