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Bradley Touchstone, recently elevated to Fellowship in the American Institute of Architects (2020)[1], has broadened the architect's role in significant bridge projects throughout the United States and internationally. He has enlightened political figures and the public on the critical importance of bridge aesthetics and their enduring impact on communities for future generations. Throughout his career, Touchstone has committed himself to designing bridges that not only withstand the test of time but also enhance the built environment they inhabit. His endeavors are beginning to revolutionize bridge design and establish the modern-day role of the Bridge Architect.
Problem: Our nation's infrastructure mirrors our collective values as a society. Monumental constructions like the Golden Gate Bridge and the Hoover Dam brought hope and employment during our country's dire moments, serving essential civic roles and standing as enduring symbols of majesty and functionality. These projects were intentionally designed to embody strength and resilience during periods of uncertainty and distress. However, as the economy rebounded and the era of mass expansion took off in the 1950s and 1960s, a vast array of infrastructure projects prioritized functionality over symbolic value, often disregarding aesthetics in favor of cost-effectiveness. This "form follows function" approach led to a visual neglect in the projects' surrounding environments, teaching society to lower its expectations for the appearance of public infrastructure.
Solution: To address this issue, it's essential to enhance the programmatic requirements for bridges and significant infrastructure projects to incorporate aesthetics, sustainability, and user experience. Bradley Touchstone has spent years engaging with decision-makers in various Departments of Transportation, urging them to value the appearance of their projects. He realized that without a specific demand for aesthetics and sustainability, the status quo would persist. Touchstone has tackled this challenge through:
- Public Outreach and Education: Over the past two decades, Touchstone has reached out to hundreds of public groups, student bodies, local politicians, and stakeholders to promote "Low Cost and No Cost Aesthetic Enhancements" for bridge projects. He has demonstrated how communities can demand more from their Departments of Transportation and local officials.
- Aesthetic and Architectural Integration of Design and Construction Teams: Touchstone has shown that high-quality design by a licensed architect can significantly differentiate in acquiring new projects. His reputation has made Bridge Architects highly sought after in design and design/build teams, facilitating significant design improvements, from minor details to major bridge forms.
- Project Delivery: In the last 23 years, Touchstone has overseen more than $12 billion in bridge-related construction. He has proven to engineers, contractors, and project owners that incorporating aesthetics and responsible design leads to projects that positively impact communities and the built environment over their expected 100+ year lifespan without exceeding budgetary constraints or complicating design and construction processes.
Although Bradley Touchstone has received numerous awards for his designs, his lasting legacy in the industry is his role as an architectural ambassador to the world of large-scale infrastructure design and construction. His efforts have paved the way for the integration of architects and aesthetics into the design of our nation's bridges and infrastructure, ensuring that future projects surpass the standards set by previous generations.
Significant Work edit
- 2nd Street Bridge - Austin, TX
- Fore River Bridge - Quincy/Weymouth, MA
- Christopher S. Bond Bridge - Kansas City, MO
- Hastings Bridge - Hastings, MN
- Audubon Bridge - St. Francisville, LA
- Glass City Skyway Bridge - Toledo, OH
- George Voinovich Bridge - Cleveland, OH
- Gordie Howe International Crossing - Detroit, MI/Windsor, ON
- Lafayette Bridge - St. Paul
- Saadiyat Bridge - Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
- Maroon Creek Bridge - Aspen, CO
- Kosciuszko Bridge - Brooklyn/Queens, NY
- Palmetto Section 5 Interchange - Miami, FL
- 1st Street Bridge - Los Angeles, CA
- Schuylkill Trail Bridge - Philadelphia, PA
- Red Wing Bridge - Red Wing, MN
Additional Work edit
In addition to the projects listed above, Mr. Touchstone has participated in the development of many significant transportation projects nationally and internationally. He is dedicated to expanding the role architects play in the development of our nation's infrastructure.
- M-5 Pedestrian Bridge - Commerce Township, MI
- St. Anthony Parkway Bridge Design - St. Paul, MN
- Jupiter Federal Bridge Design - Jupiter, FL
- Goethals Bridge Design Build - New York, NY
- I-49 Interchange - Shreveport, LA
- Beckett Bridge – Tarpon Springs, FL
- Mobile River Bridge Design Build Competition - Mobile, AL
- Red Wing Bridge - Red Wing, MN
- Venetian Causeway Bridge - Miami, FL
- Dunedin Bridge - Dunedin, FL
- Columbia River Crossing - Portland, OR
- A-25 Completion - Montreal, Canada
- Biloxi US 90 Replacement - Biloxi, MS
- Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area National Parks
- Maitland Interchange Bridge - Orlando, FL
- Market Street Bridge Renovation – Wilmington, DE
- Walnut Street Bridge Renovation – Wilmington, DE
- Christina River Bridge - Wilmington, DE
- Tyler McConnell Bridge - Wilmington, DE
- Dobson Road Bridge Design - Phoenix, AZ
- Northern Parkway Bridge Design - Phoenix, AZ
- Harbor Bridge Design Build Competition - Corpus Christi, TX
- Tappan Zee Bridge Design Build Competition - New York, NY
- I-395 Design Build Competition - Miami, FL
- Gulf Breeze Bridge Design Build Competition - Pensacola, FL
- St. Louis Bridge Design Build Competition - St. Louis, MO
- Flagler Bridge Design Build Competition - Palm Beach, FL
- 331 Bridge Design Build Competition - Santa Rosa Beach, FL
- Dubai 2nd Crossing Design Competition - Dubai, U.A.E.
