advance look at "Hybrid Bridge" model courtesy Rosales + Partners/Schlaich Bergermann and Partner LP

On April 7th at City Hall, architect Miguel Rosales will unveil his latest bridge design, the first new span over the Willamette in over 35 years. There will be a scale model unveiling at 6:00 and a lecture by the architect at 7:00.

PORT has followed this design closely and I liked how the most recent hybrid cable stay/suspension bridge cut an elegant European profile across the Willamette... though it felt unfinished from an on bridge perspective, lacking enough monumental verticality (something that can be resolved hopefully).

*Update below the model views look more resolved with lots of blade or fin-like detail that reinforces verticality more


detail "Hybrid Bridge", courtesy Rosales + Partners/Schlaich Bergermann and Partner LP



Even more detail "Hybrid Bridge", courtesy Rosales + Partners/Schlaich Bergermann and Partner LP

More persnickity design detail issues aside, this hybrid is a unique approach, which tries to speak of Portland's ambitions as a design and art city. As a transit/pedestrian bridge it is also an important symbol and much more than just a cost of engineering project.

Here is the Tribune's take