Pisces Bridge (2017)
Photos Courtesy of Henry McCoy
MedCamps Executive Director Caleb Seney:
The Pisces Bridge is probably the most functional and useful project completed by Arch335 at Camp Alabama. Before it was built campers staying on the eastern side of the lake would have to navigate long distances on hilly terrain to get to activities on the western side of the lake. Although this project significantly improved every camper’s experience, it especially improved the experience for campers confined to wheelchairs. The bridge, which is nearly as long as a football field and floating on the water, has allowed campers ease of access to activities all over camp, not to mention it is a destination for campers who enjoy fishing. Two fish feeders mounted on opposite sides of the bridge allow our campers to now enjoy catching fish daily. To see their faces light up when that cork dives underwater and they reel in their catch is an experience no one should miss.
Tech Professor Brad Deal
: Much like the zip line, this bridge seemed impossible at first: seventeen novice students designing and building a bridge the length of a football field in just ten weeks. It felt absurd at the outset, but with enough will and dedication, we pulled it off. Using nearly 2 miles of reclaimed sucker rod and over 200 plastic drums donated by local car washes, we created one of the camp’s most essential pieces of infrastructure. It transformed how the property functions, all for about seven dollars per square foot. Looking back, it still feels unbelievable.
Program Summary:
A floating bridge and shade structure centered around the activity of fishing at a summer camp for children with special needs.
Program Statement:
This 340’ bridge across the center of the lake at a summer camp for children with special needs was the centerpiece of a 2015 Masterplan that focused on future growth for the camp creating a continuous circuit of activities around and across the lake. The project’s focus was to improve circulation around the camp and better accommodate the activity of fishing for the campers. The design and research process led the team towards a conceptual framework centered around Pisces, the mythological symbol of two fish connected by a chord. The fish use their chord to solve problems, help others and to ensure they don’t lose one another. Similarly, this bridge serves to connect the two sides of the camp as well as forever link the designers to the campers the project serves. The floating structure incorporates hundreds of reclaimed 55-gallon barrels and discarded steel rod from local oil and gas operations. It shortens the journey between camp activities, creates opportunities for fishing and even allows canoes to pass via a pivoting segment of the bridge. The camper’s fishing experience is significantly improved by several detail elements including rod holders, lowered guard rail sections, gated fishing jetties, and two large shade structures that mimic the form of two fish leaping out of the water over the bridge.
Project Team
:
Professors
: Robert Brooks, Brad Deal
Students
: Ian Bardwell, Mac Blades, Sydney Cathey, Iana Dingle, Lacey Hanemann, Mackenzie Keller, Josh Maxfield, John Moosa, Johnathan Nasser, Karlie Neilson, Edward Nieto, Madeline O’Rear, Cody Pate, Ernesto Pena, Terry Scott, Andrew Swain, Briana Trapp
Recognition
: 2017 AIA Louisiana Honor Award & Member’s Choice Award; 2017 AIA I look up Film Challenge 1
st
Runner Up
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