No one thinks of LA as a bridge city, ala San Francisco or New York, but that could change soon, posits The Atlantic Cities's (and friend of Curbed) Marissa Gluck. Two new spans and a proposed third are all architecturally-significant and could usher in a new golden age in LA bridge building. The first golden age took place in the early part of the twentieth century as part of the "City Beautiful" movement, where urban civic projects were seen as a way to boost local pride. Sadly, many LA bridges traverse the dreary, concrete-laden LA River and were built with the car as paramount concern. No cars will use Arcadia's new Gold Line "basket" bridge designed by Andrew Leicester--only light rail trains (in a few years, that is). The Cliff Garten-designed bridge at Baldwin Hills Parklands features bright sculptural patterns rather than a blank concrete slab. But the piece de resistance could be the forthcoming Sixth Street Bridge 2.0, with its lovely undulating ribbon design from HNTB. The architects also plan to create parkland at the base of the bridge, build direct access to the river, and provide ample access for cyclists and pedestrians. And there's loads of other bridge action going on around the county too. The times are a-changin'.
· One Day Soon L.A. May Be Known for the Beauty of Its Bridges [Atlantic Cities]
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