Landscaped Edge

Urban infrastructure moves are big moves

In 2006, El Dorado teamed up with local motion graphics firm MK12 to win a competition to design the new guardrail system for the Wyandotte Bridge in downtown Kansas City. The design is the result of an intensive collaboration and integrates a novel (and MODOT code-compliant) structural design that serves to house an integral and easily-maintained lighting element. The graphics for the system suggest a rich diversity of natural landscaping which is a direct contrast to the expansive interstate system below. The “landscaping” will glow at night, providing a safe pedestrian path across the bridge in addition to an interesting visual element for the cars passing below on I-670.

Urban infrastructure moves are big moves: as design professionals, we can only match their audacity by embracing experimentation and collaboration. We collaborated with the city, bridge design engineer, and local artists to enhance the pedestrian experience of the Wyandotte Street Bridge in downtown Kansas City.

2007

Architect, Fabricator

Kansas City, MO

Client

City of KCMO

Downtown Council of KCMO

Eldo Team

David Dowell

Chris Burk

Collaborators

Collaborative Fabricator: Continental Steel

Artists

MK12

Press

Kansas City Star, Shane Keyser, “Downtown Connections,” 2007

Metropolis, Randi Greenberg, “Highway Connector,” 2007

Photography

Mike Sinclair