Ballston Quarter Pedestrian Bridge
Photos by Elman Studio
Location
4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22203
Maps Directions Transit Parking
Artwork Details
Artist: studioTECHNE|architects
Materials: Steel tube structure, aluminum, glass, zinc panels, Ipe, concrete
Installed: 2019
The Ballston Quarter Pedestrian Bridge, designed by studioTECHNE|architects, was informed by a collaborative public process. The bridge enhances neighborhood connectivity as a vital pedestrian link between Ballston Quarter and the Ballston Exchange as well as connecting those using the walkway to the Metro and the surrounding city. Articulating steel tubes support an undulating zinc roof which enclose an interior space surrounded by glass curtain walls, a polished concrete floor and a faceted wood-look ceiling. Custom-designed benches by studioTECHNE offer a place for respite. The bridge blends function and artistic expression and creates an iconic civic presence in the heart of Ballston. studioTECHNE|architects is an architectural research, design and planning firm based in Cleveland, Ohio.
Learn more about studioTECHNE|architects.
Funded by Brookfield Properties, QIC, and Arlington County.
Additional funding through private development public art fund contributions from Crimson Partners and The Penrose Group.
Festival Bridge
The Ballston Quarter Pedestrian Bridge replaced Festival Bridge (below), the original pedestrian bridge across Wilson Boulevard. Designed by Julio Teich (1934-2000), the bridge opened in 1996 and consisted of colorfully painted aluminum, cast glass and ceramic tile mosaic. Julio Teich was an Argentine-born artist who resided in Richmond, Virginia. He trained as an architect and became involved in the conceptual art movement. Teich worked in various media including collage and sculpture and created a technique for hand-cast glass.
