Social Bridges Type 1: Visor Parks
2025
The Social Bridges concept aims to increase public open space by transforming single-purpose urban waterway bridge crossings into multi-purpose social spaces.
There are three typologies under the Social Bridges concept, with this example, Type 1: Visor Parks, being the most compact and cost-effective build. All three types of Social Bridges use a kit-of-parts approach that can be attached to existing urban waterway infrastructure. This approach provides an affordable alternative to purchasing land to increase public open space in cities where land is scarce and expensive.
For utilization (to maximize the amount of park space per bridge) and aesthetics (the visual experience of crossing a bridge framed by two trees), it is recommended that Visor Parks be installed on both sides of bridges.
Below is a 10-step process for installing Visor Parks, followed by a short video:
STEP 1: Select a typical existing urban waterway bridge that has a high amount of foot traffic. Example: the Whitsett Avenue Bridge crossing the L.A. River in Studio City, California
STEP 2: Add structural support by extruding the existing bridge’s structural form
STEP 3: Add seatwall planters with soil 6’ wide and 3.5’ deep to accommodate large shade trees
STEP 4: Add "visor" platforms
STEP 5: Add water features to mask traffic noise
STEP 6: Add light poles for safety and to encourage nighttime use
STEP 7: Add roadside guardrails to protect pedestrians from vehicular traffic
STEP 8: Add pedestrian guardrails and countertops
STEP 9: Add site furniture
STEP 10: Add trees to provide shade for visor park visitors