Architects pitch ideas for Saskatoon, including bridge

A group of young Saskatoon architects has a new vision for the derelict Traffic Bridge.

Instead of carrying cars, their new Traffic Bridge would be more like a public park that zigzags across the river. There would be a zip line connecting the bridge to Rotary Park, a vertical garden where people could grow vegetables and glass portholes so they could see the rushing river below. The bridge, in their minds, is more than simply a way to get across the river.

"We have the amazing river valley - it's one of the things that defines Saskatoon," said Victoria Yong-Hing, one of five members of Open, the design collaborative behind the reimagined Traffic Bridge.

"So why can't we design something where you can really experience and really enjoy it?"

While it is the brainchild of working architects, Open is not a design firm and it is not formally pitching its Traffic Bridge ideas to the City of Saskatoon. Its founders are in their early 30s and describe themselves as nothing more "than a collection of like-minded individuals" working on architecture designs in their spare time.

"I always kind of feel like we are in a band," Brad Pickard, another Open member, said. "When we have Skype conversations, we are jamming. It does feel like that."

Mayor Don Atchison has promised a new Traffic Bridge that will carry vehicles and council has approved plans for a $30-million replica bridge, but there is no funding in place.

The bridge closed in 2010 because of safety concerns. In the meantime, people like the architects in Open have been dreaming.

Despite the professional-looking concept drawings on its website, the group is aware there is no money and little tangible interest in making its Traffic Bridge vision a reality.

"Our group is about getting ideas out there through images. We want the public to see what the bridge could become," said Mark Sin, another member behind the concept drawings.

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Architects pitch ideas for Saskatoon, including bridge