- Burns Bridge Design Build Competition - Worchester, MA
- Martin’s Point Bridge Design Build Competition - Portland, MA
- Indian Street Bridge Design Build Competition - Sussex Co., DE
Presentations edit
During the past 20 years, Mr. Touchstone has spoken and lectured extensively about the importance of bridge aesthetics and the creation of meaningful infrastructure. His tireless efforts have expanded the role architects now play in bridge projects by convincing owners to require a licensed architect as a key team member. The following is a partial list of the presentations he has delivered:
- International Bridge Conference
- National Transportation Research Board Conference
- Aspen City Council
- Florida DOT Bridge Conference
- City of Detroit, MI
- City of Windsor, Ontario
- City of Cedar Rapids, IA
- City of Red Wing, MN
- City of St. Paul, MN
- City of Miami, FL
- City of Tallahassee, FL
- Florida Department of Transportation
- South Dakota Department of Transportation
- Louisiana Department of Transportation
- Delaware Department of Transportation
- City of New York Department of Transportation
- Alabama Department of Transportation
- Georgia Department of Transportation
- Minnesota Department of Transportation
- City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation
- Pinellas County Florida Public Works
- Michigan Department of Transportation
- California Department of Transportation
- Colorado Department of Transportation
- Washington Department of Transportation
- D.C. Metro Department of Transportation
- Nevada Department of Transportation
- City of Phoenix, AZ
- City of Austin, TX
- City of Mobile, AL
- City of Pensacola, FL
- City of Red Wing, MN
Awards and Honors edit
| 2019 | ACEC - MA Grand Conceptor Award - Fore River Bridge |
| 2018 | AIA Florida Northwest - Honor Award of Excellence for New Work - 2nd Street Bridge |
| 2016 | FICE Engineering Excellence Grand Conceptor Award 826/836 Interchange |
| 2016 | Florida AIA Peoples Choice Award Program - St. Peter's Anglican Church - second overall |
| 2016 | LTC Bridge Design Project Development Transportation Excellence Award, I-49 North |
| 2015 | AIA Tallahassee, Merit Award, Hastings Bridge |
| 2015 | ABC North Florida Eagle Award for Commercial Construction, St. Peter's Anglican Church |
| 2015 | ABC North Florida Eagle Award for Masonry, St. Peter's Anglican Church |
| 2015 | ABC North Florida Specialty Project Award, St. Peter's Anglican Church |
| 2014-2017 | NCARB/AIA Intern Development Firm Award |
| 2014 | ENR Best of Midwest Bridges, Hastings Bridge |
| 2014 | SEAI Excellence in Design Award, Hastings Bridge |
| 2014 | ICF Builders Award - Best Heavy Commercial - St. Peter's Anglican Church |
| 2013 | AIA Tallahassee Chapter Honor Award, Maroon Creek Bridge |
| 2013 | AIA Tallahassee Chapter Merit Award, St. Peter's Anglican Church |
| 2013 | ENR Best of the Best Bridges, John J. Audubon Bridge |
| 2012 | ENR Best Projects of the Year, John J. Audubon Bridge |
| 2012 | DBIA Design Excellence Award, John J. Audubon Bridge |
| 2012 | National Steel Bridge Association Merit Award, Christopher S. Bond Bridge (kcICON) |
| 2012 | National Steel Bridge Association Merit Award, Audubon Bridge |
| 2011 | ACEC Grand Conceptor Award, Christopher S. Bond Bridge (kcICON) |
| 2011 | Tallahassee AIA Honor Award, Christopher S. Bond Bridge (kcICON) |
| 2010 | Florida AIA Unbuilt Design Merit, Columbia River Crossing |
| 2009 | ASBI Bridge of Excellence, Maroon Creek Bridge |
| 2002 | Florida AIA - Unbuilt Design Merit Award - New Maumee River Bridge |
| 1993 | Mississippi State University - Wood Council Design Award |
| 1992 | Mississippi State University - Alpha Rho Chi Award |
| 2018 | Featured Exhibit - Giles Hall McNeal Architecture Gallery - Mississippi State University |
| 2010-Present | National Transportation Research Board Aesthetics Sub Committee Member |
| 2018 | PCA Concrete Bridge Awards Juror |
| 2016 | PCA Concrete Bridge Awards Juror |
| 2012 | Mississippi State University Alumni Fellow[2] |
| 2010-Present | Mississippi State University School of Architecture Advisory Board |
References edit
- ^ "Members Elevated to Fellowship". aiafla.org. Retrieved 2024-03-14.
- ^ Team, ITS Web Development. "Bradley C. Touchstone, AIA". College of Architecture, Art, and Design. Retrieved 2024-03-14.