The design of this project by Studio Providence LLC, a partnership by Friedrich St. Florian Architects and 3six0 Architecture, was the result of an international competition. Awarded by the Boston Society of Architects with an esteemed Unbuilt Project Award, the proposal uses three piers that are evocative of the fishing piers of New England.
With the repositioning of I-195 away from the center of Providence comes the opportunity to connect neighborhoods that have long been divided by the highway. Scheduled for demolition, a highway bridge spanning the Providence River provides the foundations for this connective opportunity. As a result, the proposed footbridge is built on existing structural piers. By utilizing the structure already in place, funds that would have gone to demolition can be spent on new construction. The geometry of the existing structure is utilized for three covered event spaces that stretch along the river. These are connected with two new waterfront parks by a pedestrian and bicycle bridge.
The inspiration of the iconic New England fishing pier and floating shell hull, joins the authentic industrial aura of the harbor and elegant waterfront. Through the use of geometry, materials and design, Studio Providence LLC marries the context of a traditionally rich neighborhood with the technologically driven and forward-thinking one. This straight-forward solution presents an economic way towards making the promise of Providence a reality.
Architect: Studio Providence LLC Location: Providence, Rhode Island Design Team: Kyna Leski, Friedrich St. Florian, Chris Bardt, Jack Ryan, Tim DeCoster, Olga Mesa, Rachel Stopka, Laura Brodersen, Nick Croft Structural Engineer: Odeh Engineers Renderings: Studio AMD, Tim DeCoster, Studio Providence LLC
