Architectural Amazement: The Sundial Bridge in Redding, California

The expansive and expensive Sundial Bridge in Redding, California, is no doubt one of the most remarkable architectural designs in northern California. The $23.5 million dollar bridge (Mobley), an architectural masterpiece by Santiago Calatrava, is the most recent architectural addition to the town of Redding and the biggest tourist attraction. The pedestrian bridge that spans the Sacramento River connects the trail system with the Turtle Bay Exploration Park and McConnell Arboretum (Visit Redding). The construction for the bridge began in 1999, but the idea and the planning began years before, in 1995. In 1995, designers and city of Redding officials were thinking of building a bridge, but not just any bridge, a bridge that would be recognizable from across the state and a landmark for the north state (Mobley).

The Sundial Bridge most definitely separates itself from its surroundings. It is a rises above anything nearby and is recognizable from a distance. It stands out as an independent piece of art apart from Turtle Bay and the Sacramento River.

As a visitor walking across the bridge can feel the slight swaying. The gentle rocking back and forth can either be comforting or uneasy, depending on the visitor. The bridge's walkway is composed of glass panels so thick that a person can barely see through to the water below. The glass is lit up at night and glows against the dark river. Walking down the path, the huge cables are coming out of the pathway and shoot up the side of the sundial, to the very point of the pylon. The cables feel shaky, but at the same time, strong and sturdy. Nearing the pointed pylon, the vertical tower of the bridge, the enormity takes one's breath away. The massive wall shoots up and into a mast that point towards the sky. Following the path, a small curb of mosaics borders the walkway down to underneath the pylon and bridge. The mosaics then spread out to the entire wall beneath the pylon, emphasizing the intricate detail put into the bridge. The mosaics continue throughout the wall and bordering the sidewalk and the riverbank. The underside is just as beautiful and amazing as the bridge itself.