shade structure update

after a week of gathering information and testing out concepts for the shade structure competition, I have started to whittle down to a solid idea. my basic premise revolves around a simple modular structure consisting of a steel frame with a wood roofing system. here's a quick breakdown of some of the key points for my current design:

form:

the modulars are repeated throughout the bridge, and although each terminus of the bridge still has undecided factors the long span of the bridge has a solid form taking place. each modular structure will span 20' and rely on drilling into the bridges concrete walkway and the existing steel fence that is being built. creating a simple steel frame, the consecutive placement of these modular structures takes the form of a wave. this is to represent three main aspects: 1) the function that is taking place within the space below the shade structure: movement, 2) the waves of San Diego, which is the first major city in which people will experience in the United States, and 3) the conceptual idea of a free flowing American life that has the duality of free form and thinking.

*this perspective drawing showed me the initial form

and the structure of the new design and enabled me to

build a model of it to further my understanding

*the structural posts create smaller niches on the bridge

and repeat every 20'

materials/structure:

the basic modular will consist of a steel frame that is welded to the existing bridge. this material, coupled with a strong bracing structure, will establish a strong shade structure that will resist lateral forces such as human pressure and wind. recycled wood from old buildings, demolitions, junkyards, etc., will be used to not only give a textural quality to the form in which a metal sheet could not but also to represent a strong movement in US economics: sustainability and green design. vertical posts will be drilled into the existing concrete bridge and steel welding will also occur to create a strongly unified structure.

*this is a prelim section sketch showing the structure

in simple detail and how it will attach to the bridge

with studio tomorrow, I look at receiving a lot of feedback from my instructor and fellow classmates and look forward to establishing an even stronger design. with the project needing to be finished and turned in no later than next friday (Oct. 22), there is no time to waste!