Bridges allow the landscape to flow underneath – or as in recent endeavours, in land bridges or ecoducts, nature flows over. In the latter, a bridge adjoins disconnected landscape portions created by cuts in the terrain. In any case, bridges form connections and links when a river or other barrier needs to be crossed. As such, they present an invaluable infrastructure but what happens under the bridge is usually of lesser importance than the bridge itself, or is overlooked. In contrast, it could be equally significant, if not more, in terms of public space and potential for other activities. 

Tension Elevated

Elevated infrastructure releases tension on the ground level which is much appreciated as an option for leaving less footprint when considering the ecological conditions of a specific site. Or vice versa, the ground level doesn’t put so much pressure on the user as in the case of the High Line or historically famous elevated Vasari Corridor in Florence for the Medici family where they did not want to mix with the commoners. Either way, elevated infrastructures stratify the land and mitigate the various needs and uses, bridging the given conditions.

In the case of N69, the infrastructure moves from the ground to preserve stream valleys protected by Natura2000, forests and habitats. The tree lines are planted to form a connection with their crowns at a distance no larger than 15 metres when the road crosses. Carefully planned, with pedestrian paths, the project includes eco-tunnels for amphibians and mammals and verges designed as pit stops for insects. Parts of the Connection are built of recycled materials, and integrated solar panels produce more energy than the N69 requires. 

The project combines and interweaves ecological and cultural infrastructure and reconnects the landscape of the Memorial Park, dissected by a six-lane. The Park is a biodiversity hub, a hot spot for urban wilderness and hosts recreation possibilities for diverse users. The Land Bridge and Prairie project constructs much more than a landscaped bridge – it strengthens the resiliency of both human and non-human communities. By using materials from the site such as soil to cover the tunnels and asphalt from the re-routed Memorial Drive roadway to construct other amenities, the designers prevent excessive extraction or waste.

The floating bridge was designed to offer the possibility of moving it in the winter season to allow for continuous skating on ice around the fortification canal. However, this also means no structure penetrates the water bed as no foundations are laid. The water and its dwellers can move freely underneath and are not disturbed by the construction process which is a welcomed tactic when sensitive ecological conditions of the site are to be preserved.

City Structures

Bridges in urban areas come in various shapes and sizes, creating unique conditions for use—often with less light but providing sheltered passageways. These dim and foreboding spaces, where water drips rhythmically, lights flicker, the sound of trains reverberates through metal frames, and a persistent staleness lingers despite the rain, appear almost designed for deviant activities. These areas frequently become informal shelters for homeless individuals and gathering spots for youths during rainy weather. Rather than hastily passing through these spaces, acknowledging and addressing these conditions through thoughtful design can transform them and improve their usability.

StudioPOD are the pioneers in critically-lacking pedestrian infrastructure in India. In One Green Mile, they utilize the passage of the flyover which becomes a park, a playground and community gathering space. In addition (and foremost) they ensure safety by creating new pedestrian connections, bicycle lanes, and bus stops, they improve wayfinding, design incorporates green capacities and much more. As StudioPOD say, they create a “complete street”, a strategy based on scientific observation.

Shanghai’s plan for urban renewal focuses specifically on neglected grey spaces surrounding existing infrastructure to improve the experience for the users. The Super Tube project uses the space under the Suzhou River bridge to mitigate the tension in a densely populated city and create an attractive communication node. The designers used bold colours, gas pipes, graffiti and flashy lights to (re)create a sense of a former industrial identity and cultural destination that could further trigger economic prosperity in the area. This photogenic space became a beloved destination for young people who vitalize the passage with their vibrant presence.

The designers use a sensitive artistic approach to create a “symbolic appropriation” of the public spaces of the Saint-Denis train station. The Crystals are one of three aesthetic works that bring identity to the space and use kinetic dynamics of movement as a source of inspiration. Reflective plates symbolizing crystalline forms in the passage walls catch and glance off the light, performing a sculptural intervention with minimal yet effective resources.

The modified plane of the Karen Blixens Plads creates an “underground” space for bicycles in order not to lose any valuable space in the university square in Copenhagen. By creating undulating walkable roofs above the bicycle stations, the designers solved the problem, maximizing the space and additionally, made the square more attractive with this simple ingenious feature that above all, makes Karen Blixens Plads one of a kind. Covered bicycle stations are so popular among the students they wish to move the bicycles out so they can use the space themselves.

An underpass in Culver City creates a space of pause without any fuss or wish to do more than it is. The designers ask: “How, now, can we be together, outside?”, among these raging columns of construction, overimposed imagery, forcing us to succumb. Terremoto creates a statement with less, undefined, simple platform they have been offered not shying away from the dust and no identity. They turn pressing reality into an inviting lush space using natural materials to soothe the experience and strengthen or even create a bond transient as is.

We could argue that the Brooklyn Bridge Park’s main feature is the bridge. With its presence it lends identity to this park, stretching over a mile underneath. While the bridge doesn’t offer an actual roof it is more than a backdrop to this project, it is a mastodont structure hovering above as an orienteer, a landmark in space. The waterfront below is created and managed in a way that invites people to participate, discover and engage with the East River which is usually out of reach. The bank is structured technically to work with water rises yet filigree enough to use the shores when water resides.

In the Elinor-Ostrom Park in Vienna, the rail flyover is immensely visually present. The ultra-green colour further attracts the visitor and illusorily merges with the grass. The designers use this megastructure transversing the park and make it a special and useful feature. Underneath they hide the sports and play amenities, which would be affected by the weather and in the long run, deteriorate the equipment. The flyover offers shadow, the passage and multiple uses, including bouldering. The space beneath the elevated railway becomes a dynamic backbone of the park and its main feature, stitching together other park zones.

The underpass by the Yarra River in Melbourne is a clear, curved stroke which connects the North Wharf with other precincts. The cycling lane and the walking path are divided by an elegant wooden bench. The branch changes in inclinations and heights and separates faster and slower-moving users what is also indicated by the use of materials. Industrial-looking and sleek, the underpass weaves into the city landscape effortlessly. Landscaped spots mark and soften the landings.

The space under the highway ring flyover in Sydney offers much-appreciated shade and a framed roofed structure to accompany the playground and public space below. For security reasons, the infrastructural columns are not incorporated in the design yet the raw-concrete character is amplified with some playground features that ease the heaviness with the dynamic and light-weight elements and contrasting greenery.

Underused Space

While underpasses, flyovers, arches under railways, and pockets created by imposed infrastructure often serve as spaces for cheap rentals or upscale commerce, the lack of attention given to the leftover spaces created during infrastructure development frequently results in underused areas brimming with potential. The space “under the bridge” can easily accommodate activities that require creative expression and freedom but are often unwelcome elsewhere, such as graffiti drawing, skateboarding, or impromptu music performances. Depending on the bridge’s purpose, location, and available space, we should always consider and incorporate these areas that a top-down perspective might overlook.

Published on July 24, 2024