Final Geometric Bridge Development

So I have finally finished my geometric bridge design for my group's public space. It has taken me a while to get to this point due to the fact that I am too picky and I have kept changing elements within my designs, and then scrapping a lot of them due to the fact that I simply stopped liking them. Below is the design process for how I got to my final bridge..

So first off I have changed the form of the bridge by changing it from having a curvature element to it, to simply being straight and geometric. I felt from my last design, that combing the straight, geometric elements with the curvature was too difficult and the result was not as cleanly constructed. This being said, I have then decided to create an enclosed bridge that will use geometric glass panes along the length of the bridge. In order to make the framing for my glass panes, I have created these angled triangles that are all equal distance apart.

From the images above, I have then replicated this idea but flipped each of the triangles so that they cross each other to create these diamond shapes that will act as the glass panes. I missed taking screen shots for the next step in the design process, but what I have done from this step is create a new group and cover each whole face and outlining where the lines where the triangles crossed. I then used the offset tool in order to create a border for each of the diamonds which would then become the framing for my glass windows.

As I stated above, this is how the framing turned out after I had offset each of the diamond shapes. This has subsequently meant that I have a shape inside the frame that I have painted a translucent material in order to create the glass look.

Another angle of the enclosed glass framing for my bridge.

The next step was to outline the shape of the floor that my bridge will have. I have hid the groups containing my glass framing so that it was easier to work on and create my stairs and ramp that will allow access to the over bridge. I wanted to keep in mind all accessibility so that people whom are suffer from a disability can still use my over bridge. I have in turn created this basic design in which the stairs protrude out of the concrete ramp block to create the look as if they are floating. I experimented with a bunch of different designs for the stairs however I with the complex looking glass frame, if I made the stairs too complicated in it's design, my bridge became quite overwhelming.

The last thing I had to consider was how my bridge was going to stand. I had to consider the same problem that I had above in which the simpler the better which lead me to finally design this concrete beams that protrude out of the concrete ramp blocks. I have also extended the ramp blocks further underneath the bridge in order to help take some more of the stress way. Within these concrete support beams, I have added some l.e.d strip lighting in order to create a bit of ambience at night.