Art Gallery Bridge

My name is Arna Umap and I am a rising Senior at Monta Vista High School. For the Make it Bridge challenge I designed a digital model of an art gallery bridge inspired by the works of Keith Haring. Both the design and functionality of the bridge reflect the theme of building a community. The goal is to give local artists a chance to display their art and for other citizens to appreciate it. The art can be changed by event, season, or any other reason.

Fusion 360

In Cupertino many of the city events including the Flea market, Farmers Market, and other celebrations occur in either the parking lot of De Anza College or Memorial Park. For the events occurring in Memorial Park most people in the De Anza College Parking lot. As a resident I know a bridge between the two locations would be very helpful. In addition, since many community events occur in the two spaces, a community building bridge would work best.

I decided to make the scale of this model is 5ft for every inch. I created a platform the length between the two locations. I made the platform to be extra wide so it can account for the people walking through the bridge and for the people admiring the art. I added a set of stairs so pedestrians can access it. I wanted to create an anti-suicide barricade for safety but still make it appealing.I took inspiration from the works of Keith Haring and the goal of community building to create the chain of people across the front.

When creating a community space, inclusivity is a main priority. For this reason, I created a ramp so the art gallery and bridge is accessible to everyone.

I wanted to add elements of community in the supports as well. I created the main beams holding up the bridge to look like people working together. I also added simple cylindrical beams to support to the ramp.

I added railings to the inside of the bridge, ramp, and stairs.

I created these cases to protect all sorts of art, 3D or 2D. These will protect the art pieces from weathering, dirt, rain etc. I attached them to the inside of the bridge equally spaced apart.

Finally since, like many of the works of Keith Haring, I incorporated a variety of bright colors. The base structures holding up are all painted different colors and the barricade are also have a random selection of bright colors. For the barricade I wanted to have the material be slightly transparent to avoid making the bridge an entirely enclosed space and to include external elements. All the wood facings are bamboo since bamboo is a sustainable building material. I decided to make all the main floors a lighter color to continue with the bright theme throughout the bridge. In addition, when the light shines through all the colored barricade, a mirage of color will appear clearly on the floor. Finally all the art cases are entirely transparent so visitors can get a clear look at the art.

Here are some more screen shots of my final model: