The X Bridge

Project Description

This bridge is designed to shape how people experience the crossing, not just to get them from one side of the water to the other. Architecture folds to create tunnels around the user, creating a rhythm of compression and release. These shifts frame specific views of the river and landscape, guiding the user's attention and making the journey feel intentional and atmospheric rather than straightforward.

Design Process

When designing this bridge, I focused on using architecture to guide the user’s experience by gradually revealing views of the river. I kept the same geometric language from my forest path so the transition between path and bridge would feel seamless. After studying the site, I chose to frame a specific view on the left side of the bridge where the river opens into a lake. This decision led me to keep the left side hidden for most of the journey, allowing the view to appear only at the perfect moment. To elevate the experience of reaching this point, I introduced a vertical hierarchy within the tunnels: the first tunnel gently ramps down by two feet, while the tunnel leading to the main view rises by two feet. This subtle climb helps make the arrival at the framed view feel more intentional and significant.