RIVER ROAD

River Road Bridge
2009-2011, Tucson, AZ

Vicki Scuri SiteWorks
Engineer: HDR Landscape
Architect: McGann & Associates
Sponsored by Pima County 

The project includes a 400’ long roadway bridge spanning the Rillito River Wash. Stair-stepped shapes derived from local buildings paired with the agave cactus forms create a wave motion on the bridge. This augments the wave theme found on related projects and recalls the forms of nearby mountains. The agave, viewed as a symbol of the natural environment and human intervention in the environment, frames this crossing. Balconies provide viewing platforms over the wash. An arch of windows perforates agave-shaped concrete panels dramatizing light and restricted view. For the driver the concrete panels signal the landmark providing opacity and verticality. Between balconies the agave-shaped panels, fabricated in transparent mesh, frame the full view and cast evocative shadows along the walkway. The project is collaborative with the design team. Vicki Scuri is the aesthetic lead for integrated artwork.

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