The Illuminating World of Bridges. A brief detour below the underpass

CONSIDER THE LOWLY UNDERPASS

However you refer to it; an overpass, flyover, el-space; a viaduct made by train tracks, or roadways; metal or concrete. The structure is mostly experienced as a compressed lonely place.

There is lots of action above: rushing, screeching trains; metal on metal. Cars, trucks, and buses; soft wheels rumbling. Getting somewhere on the straight away.

When we cross by walking or bike under the deck, we intersect perpendicularly, often connecting neighborhood destinations for everyday errands, laundry, or back and forth from work and transit.

At night the un-illuminated underpass is experienced as a barrier, a challenge to the nerves, especially for women.

Illuminated, the space is transformed into a volume of light. The opening symbolizes a beckoning portal.

Will you revitalize the neglected underpass into a meeting place? Citizens deserve more.

Stay tuned for the next installment of The Illuminating World of Bridges. Upcoming topics will include: technical considerations, color and storytelling, as well as ecological considerations. In case you missed it, here you can find Part 1.

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