Two Modern Crossings in Historic Canadian Sites: Creating "Places for People"

One of the most challenging design problems of our time is how to achieve an appropriate aesthetic expression for a new bridge intervention in an important historic context, and also make it into an inviting public space. Mark Langridge has led the architectural and aesthetic design of many high profile bridge crossings in Canadian heritage settings over the past twenty years that attempt to achieve this balance.

This paper looks at two recent completed projects in important historic places, Flora Footbridge in Ottawa and Garrison Crossing in Toronto, and describes how the designs attempt to become successful “places for people”. It includes conceptual renderings and post-completion photos, showing how people are now using the crossings through Canada’s varied seasons.

In both cases it was imperative that the new structure respect and not overwhelm the character of the heritage place, yet it was also very important that it be an expression of its own time. The concept of minimal intervention is critical in this context – the heritage character-defining elements should retain visual dominance within the setting, with new interventions presenting a secondary, understated visual expression that does not diminish the original historic character, and over time, should ideally enhance it.

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