16 Tech Community Corporation has chosen a team led by engineering firm Schlaich Bergermann Partner (SBP), working in collaboration with Practice for Architecture and Urbanism (PAU) and other partners.
The bridge will connect the 16 Tech Innovation District to Indianapolis’ research corridor and is intended to serve as an architectural centrepiece for the city.
The SBP and PAU team was selected from a field of 33 design teams that was narrowed down to six finalists. The other finalists were Behnisch Architekten, Kennedy & Violich Architecture, MVRDV, NADAAA and Snøhetta.
The new bridge will span Fall Creek from 10th Street and Riley Hospital Drive, connecting Indianapolis’ medical and education campuses to the 16 Tech Innovation District, neighboring communities and downtown Indianapolis. The project also includes schematic designs for signature entrances and wayfinding throughout the district.
“SBP assembled a cohesive and diverse team that integrates engineering, architectural design thinking and innovative community engagement,” said Bob Coy, president and CEO of 16 Tech. “The SBP team shares our vision to create an emblem of innovation for downtown Indianapolis, and we are excited to partner together.”
“We are excited to bring such a creative team of designers to the 16 Tech Innovation District, jointly working on a landmark bridge for the City of Indianapolis,” said Michael Stein, partner and managing director of SBP’s New York office. “We believe the bridge can connect the wider community and serve as a symbol of 16 Tech’s commitment to collaboration, innovation, and research.”
PAU founder and creative director Vishaan Chakrabarti said: “PAU is thrilled to have been selected to collaborate with world-renown bridge engineers SBP and our extraordinary team members on behalf of 16 Tech. We believe that through thoughtful community-based design this project will build upon the great strengths of Indianapolis and 16 Tech as a world-class location for jobs and innovation centred on equitable and sustainable public space.”
The team led by SBP includes diverse partners to give both international and local experience. More than 50 percent of the design contract is with minority, disadvantaged, or women-owned or led businesses.
- The other team members are:
- Moniteurs Communication Design, Berlin;
- Martha Schwartz Partners, New York;
- Shrewsberry & Associates, Indianapolis;
- CTL Engineering, Indianapolis;
- Circle Design Group, Indianapolis;
- Synnov Group, Chicago; and
- People for Urban Progress (PUP), Indianapolis.
“I am excited for the design of the 16 Tech bridge to begin and for the communities around 16 Tech to have an active voice in the process,” said Vop Osili, architect and president of the Indianapolis City-County Council. “The SBP team demonstrated a clear commitment to community engagement and diversity in their overall project approach, and the design process will engage surrounding communities so neighbours are heard and welcomed in the final product.”
