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1. Is the cantilevered cable stay design unique to Greenville or had it been accomplished before?

The design of the Liberty Bridge which consists of curved deck with a single suspension cable attached on the outer zone of the curvature is unique to the USA. There are similar bridges built in Germany and Spain but not with the same exact geometric characteristics. The Liberty Bridge is considered one of the best pedestrian bridges worldwide and has received numerous international and national design awards.

2. What had to be considered to design the bridge with such a long sweeping curve?

With this type of bridge it is important to conduct extensive calculations and analysis to ensure the optimization of the structure and the balance of the forces. We were also very interested in creating a viewing platform to the falls and park and that is why we proposed to locate the cables away from the view of the falls. Of course local soil conditions and topography also played an important role. We wanted the bridge to seamlessly fit into the landscape.

3. The finished product is incredible, but through the creator's eyes would you do anything different relative to the look of the bridge?

I think the bridge works well with the overall park design and its different levels and access points. It is a very transparent and elegant bridge. Probably the steel tower(s) cross section diameter could be a bit smaller but in general I am very satisfied with the end result. I hope the City of Greenville will keep maintaining the bridge on a regular basis so that it always looks great.

4. Was the lighting a forethought or afterthought in the design process?

The lighting of the bridge is integral to the experience of crossing the bridge at night and it was always part of the design from the initial stages. The soft blue light transforms the appearance of the walking concrete surface making it appear much softer and delicate.

5. How long did the design process take - from conception to detailed construction documents?

It probably took around 3 years which is not unusual for a landmark pedestrian bridge. We are in the process of completing a footbridge in Fort Worth, Texas and it has taken almost 5 years. Bids were just received a month ago and construction is set to start soon. When a bridge is unique in nature it always takes longer to complete the construction drawings and sometimes it also takes more time to find additional funding for construction. However, at the end, clients and communities feel that it was worth it to wait if results are similar to the ones achieved with the Liberty Bridge.

6. Just how many people can safely fit on the bridge at once?

I would say over 1,300 people can safely fit on the bridge at once without any problem. We used high levels of safety standards well beyond the actual physical live load capacity that the bridge can accommodate.

7. The design lends itself to vibration/swaying but it seems to do very little of either. How did you accomplish this?

The bridge utilizes a stiff steel truss underneath the deck that helps stabilize the structure during use. In addition, the forces are balanced between the cable above the deck and the 3-ring cables located under the deck that connect to the steel truss. The bridge actually moves but it is not uncomfortable. It actually sways more when there are less people using it.

8. Did you have to consider wind and seismic extremes in your design?

Yes, all possible live and dead loads need to be considered. For example, small vehicles can also use the bridge. We had a very successful collaboration during the final design with structural engineers Schlaich Bergermann and Partner, which resulted into an outstanding bridge.

9. How did you choose the materials - form, function, aesthetic? If all of the above, which ones weighed heavier than others?

For such a bridge it was important to use mostly steel since the members would be smaller, more slender and easier to connect/weld. There was an extensive study of the characteristics and performance of the cables in order to find the best configuration and details. The bridge balances well both aesthetics and functional considerations.

10. What were you trying to evoke from your design?

I wanted to create a bridge that will combine both nature and technology into a synthesis of both that would enhance the overall area. I think we achieved this goal and I am very glad that so many people like the bridge and use it regularly.