Construction is under way on the Soleri Bridge and Plaza downtown and is expected to be completed in the fall.
It will be the second pedestrian bridge connecting the Scottsdale Waterfront and SouthBridge across the north and south banks of the Arizona Canal. Designed by famed Italian designer Paolo Soleri, the bridge will demonstrate the importance of solar movement and feature two steel-clad, 64-foot-high pylons, creating a shaft of light across the bridge that spans onto the south side of the canal. The light will mark five important solar events: the equinox, solstice and cross-quarter dates.
A 22,000-square-foot plaza will frame the bridge and will be available for pedestrians, bicyclists and horse riders from Scottsdale Road into the downtown area. Shallow pools of water, shade, seating and a bell tower housing the largest bell assemblage ever created by Soleri will be a part of the plaza. The park-like setting will feature informational tidbits on astronomical events provided as educational elements in the structural forms. The space also will serve as a gathering place for ceremonies and performances, as well as accommodate the historic Sun Circle Trail, which was designated as part of the Arizona State Trails System in 1976.
