(Trabeated, Transferability, Site Responsivity)

 

A structure that extends & travels constantly.

This thesis proposes a multipurpose bridge that explores complex forms of circulation and the architectural ideas that might grow around them which holds the potential to revolutionize urban infrastructure, foster community engagement, create a sustainable and vibrant public space that harmoniously integrates transportation, recreation, and cultural elements.
The thesis title ROVERSE comes from the words ROVE: To travel from place to place without fixed route or destination, esp. over a wide area; to wander in an aimless or unsystematic way; to roam and TRAVERSE: That extends or passes across something; situated or positioned crosswise. Together the idea of the project is to make a structure that extends and travels constantly, which expresses movement, spontaneous forms of behavior, unexpected starts & stops, and architectural expressions that capture the activities of our daily lives.

By utilizing a more flexible or supple geometric arrangement, the nine adjacent tubes can smoothly and adaptively conform to the diverse and sometimes disconnected boundaries of the location. The alignment of the bands is not strictly parallel. These adaptable deviations enable connections and movements to form that would have been hindered by a stricter and more simplified geometric method of explanation.

Project design explores the possibility of a new kind of a bridge having different activities which addresses the issues of pedestrian mobility and connects the urban fabric on either side of the river, its impact on urban setting in terms of sociological and cultural implications. To achieve this, the project is evaluated in terms of two criteria: A bridge as a subject and a bridge as an object. A bridge can be both a subject and an object depending on the context. This project stands as a sculptural work of art that acts like a multisensory hourglass with program chunks as the knot that ties multiple bridges together. The skin itself is the structure that merges with the program chunks, it is slit to reveal views of Griffith Park and downtown Los Angeles through these different moments. These bridges wrap around the LA river and gaze up at the sky emanating rays that reflect onto the crown jewel of Los Angeles River. This amusing network of transportation maneuvers through and across the LA river which is visible from all directions.

Historically, the Los Angeles River has faced challenges in terms of limited crossing points and fragmented connectivity. As the city continues to grow and develop, the demand for improved transportation infrastructure and enhanced connectivity may arise. A multipurpose bridge could address these needs by providing additional crossing options, facilitating smoother traffic flow, and offering safe passages and detours for pedestrians, cyclists, and kayakers. The G1 Bowtie site aims to address park needs and access to the river through the creation of a publicly accessible open space that also provides a thriving pollinator native habitat. The proposal aims to develop a structure where people can experience the Southern California riparian corridor.