Header: Tianjian Li
In Catskill, New York, Fillet Edge re-envisioned the Catskill Creek Bridge, originally a vehicular arch bridge, into a refined pedestrian crossing for the local community. Designed by Tianjian Li and Yifan Deng, the unique bridge has been recognized as the winner of the Architectural Design – Bridges and Public Infrastructure category at the BLT Built Design Awards.
The structure remains a practical route for daily use while introducing a sensitive design approach that connects with its natural surroundings.
It reflects Li’s focus on combining contemporary methods with regional identity. As development continues in the Catskill area, the bridge shows how small-scale infrastructure can enhance everyday experiences without altering the landscape’s quiet character.
The design team approached the bridge as both an engineering structure and a crafted object. The original reinforced concrete frame remains intact, providing stability and continuity with the site’s history. Around it, locally sourced timber balustrades add warmth and a human touch to the structure. Each balustrade follows a rhythmic pattern that echoes the slow movement of the creek below, creating a sense of flow and lightness along the walkway.
Between Material and Motion
The bridge’s most distinctive feature appears in the middle, where the balustrades open slightly to frame a view of the creek and nearby woodland. This gentle widening offers a momentary pause for those crossing, allowing them to take in the scenery without interrupting the path’s continuity. The space is not intended for gathering or rest but for brief awareness, a design gesture that aligns with the bridge’s communal function.
Throughout the process, the architects combined traditional woodworking craftsmanship with computational design tools to achieve precision and efficiency. The result is a structure that feels contemporary yet familiar, reflecting both the technological progress of the practice and the tactile qualities of local craft.
By treating the bridge as part of the living fabric of Catskill rather than a standalone statement, Fillet Edge demonstrates how thoughtful design can enhance everyday infrastructure. The Catskill Creek Bridge remains what it has always been: a route used by residents and visitors alike, but it now carries an added sense of rhythm, warmth, and connection to place.
Photo Credit: Tianjian Li
