Squamish Pedestrian Bridge

Spanning the banks of the Mamquam River in Squamish, BC, the Squamish Pedestrian Bridge connects the edge of downtown with a developing residential community at the base of the legendary Stawamus Chief, a massive granite monolith iconic to the region. The bridge provides a new circulation dynamic within the community to unite both sides of the channel without disrupting water vessel and sport navigation. A double drawbridge solution allows for continuous circulation; maintaining both pedestrian movement on land and nautical traffic flow in the body of water it spans.

Inclusive design ensures an accessible and equitable experience for people of all forms of mobility. The intentionally gentle slope eases the user’s experience; whether traversing on wheels or by foot and allows for people to pause intermittently along the length of the bridge as needed.

Taking cues from topography and adjacent landforms, the morphology of the bridge conceptually references a rock gully in section. In elevation, it is enclosed by vertical slats that are inspired by the pattern of aggregated woodland trees. Fabricated from oxidized steel, these slats create the bridge cladding, providing permeability through the intermittent rhythm of their spacing and evoking the vibrant colours and textures of a coastal rainforest at dusk.

The Squamish Pedestrian Bridge is designed to connect people to the town’s amenities and the valley’s iconic natural attractions. Designated lookouts are strategically placed along the bridge to encourage moments of respite; for pedestrians to enjoy ocean and mountain views while they engage in a unique experience. Memorable experiences are also provided for those navigating the channel by water. Interpretive design elements under the bridge deck, which also function as safety barriers for mechanical systems, tie its users to their local context. These layered design moments expand the bridge’s primary function to offer poetic experiences for all.