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The Crook Point Bascule Bridge is rich with a long history of providing value to the Providence community and greater region both a node of connection as well as a cultural relic. This project provides a unique opportunity to rebuild a broken tie in connectivity between both sides of the Seekonk River while elevating the value that space can serve the community today. Core to the redevelopment of this bridge is preserving its modern value as a community destination, and symbol of Providence’s larger industrial legacy.
CAPTURING A COMMUNITY NARRATIVE THROUGH DESIGN
The goal is to translate a sensitivity of the surrounding community context into to design approach. While the existing Fox Point neighborhood is experiencing waves of gentrification and higher-income residents, we aim to create a space that improves accessibility and safety for all users, while being intentional to advocate for particular communities that are threatened by development forces:
Fox Point and opposing East Providence has historically been home to a number of working-class immigrants—primarily from Portugal and Cape Verde. While the Providences side is experiencing gentrification pressure, our design approach seeks to hold a sensitivity to these populations. From a design standpoint, movement along the corridor and bridge provides an opportunity to offer creative signage and educational components that help capture and preserve the community’s narrative. The site has also been home to a particular street art a graffiti culture. Our approach seeks to celebrate these creative contributions to Providence’s fabric, rather than write over this creative culture. Approaches include leaving certain pieces intact while retaining the remnants of existing materiality that allow for ongoing creative contributions to this space.
INTENT + VALUES
Overarchingly we see this opportunity to build an iconic landscape that serves more than just a bridge but enhancing a beloved destination within Providence’s urban fabric. Blending a mix of historic sensitivity with enhanced design interventions to improve inclusion and accessibility. Our approach is designed with the intent to allow the space to evolve and grow with the diverse communities that surround it.