WINNER Florida Canyon Bridge Hunter Ruthrauff, T.Y. Lin Hunter Ruthrauff , a senior design associate with T.Y. Lin International’s Architecture and Visualization Group (AVG) in San Diego, designed a 3D-printed steel pedestrian bridge that spans Balboa Park’s Florida Canyon. Ruthrauff chose 3D-printed steel because it offers better tensile strength than 3D-printed concrete and lessens the complexity of the design process. Ruthrauff’s design draws on Spanish-inspired architecture in the Prado, local flora, and the nearby Cabrillo Bridge. The bridge’s organic form reflects the network of trails in Flor-ida Canyon. The bridge’s open deck offers uninterrupted views and some unconventional public space: large hammocks over four apertures that look down into the canyon. The project would take advantage of the unconventional shapes that are possible with 3D-printed structural steel. Although the Forge Prize is a conceptual competition, the judges all expressed confi-dence that Ruthrauff’s bridge will be built someday. “I don’t think any of us have a doubt in our mind that it’s going to come together and be a catalyst for the rest of us across the country,” said Pascale Sablan, FAIA, an associate at Adjaye Associates Architects. “He really convinced us that he could actually help solve some of the infrastructure issues that are plaguing our nation.” “Over the last 37 years since our founding, we’ve fabricated some unique and interesting projects, but the projects we’ve enjoyed most involve finding solutions to challenges created by architects’ innovative use of steel,” said STS Steel, Inc., president Glenn Tabolt, who served as Ruthrauff’s mentor during the competition. “I was not that familiar with the use of 3D printing in such a large structure, but the more I worked with Hunter and understood the technology, the more enthusiastic I became about his design.” “From an innovation standpoint, our day jobs require that we remain somewhat grounded, and this can impact the speed at which we implement technology. By encouraging forward-thinking design and innovation, the Forge Prize advocates for the evolution of steel structures and therefore improves the industry. There is a revolution on the horizon for our industry that will occur when 3D printing and other advanced fabrication methods are fully embraced. Steel 3D printing specifically will transform how we view steel as a structural material and unchain architectural design. It will ultimately lead to a more harmonious process between engineers and architects. There is a lot to figure out, but we are at the precipice of an exciting future.” —Hunter Ruthrauff Modern Steel Construction | 55
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