NC State Engineering Students Build a Pedestrian Bridge

Looking at potential classes to take in the Fall, I came across a pedestrian bridge that some NC State engineering students designed and built. Perhaps I chose the wrong major...

Study Model

Lee Street Elevation

Tate Street Elevation
Oakland Avenue Elevation
McCormick Street Elevation
Originally, the model was built as a study of physically joining the auditorium and the area that the trains would pass through. The study has progressed from the first model, which started with separate forms representing program areas. The connector between the train and auditorium areas has several functions: exterior "bridge" circulation, specific experiences/views associated, and it is also the seam that connects the auditorium and atrium. Below, the upper form is the auditorium shell, the lower form is the roof cover over where the trains pass underneath (also where people enter the building from the Oakland Avenue side to get over the tracks safely), and the connector is the walkway.

[10x10]

I must be obsessed with bridges

I came across this bridge on one of the blogs I follow (or try to when I have the time). Ever since becoming interested in urban planning and urban design a few years ago, I've been trying to think of ways to mold that into a thesis project for my final studio in Interior Architecture at UNC-Greensboro. My obsession with pedestrian footbridges this semester has gotten the hamster turning in my head! I believe a bridge is a possible pathway because of the scale and its relationship to people, among other things.


I suppose the potential argument is not what Interior Architecture is but what it is not. Does a pedestrian footbridge fall into Interior Architecture? I feel there has been a push, perhaps by some of my professors, for the inclusion of outdoor environments in Interior Architecture. I believe they have a place there, as does almost every other area of design but when it comes to my thesis project I am not the one who decides what "is or is not." The words "Interior" and "Architecture" have a wide range of meaning. This undoubtedly spells trouble for those who try to narrowly define the phrase "Interior Architecture" unless they choose to use and/or display their power, the equivalent of "eminent domain", of which case they are only discouraging the creativity of the student to further a most unnecessary and unrelated cause or policy.


We know that the pedestrian footbridge falls into the category of outdoor environments, more specifically urban environments or [pathways] that people use to traverse potential obstacles or get to important [nodes, districts, landmarks]. I have a tendency to do this, to fortify my base before venturing out. In gaming they call it "turtling" and I realized its found its way into my personality, ha! It is safe within the walls but thats what this is about....

I want to get outside of the prescribed box.

I do have things to post for the retail case study, I'm just trying to narrow the scope. Enjoy the pictures...