Fishbird, Portland, Oregon | Image 1 | Ed Carpenter, Artist
Fishbird, Portland, Oregon | Image 2 | Ed Carpenter, Artist
Fishbird, Portland, Oregon | Image 3 | Ed Carpenter, Artist
Fishbird, Portland, Oregon | Image 4 | Ed Carpenter, Artist
Fishbird, Portland, Oregon | Image 5 | Ed Carpenter, Artist
Fishbird, Portland, Oregon | Image 6 | Ed Carpenter, Artist
Fishbird, Portland, Oregon | Image 7 | Ed Carpenter, Artist
Fishbird, Portland, Oregon | Image 8 | Ed Carpenter, Artist
Fishbird, Portland, Oregon | Image 9 | Ed Carpenter, Artist

“Fishbird” Bridge

Designed by Portland, Oregon artist Ed Carpenter, “Fishbird” is one in his series of fanciful pedestrian bridges. It provides pedestrian access to a light rail station located in the median of I-205 freeway close to the border of Oregon and Washington.

It is also near the Columbia River and the Portland International Airport, hence the imagery suggesting a creature which might swim or fly. Tight budget constraints required a simple, low-tech solution, leading the design to a traditional arch truss structural concept.

Passengers on the light rail trains moving to and from the airport and motorists on I-205 are treated to dramatic views of the huge enigmatic creature flying over the freeway, while pedestrians crossing over the bridge delight at walking through it.

"Fishbird"

Light rail station pedestrian bridge

Client: Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon

Portland, Oregon

Date: Summer, 2001

Dimensions: 156' x 14' x 22'

Materials: Painted steel and concrete


Descriptors: Gateway, bridge, artistic bridge, art bridge, public art, pedestrian bridge, public art, commissioned art

Contact

Ed Carpenter Studio
1812 NW 24th Avenue
Portland, Oregon USA 97210


Tel: 503 224 6729
Fax: 503 241 3142
Email:

Sign up for Ed Carpenter’s occasional newsletters here