Chihuly Bridge of Glass

Name: Malven Co.
Price range: $

Tacoma, WA

A collaboration with renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly gave rise to the Bridge of Glass. Through the synthesis of art and architecture, we sought to create an enduring and experiential public landmark for the city of Tacoma.

The Vision

Our design concept accommodates the display of three different Chihuly installations within a grid framework organized along the length of this five hundred foot long pedestrian bridge.

Glass Artist

Chihuly Studio
Structural Engineer

Chalker Putnam Collins & Scott (PCS Structural Solutions)
Electrical Engineer

Hultz/BHU Consulting Engineers
Lighting Consultant

Horton Lees Brogden Lighting Design Inc.
Mechanical Engineer

EEA Consulting Engineers
Specifications

Eskilsson Architecture
Construction Administration

Thomas Cook Reed Reinvald Architects
Design Assist / Contractor

Zahner
Photographer

Tim Hursley

9515 Chihuly Bridge of Glass X Tim Hursley V Approach

Installations

When crossing the bridge, visitors encounter the luminous ceiling of the Seaform Pavilion, the bright blue Crystal Towers, and the cabinet-like grid display of the Venetian Wall.

Sheltered

The bridge creates an intimate scene inviting visitors to explore the glass in its purest form. The wall and roof structures house the displays for the artwork, shelter distractions from the railway and highway traffic below, and filter natural light.

The bridge links Tacoma's four major cultural institutions: The Washington State History Museum, Union Station, The Tacoma Art Museum, and the neighboring Museum of Glass.

“I wanted the bridge to have the same type of impact on the viewer, whether it was near or far, light or dark. That is one of the real successes of the bridge, that constant sense of "wow".”

Dale Chihuly, glass artist

9515 Chihuly Bridge of Glass Tim Hursley V View of Ceiling and Bridge

9515 Chihuly Bridge of Glass X Tim Hursley V Art Ceiling Detail

9515 Chihuly Bridge of Glass X Tim Hursley V Ceiling Detail 1 2

Project Team

Arthur W. Andersson, FAIA
F. Christian Wise, AIA
Adam Pyrek
Vincent Moccia

Awards

Vision 20/20 Award - Puget Sound Regional Council - Chihuly Bridge of Glass

Puget Sound Regional Council
Best Special Project - Washington State Department of Transportation - Chihuly Bridge of Glass

Washington State Department of Transportation
Citation of Honor Award - American Institute of Architects, Austin Chapter - Chihuly Bridge of Glass

American Institute of Architects, Austin Chapter
Award of Merit - Illumination Design Award, Golden Gate Section - Illuminating Engineering Society - Chihuly Bridge of Glass

Illuminating Engineering Society

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