Grand Bridges

Encouraging new recreational use of a large irrigation canal, a multi-use development in along the Grand Canal in Tempe, AZ converted a utilitarian infrastructure into a public amenity. A new pedestrian path crosses over the canal at five points, providing an opportunities for people to pause and enjoy the view. I designed several stainless steel rails for the bridges, which as jewelry for the site, sparkling and highlighting the canal-crossings. Made of textured stainless steel and LED lights, they shine in the sunlight and cast complex shadows during the day, and sparkle at night. All the railing designs are based on related three dimensional zigzag patterns, which offer changing sculptural experiences as people approach and walk by.

Date: 2016, 2017, 2020
Location: The Grand at Papago Park Center, Tempe, AZ
Art in Private Development for The Grand at Papago Park and Tempe Public Art
Materials: Stainless steel and integrated LED lights
Team: GBtwo, Landscape Architects.
Bernies’s Brass and Magnum Companies, fabrication. Creative Designs in Lighting, lighting design.
JB Dunn, General Contractors.
Photos by Mary Lucking and Grey Shed Studio