Six Mile Island Ecobridge

Moving from the scale of building to landscape, this project spans the Allegheny River from its bank in Sharpsburg to Six Mile Island. It considers not only the specific scope of human experience, but also the broader impact of architecture on ecosystems. Nearby site features, such as an industrial gantry crane ruin and exposed CSOs in the river, reveal this impact clearly.

A system of sine wave-like undulations in plan and section accommodates a range of programs and functions, which include habitat for native wildlife, hydroponic fish and vegetable gardens, pedestrian paths, and a community marketplace. Beyond acting as a simple pathway, the bridge strives to be a beneficial actor in its environment, revitalizing a shoreline that has fallen into degeneration (both culturally and ecologically) and providing a source of sustainable fish and produce to Sharpsburg, which is considered a food desert. Ultimately, the project seeks to reconcile the site’s anthropocentric past with its potential future of coexistence with the biosphere.