In the North Park neighborhood of San Diego, McKinley Elementary School is primarily accessed by foot or bicycle. However, one portion of the neighborhood is separated from the school by a canyon that also contains a popular park.
DAI proposed a pedestrian and bicycle bridge to reconnect the neighborhood, improving access to both the school and the park.
The initial proposal, “The Dinosaur,” drew neighbors’ concerns about its visual impact. In response, DAI revised the concept into a series of basket-like structures connected by suspension bridges. The design evokes a playful experience—riding a bicycle down the sloped bridge and back up the other side, with the sensation of wind and the rhythmic clatter of planks—creating a memorable experience for children.
