Hy-Bridge

Student science observation center

Type: Bridge + laboratory
Context: Graduate studio · Cal Poly Pomona
Location: Mountain river site

Rendering of a glass-enclosed truss bridge spanning a rocky mountain river among pine trees — The truss bridge across the river.

01The brief

A river crossing that is also a small public biology lab. The bridge is the building.

This concept merges a mountain river bridge with a small biology laboratory open to the public. A glazed Vierendeel truss carries both the structure and the circulation, giving maximum visibility while touching the landscape as lightly as possible.

A glass floor aperture on the viewing deck borrows from the lens of a microscope. It asks visitors to take a closer look at what is right under their feet.

Eleven rooftop photovoltaic panels feed a bank of batteries, producing roughly 5,500 to 6,050 kWh a year. That is enough to run the lab’s laptops, LED lighting, small equipment and ventilation fans off the grid.

Structure: Glazed Vierendeel truss on concrete piers
Envelope: Low-E double glazing, aluminum frame
Energy: 11 PV panels · ≈5,500–6,050 kWh/yr
Feature: Glass observation floor

02Plates · 6

Interior rendering of the glazed laboratory corridor with students gathered at a workbench — The student laboratory inside the truss.

Plan and wall section drawing of the bridge with a numbered materials legend — Plan and wall section. HSS framing, cork floor, steel decking, 1:12 ramp.

Sectional perspective showing photovoltaic panels feeding power banks and outlets — Solar strategy: panels to inverter, power banks and outlets.

White physical study model of a truss structure over a concrete plinth on a black ground — Study model.

Physical study model of a steel-framed pavilion perched on a sloped plinth — Study model on the slope.