From Venice to Brooklyn, Bangkok to Chicago, bridges have the ability to reach beyond the mere length of their spans. When approached as design opportunities rather than structural problems, bridges can make connections. Bridges can unite communities, provide places to gather, and serve as powerful symbols.

In March 2003, the City of Chicago Department of Transportation invited qualified architectural and engineering firms to propose pedestrian-bridge designs for four locations along the lakefront. Participants could submit a proposal for any or all of the locations: single spans at 53rd Street, the Chicago River, and North Avenue, and a pair of bridges, to be considered as one proposal, at 41st and 43rd Streets.

The competition attracted many Chicago designers and some of the world’s best-known architects. With eight weeks to develop their designs, a total of 23 firms submitted 67 proposals, on view here. A professional jury has reviewed the proposals and recently made its recommendations to Mayor Richard M. Daley.

In order to promote public awareness and dialog about the bridges competition, the Chicago Architecture Foundation has organized this exhibition in partnership with the City of Chicago Department of Transportation. There are many creative solutions to consider. Whatever the outcome, the inclusive nature of the competition process reflects Chicago’s grand civic vision for an accessible lakefront.

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