SOM Designs the Timber Bridge Connecting the High Line to Penn Station
Amy Duong — May 19, 2023 — Art & Design
Global architecture studio SOM, also known as Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill installed the Timber Bridge, which is a block-long truss bridge that connects the High Line to the new Penn Station in Manhattan. The bridge is made from a plethora of materials that are able to support large structures, including an engineered wood product and glulam.
It was then lifted into the steel columns and added to the entrance to the Lincoln tunnel. SOM explains the design, stating that "The dynamic visual landscape allows pedestrians to see the timber structure rise over the diagonal pathway and creates a visual link to the trees from Magnolia Court. This solution establishes a sense of place and guides pedestrians to their destinations on both sides of the Connector."
Image Credit: SOM
It was then lifted into the steel columns and added to the entrance to the Lincoln tunnel. SOM explains the design, stating that "The dynamic visual landscape allows pedestrians to see the timber structure rise over the diagonal pathway and creates a visual link to the trees from Magnolia Court. This solution establishes a sense of place and guides pedestrians to their destinations on both sides of the Connector."
Image Credit: SOM
Trend Themes
1. Timber Bridge Design - The use of timber in large-scale bridge design offers opportunities for sustainable and visually appealing infrastructure solutions.
2. Mixed Material Construction - Combining engineering wood products and glulam in construction projects presents innovative alternatives to traditional building methods.
3. Pedestrian-friendly Infrastructure - Designs that prioritize pedestrian access and experience can offer disruption in urban planning and transportation.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture and Design - The Timber Bridge project highlights the potential for architecture and design industries to utilize sustainable and innovative materials in construction projects.
2. Civil Engineering - The use of mixed materials and innovative designs in bridge construction presents an opportunity for civil engineering to advance sustainable infrastructure solutions.
3. Urban Planning and Transportation - New and innovative approaches to pedestrian infrastructure can have a significant impact on urban planning and transportation industries, providing safer, more sustainable, and more enjoyable experiences.
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