DONALD MACDONALD
1516 Folsom St.
San Francisco, CA
94104, USA
Donald MacDonald Architects LLC
DONALD MACDONALD
1516 Folsom St.
San Francisco, CA
94104, USA
John Lewis Memorial Bridge
Seattle, Washington
DMD team members, working as VIA- A Perkins Eastman Studio, were engaged by the Seattle Department of Transportation to design a new pedestrian bridge in the Northgate neighborhood of Seattle, creating a cohesive connection through a community historically split by Interstate-5. The bridge links the Northgate Link Light Rail Station on the eastern side to North Seattle College and the residential areas to the West.
The preferred concept utilizes a strong continuity of profile to create graceful transitions, building from simple approach spans to the fluid signature truss span. This primary span is the topographical feature of the project, the mountain peak, engaging the southbound I5 corridor through recalling the greater sectional profile of the region. This span in turn creates a memorable point of passage between neighborhoods.
Project – John Lewis Memorial Bridge
Client – Seattle Department of Transportation
Location – Seattle, Washington
Timeline – 2017-2021
Bridge Engineer – David Evans and Associates
Contractor – Kraemer North America
Overall Length – 1900′
Type – Vierendeel Truss (main span)
Main Span – 234′
Spans – 17
Deck Width – 16′
Cost – $56M
The bridge is designed to maximize safety for all users, whether biking or walking. Pedestrians have better views across the straight alignment due to at-grade connections. A graceful open structure allows for views around corners to increase security and lookout areas offer an opportunity for users to engage their surrounding context.
Linear LED handrail lighting acts as the functional lighting of the project. The project artist developed a strategy of utilizing motion sensors tethered to the functional lighting, to create a wave of light as patrons move by foot and bicycle across the project.
