It looks a little bit like the Footstep Bridge has been extracted from a video game and re-erected in the real world. What you see from either side of the curious structure is a series of seemingly pixelated undulations that span a street or a stream for the safe passage of people on foot.
The Stair Scape pedestrian bridge has three footpaths in one with the central section offering a smooth -- albeit fluctuating -- ramp. The two flanking lanes are of staircase formations that give the piece of contemporary infrastructure its "low-res" appearance. All three zigzagging trajectories of the overpass are fixed together wherever the walls touch.
Designer Michael Jantzen suggests that the 100 by 20 feet Footstep Bridge could be constructed from precast concrete. It takes an intriguing form that certainly would not be efficient to cross, yet the novelty of using it would be worth the extra exertion.
Escher-Esque Overpasses
The Mind-Boggling Footstep Bridge Meanders Across Roads and Rivers
Trend Themes
1. Pixelated Infrastructure - There is a growing trend towards incorporating pixelated design into contemporary infrastructure, providing opportunities for innovative structures that deviate from traditional engineering design.
2. Multi-function Pedestrian Bridges - Pedestrian bridges that can serve multiple functions such as acting as a staircase or a ramp are becoming more popular and present opportunities for innovative and efficient designs.
3. Novelty Structures - The demand for unique and interesting structures that deviate from traditional engineering designs is increasing and presents an opportunity for designers to create innovative and eye-catching designs.
Industry Implications
1. Construction Industry - As the demand for unique and innovative structures such as the Footstep Bridge grows, the construction industry has an opportunity to explore alternative construction materials and methods and develop new techniques for building unconventional structures.
2. Engineering Industry - As designers continue to incorporate pixelated and multi-functional designs into infrastructure, the engineering industry has an opportunity to develop new methods and technologies for building structures that deviate from traditional design principles.
3. Tourism Industry - Innovative and eye-catching structures such as the Footstep Bridge have the potential to attract tourism and provide opportunities for the tourism industry to promote unique and interesting attractions.