Visual expression, structural form, and context-sensitive design

The Robert I. Schroder Overcrossing in California’s San Francisco Bay Area exemplifies two essential ideas in bridge design: visual expression should flow from structural form and a bridge should be rooted in the site’s physical characteristics and its historical and cultural context.

The structural form of this crossing reflects the history of the site’s rail community without compromising the beauty and function of each component. Navigating challenging site constraints and community desires generated innovations in design and construction. By creating a local icon through context-sensitive design without compromising engineering optimization, this project is an inspiring example of successful civic infrastructure.