Open City Project | A Bridge That’s Also a Park – OMA Really Did It!

Spanning the Anacostia River in Washington D.C., OMA, in collaboration with landscape architects OLIN, has transformed an abandoned bridge pier into a vibrant public space that truly “connects” the city—the 11th Street Bridge Park. 🏞️✨ This is not just a pedestrian bridge—it’s an elevated park blending landscape, education, community activities, and stunning views. 🌉🌿 With its striking X-shaped design linking both sides of the river, OMA doesn’t just mend a fractured urban fabric—it creates multi-level zones including a café, an environmental education center, lawns for performances, and even hammock areas for relaxation. ☕📚🎤 While early renderings sparked concerns about real estate speculation, the design team pushed forward with an Equitable Development Plan, ensuring the project serves as a tool for urban justice—not just a visual icon. ⚖️❤️ This is more than architecture—it’s an act of repair, sharing, and urban memory in built form. 🧱🌇 Have you visited innovative public spaces that blend nature, design, and community like this? Share your favorite examples below! 👇💬 #PublicSpace #Unbuilt #UrbanGarden #PedestrianBridge #OutdoorDesign #OMA #OfficeForMetropolitanArchitecture #WashingtonDC #USA #UrbanDesign #CommunitySpace #Riverfront #SustainableCities