orange 'rumblefish' bridge designed by SPF:architects opens in LA

SPF:architects connects LA communities

A new 123m (400ft) cycle path and pedestrian bridge has opened to the public in Northeast Los Angeles. Designed by SPF:architects, the bridge crosses the LA river to connect the communities of Cypress Park and Elysian Valley on either side.

Officially called ‘Taylor Yard Bridge,’ the new infrastructure has been playfully nicknamed ‘Rumblefish’ in reference to the 1983 Francis Ford Coppola film of the same name. The film explores the issues of brotherly love, honor and the ties that bind families and friends within the backdrop of gang life. This part of the Los Angeles river experienced similar struggles dating back to the 1950s.

images by Mike Kelley

a box truss structure to recall LA’s Industrial past

The bridge is designed by SPF:architects to be ‘uncomplicated’. The structure is formed by a box truss, which recalls 20th century railroad bridges as a nod to the area’s industrial past. The path is designed to look like it’s floating within the box truss as it slopes to meet the different elevations of the banks on either side of the river. The architects say the path is metaphorically an extension of the city, with its roads, walkways, and bikeways gently suspended within the truss- the truss is there to simply hold this path in place.

In addition to its bold orange hue, the bridge architecture features a mid-span meeting spot with two cantilevered viewing decks that are slightly offset as in a handshake or dance, allowing passersby views to the north and south highlighting the natural bend of the river’s flow at this location. The decks are designed to accommodate small gatherings, community events and exhibits- a place for peaceful community collision and togetherness.

Zoltan E. Pali, founder and design principal at SPF:a comments, ‘We thank our design partners, Arup our structural engineer, Walter Hood our landscape architect, Tetra Tech our civil engineer and Ortiz Construction our builder in bringing their invaluable collective expertise to the success of the project. We are also grateful for the entire team at the Bureau of Engineering and specifically Deborah Weintraub, Deputy City Engineer and Nur Malhis, Project Manager. A special feeling it is to build a civically impactful project especially when the city is your birthplace and home.’

‘The opening of the Taylor Yard Bridge is an important milestone in our work to give Angelenos more access to this iconic waterway,’ says Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. ‘As well as new places to safely walk, bike, and enjoy green spaces.’

‘The Taylor Yard Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge is an answer to a much-needed connection between the LA River communities of Cypress Park and Elysian Valley that creates the walkable, livable green open space our communities need,’ adds Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo. ‘Simply put, the Taylor Yard Bridge connects people to the beautiful Los Angeles River and the river to the community.’

See designboom’s previous coverage of the project here.