image: Architecture for Humanity
Architecture for Humanity is a nonprofit organization with the mission of building a more sustainable future through the power of professional design. Often using competitions as a platform for innovative ideas and projects AFH launched its first landscape based competition earlier this year ‘ Safe Trestle’.
The competition focused on access to Trestles, one of North America’s most celebrated surf beaches in San Diego county. Part of the San Onofre State park the sites includes a variety of coastal habitat while also supporting a diversity of uses including surf competitions. Currently, over 100,000 people each year follow informal trails through wetlands and over active train tracks to gain access to the surf breaks at Trestles. These impromptu manmade paths present a safety hazard with passing trains and threaten the fragile ecosystem of Trestles.
image source http://openarchitecturenetwork.org
The competition resulted in 104 Entries from 25 countries encompassing a variety of designs to balance and integrate safe access and sensitive habitat protection. The finalists are now on to the next round of design working with trestles Stakeholders to refine and develop their designs towards an achievable solution.
by Allegra Bukojemsky
J. David Utterback Says:
July 1, 2010 at 7:26 am
The beach walkway photograph is the most beautiful, natural, and flowing dune/marsh design that I have ever seen. It flys like a seagull, mimics waves of sand, and flows over the landscape. Great visual for sustainable and environmental inclusion.