Photograph by Brian Heape

TENSEGRITY

In the fall of 2020, the Clemson Community + Build Studio focused on replacing a deteriorating bridge connecting Charleston's Forest Park to the adjacent Bikeway. Working with the City of Charleston and the Charleston Parks Conservancy, the project sought to create a more engaging and accessible public connection and restore a walkway that was once there.

Influenced by Buckminster Fuller’s tensegrity principles and the work of sculptor Robbie Cuthbert, the bridge’s overhead structure and railing system were designed to express movement while serving as sculptural guardrails.

My role spanned design, fabrication, and installation. I contributed to schematic design, development of shop drawings for the framing system and welding jig, and helped guide fabrication through testing and mock-ups. I was a core member of the team responsible for welding and assembling the bridge’s six modules and structural frame.

Full team: Jeremy Eaton, Claire McManus, Aaron Autry, Kevin Crumley, Henry Lee, Mohamed Fahkry, Shane Leonard, Amanda Metze, Caleb Thomas, Brian Heape, Ryan Bing.

Professor: David Pastre

Structural Engineer: John Moore