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EAC Consulting, Inc. eacconsult.com City of Sunny Isles Beach • RFQ 19-11-01 • Professional Engineering and Architectural Services for Pedestrian Bridge with Park Elements Across A1A at 174th St. maintenance Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting that is well integrated with the architecture of the bridge. The use of lighting fixtures that change colors for special events could be added to the project at minimal cost. We will provide indirect lighting and conceal the location of conduits and electrical connections. We will also provide cut-off luminaries to not impact the adjacent residential buildings surrounding the crossing and follow Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) guidelines for the use of turtle-friendly fixtures. Landscape Architecture & Urban Design A key issue in the proposed bridge parkway will be the design of planting and pedestrian-friendly spaces, possibly even incorporating seating and viewing areas. SMDS has significant experience in planting over structural decks, the most relevant being the Aventura Optima ‘Green Roof’ designed over a parking Garage, the second LEED Platinum Building in South Florida, recipient of awards from Florida ASLA and nationally from the Green Roof for Healthy Cities Organization. SMDS will work in close collaboration with the Bridge Engineers, Bridge Architect, and Project Team to define the design guidelines and requirements for the landscape architecture on the bridge, and lend their expertise to help the City to achieve their project goals, which include: 1. Iconic & Emblematic The bridge design will take advantage of its proposed location over Collins Avenue to connect with the Samson Oceanfront Park. This pedestrian bridge has the potential to become an iconic architectural element for the City of Sunny Isles Beach, as well as critical infrastructure to make moving through the City safer, easier, and more pleasant for pedestrians. The shape and materials used will be key in designing a bridge that is both emblematic and structurally sound. Coordination between the engineering and architectural team will be essential at this stage in the design process. 2. Be a Destination and Experience The bridge should be a destination in and of itself. The experience of moving up, across and down the bridge should feel natural. There are several ways to do this, and some options to be evaluated for this project include: elevators, progressive ramp-ways, commercial opportunities, recreational program, passive park-like setting, ways to create a natural connection to the park, etc. The general idea is to create special uses or experiences to the bridge in addition to its functional quality. 3. Bridge to have a “Park” character One potential bridge design concept will be to balance the loss of green space caused by Collins Avenue by “raising” the landscape above the street, essentially creating a Park Bridge Oasis. This concept not only provides stormwater management benefits, but invites people to enjoy the space, activating it with special uses that complement the existing park. It will also create panoramic views over the park, ocean and city beyond. 4. Complement and harmonize with Samson Oceanfront Park We envision the design of the bridge as an extension of the park, creating a greenway link to the west side of the City. Our Project Team will design the bridge to add to Samson Oceanfront Park. The planting palette will be comprised of coastal, native hammock and dune species. Emphasis will be on coastal, salt resistant, and wind resistant plants to comprise the planting palette. This bridge design will require structural, architectural, urban design, and landscape architectural services to seamlessly integrate it within the City’s mobility network as well as its open spaces. SMDS will be involved from the beginning of the programming and schematic design process to define planting areas, pedestrian paths and passive areas in order to delineate a clear approach to irrigation, depth of planting areas, types of soils, and types of planting. SMDS will also contribute to the urban design and layout of the bridge, in coordination with the bridge architect, structural engineer, and all other consultants. Integration of Landscape, Architectural and Structural features It is important that landscape and green elements on the bridge be well integrated to create a seamless experience crossing the bridge. We will design a bridge superstructure that easily accommodates landscaping and possibly a tree canopy to provide shade at the crossing. Our Project Team has experience with similar projects across the USA including a new parkway being built in Manhattan in the East River - which also includes a pedestrian bridge connecting the neighborhood to the floating parkway.