Safe Trestles - International Design Competition
TRESTLES FOOTBRIDGE
Project Description
In delivering a safe and ADA compliant route between the existing parking lot and beach, this propThe new route traverses an overall level change of 75 feet and maintains a clearance of 28 feet over the existing railway. Working to current ADA standards, this route exceeds 1,100 feet in length, some 300 feet longer than the actual distance between the two points.
The proposal provides a new entrance to Trestles Beach from the existing parking lot, and incorporates elements of currently lacking infrastructure: toilets, showers, seating, drinking fountains, recycling bins, and a kiosk or information point.
The bridge varies between 11 and 22 feet in width, with two widened seating areas provided along its length. In addition to providing areas to stop and rest, these areas are positioned to enjoy dramatic vistas across the wetlands and along the coastline. Educational signage is also incorporated at various points along the route, thereby raising public awareness of local history, habitat and its endangered species.
The access route terminates at Trestles Beach, and incorporates a plinth of informal spectator seating with toilet facilities and bicycle parking below. A lifeguard tower has also been incorporated into the design.
osal provides an inspirational and captivating design solution that preserves and enhances the co-existence of a delicate coastal ecology and a recreational surf spot.
Why do we deserve a 2nd chance?
The competition brief defines the project as 'an ideas competition', and identified the key design goal to be 'the creation of an innovative vision'. Looking at the selected finalists, the brief and judging criteria appear to contradict one another - the latter arguably in conflict with the very purpose of architectural competitions.
With over 100 entries, the project was selected as one of 12 semi-finalists. It stood out as a strong contender, fulfilling the brief with a challenging, iconic design statement that complements the landscape in form and materiality.
The visually striking project entry was published before the competition winner had been selected, ranking 5th on Dezeen's 'most viewed' page of 2010.
The competition entry received the greatest number of public votes and was awarded the People's Choice Award and an honourable mention. Despite this, the project was not selected as one of 5 finalist entries.