The new Grand Avenue Park Bridge was designed as a civic connector for the city of Everett in the US State of Washington
Designed by LMN Architects, a new 78m-long asymmetrical steel bridge in the American city of Everett connects a major park with the city’s evolving waterfront district.
Named after the Grand Avenue Park it connects to, the pedestrian bridge aims to elevate utilitarian infrastructure to a thoughtfully designed community asset. At the confluence of Puget Sound and the Snohomish River, Everett is a city known for its history and continuing prominence as an aerospace manufacturing hub. Perched high on a bluff, the city has long been disconnected from its waterfront that is home to a naval shipyard and a growing mixed-use district. The Grand Avenue Park Bridge was designed to repair this divide.
LMN’s design for the bridge is pragmatic and economical with structural elements constructed from corten steel, which uses rust to form a protective layer ensuring the bridge can be maintained over time. The bright aluminium-panelled guardrail for the pedestrian path features eye-catching, geometric perforations inspired by the forms of the surrounding natural environment.
As well as forming a pedestrian connection, the bridge carries major utilities across a five-lane highway and train tracks at the base of a steep slope. It also provides a viewing platform across the waterfront.
By addressing both functional and aesthetic demands and integrating urban infrastructure into the life of the city, the bridge aims to be a catalyst for change amongst the community as well as an urban landmark.
Photography by Adam Hunter
