Fond of your proposal: emphasizing natural topography, limiting footprint, conserving existing 'wild' charm--yes please. Also it looks great, has a natural, low-impact atmosphere and seems to work in many of the details. As for handrail issue, it is indeed a shame that litigious US asks for railings much more than say Europe. Perhaps a bench with back could form the non-rail side and thereby provide variety together with the security and picnic-worthyness you're after. Nice work. -Nathaniel Corum

JULY 25 2010
INTERIM REVIEW DISCUSSION: YOUR INVOLVEMENT IMPROVES THE OUTCOME
We are familiar with the area and visit often to go surfing and to make sure our proposal fits within the natural wild beauty of Trestles. However, as Trestles is many things to many people we hope to encourage an open discussion about the specific proposals for safe access to trestles. We see design as an open process that is best informed by the users so we encourage your suggestions and critiques.

OVERVIEW
As one of the last undeveloped costal zones in southern California, Trestles is home to world class surf, wild beaches, wetlands, and endangered species. Our proposal seeks to maintain and promote the wild beauty of this area by providing safe access to the area in an integrated and minimally invasive way. Our approach is different from the other finalist as they propose building over the entire length of the path. Not only do we see this as undesirable it is also unnecessary.

UPPER TRAIL
By rerouting the upper part of the trail to a lower starting elevation we are able to bypass the infamous corn dog hill with an on grade path. This new trail gently follows the existing topography as it descends towards the beach with a slope of less than 5%. The new trail would have many of the charms of the current trail while being less prone to erosion, easier to maintain, safer to traverse, and be ADA accessible.

RAIL CROSSING
To provide a safe at-grade rail crossing we plan to use the approved standards for San Clemente and San Diego counties. These standards are familiar to the local population and will help minimize the near accidents that occur each year at this crossing.

BRIDGE
Currently there are many rogue trails that are bush-wacked through the wetland area each season. These trails indicate where people want to arrive at on the beach. The curved design of our bridge-deck is a direct translation of these informal trails. By providing direct easy safe access to the main area people want to go the user informed bridge replaces the need for rogue trails.

(for more description about the bridge and proposal see ROUND ONE text below)

FEEDBACK ROUND ONE
In response to the few safety concerns raised in round one regarding the bridge we have lowered the bridge deck to the top height of the wetland reeds. This will create a more intimate interaction with the wetlands and reduce the safety concerns with the bridge.

There have been several comments regarding the handrail we omitted on the flat side of the deck. Initially we proposed only one handrail on the high side of the deck but can certainly add a handrail on the flat side if that is desired. We kept if off for the following reasons:

1. Wetland areas often have raised boardwalk paths that do not have handrails on either side. These handrail-less decks tend to promote better observation, interaction and appreciation for wetlands areas.
2. By not having a railing on one of the sides it is possible to sit on the edge of the deck and wait for a friend, read a book, have a picnic, observe etc…
3. The width of the deck ranges from 9' at the ends to 25' in the center allowing ample space to easily navigate the deck while staying away from the edge if that is desired.

SUBMISSION ROUND 2 - AUGUST 30TH
We continue to work out in greater detail the our proposal for a new access way and encourage your input to help improve the design.

Best,
The Wave Team

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APRIL 18 2010
ROUND ONE TEXT

The Wave pedestrian bridge is designed to integrate seamlessly with its site. The bridge flows smoothly from the existing access path across a wetland, orienting users directly towards the ocean and the surf spot ‘Lowers’. At the same time it gives users a path to rise above the dunes and the wetlands as well as a location to pause, stand, sit, and enjoy the sunshine and the ocean breeze.

Beyond the automatic safety gate at the railroad crossing the bridge extends out over the wetland, and the deck widens as it divides into two paths. The low path follows the ocean side of the bridge, rising and falling gently within ADA accessibility guidelines. The other path rises up to a higher elevation to provide views to the ocean, the Ach, and the surrounding wetland habitat. A continuous sloping surface connects the upper and lower decks creating an informal landscape that can be utilized in a variety of ways. A series of lounge seats generous enough for two people each are cut from the sloped surface – they face south over the wetlands and towards the breaking waves of the surf spot ‘Middles’. The low rounded, gradual contours of the wooden bridge deck minimize the visual and physical impact of the design on the site. The crisp edges of the deck rise to reveal a remarkable lightness and grace to the steel structure. The sinuous wooden slats spread apart to allow sunlight through to the rushes and water below.

The bridge is a key component to the restoration of the existing wetland habitat. All informal paths through this area will be closed. In addition to protecting the wetland, the bridge also provides an opportunity for users to pause and enjoy the landscape, bird watch, and learn about the local ecosystems. The design seeks to minimize its footprint on the wetland by only utilizing a single line of columns. Materials are chosen for performance, durability, sustainable forestry, and recyclability.

The structural concept of the bridge is tightly integrated with its flowing geometry. The structure is given strength by a curving steel tube running the length of the bridge to form a spine. Columns support the tube at equal intervals as it divides to follow the two paths. Lateral forces are resolved through the curvature of the spine and deck into the concrete abutments on either end. This configuration allows the footings in the wetlands to be designed with a minimum of impact because they do not need to resist uplift or overturning forces.

I think re-routing the trailhead is one of the simplest, most cost effective, and thus, elegant solutions I have come across for the "corn-dog hill" issue. Cost of course scares me on the wetland crossing. The wave component is captivating without being surfer kitsch, but it looks expensive. Perhaps by borrowing materials from traditional railroad trestles and construction techniques from old wooden rollercoasters, the same effect could be delivered cheaper. (note that the wooden trestles to the north of the project site are scheduled to be demo'ed shortly to be replaced by concrete, so re-using materials could be a sensitive nod to the past) As for railings, sure they will be necessary, but something utilizing minimal posts and cable could remain close to transparent.

this solution stands out to me probably the most. i like its direct approach, thoughtfulness and sensitivity to the landscape. i think this design adds to the surfers experience while creating a safe path. it looks modern and clean and lets the surrounding elements stand out.

This site is inspirational! After doing a road trip up highway 1 for my first ever USA visit earlier this year I was plesently suprised by the rugged coastline, untouched beaches and low key visitor / access interventions once you get away from LA. I love the image of the surfers running through the reeds that are well over their heads.

Lowering the bridge as much as possible is the way to go, leting the beauty of the site remain the main attraction .Even setting it down below the reeds slightly so that the bridge is almost invisible when viewed from the site, to give the illusion of surfers walking across the top of the reeds.

I fear that handrails would kill the impact and drama of the idea. While DDA complience and safety are critical, any way of avoiding handrails should be a key consideration.

We have recently designed a sinuous boardwalk through an urban wetland in a beach front setting on the Gold Coast and managed to make it comply with safetly standards without putting in handrails. I'd send you some images but can't seem to attach photos here.