#Inform studio series

The form of the pedestrian bridge is characterized directly by programming considerations, orientation of access, views (urban and natural), and the amazing dichotomy between the history of Providence and the future of innovation.

The west side abuts a 4.5 acre park which is designed to enhance views and connectivity to the downtown, riverfront walk and burgeoning development in the Jewelry / Innovation District. The east side of the bridge splinters into varying directions indicating subtle axis towards James Street, Transit Street, and a continuity of movement along the riverfront walk to both the north and the south.

#Inform studio series

Circulation of pedestrians and cyclists is thought of as a series of tentacles gathering and dispersing travelers from numerous regions and directions. The alignment of the bridge simultaneously considers fluid movement through the city, orientation and views during the procession, and frames of view toward the bridge as an artistic object itself. ©Steve KroodsmaĪs a part of the Waterfront Park Master Plan, the Providence River Pedestrian Bridge had a significant responsibility to unify the East and West Park spaces into an integrated public environment synthesizing both urban and natural conditions. The city received qualifications from 47 international design teams and INFORM Studio and BuroHappold were selected. The bridge would accommodate walkers, bikers, runners & strollers, while providing adequate seating and passive gathering spaces along the bridge span. It was mandated that the proposed bridge incorporate the five existing piers as a primary design element. The proposal presented an exciting opportunity to weave together the design themes of the City’s history and emerging future as a center of innovation, design excellence and creative / knowledge-based businesses and industries. In 2010 The City of Providence held a design competition to select a team for the Pedestrian Bridge project. These future parks were separated by the Providence River – hence the need for a new pedestrian bridge.

As the project neared completion the potential for two new waterfront parks along the Providence River emerged. of Transportation (RIDOT) agreed to the change and the I-195 Relocation Project commenced. In the early 1990’s the Providence Foundation and the City of Providence requested that the intersection of I-95 and I-195 be relocated as it physically isolated the City’s downtown core from both the Jewelry District and its waterfront.