Bilbao, spain 2022

Included in the re-development of an abandoned industrial waterfront,  this mid-island pedestrian span offers an exciting opportunity to weave together two previously disconnected districts that share a recently restored canal.  This new pedestrian bridge links a north bank riverside promenade to a new park along the south bank of the canal.

While the Deusto Canal is not quite long enough to establish a sanctioned rowing course,  there is ample space and flat water for scull and trainera race training. The adjacent dock with the bridge as a de-facto finish line and spectator viewing platform could become a potent symbol for the district and the city.

The span is intentionally understated.  It's unpretentious and minimal.  Formed as a simple painted steel box beam with a deeper profile at mid span to resist bending, the sides slope inward to increase depth (stiffness) without it appearing thicker, the abutment ends flattened to resist overturning.

The potential of this bridge is to make it more than just a connection;  it becomes an integral player in a vibrant new waterfront.