ASPIRE Spring 09 - Aspire - The Concrete Bridge Magazine

Figure 10 – The portal elevation of the bridge reveals the sweeping forms of the concrete landscape
planters that echo the curves of the fascia beams and deck. The planters are insulated, waterproofed for
drainage and automatic irrigation. Plant material was selected for harsh microclimate extremes.
Landscape Planters on Deck
The concrete planters formed into both sides of the deck are amenities that capture the
elements of the surrounding landscape to temper the bridge deck environment. The size
of the planters was designed to create vessels large enough to support medium-sized
canopy trees and balance the need for a generous pedestrian cartway. The curved shapes
reinforce the curving parapet shape of fascia beams. Planter wall rustications match the
scalloped formwork in the wing wall panels.
The planters are insulated, membrane-lined, automatically irrigated, and plumbed for
drainage – to create the most optimum growing environment possible. The trees and the
insides of the fascia beams are up-lighted from within the planters for night effects. A
custom planting soil medium was designed for optimum growing culture in harsh
conditions. Hardy plant materials were selected to meet extreme wind, cold and heat
conditions.
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