The Living Bridge - Senior Housing Bridge Renovation (Proposed Design)

Proposed design. At a senior housing community in Melrose, an aging elevated bridge had become little more than a weathered passage: poorly lit, exposed to snow and rain, and past the useful life of much of its enclosure and finishes. Residents still valued what it made possible, an accessible connection and a shared path through their community. Flow reframed it as the Living Bridge, a public space where light, movement, nature and art come together. Rather than replace the sound primary structure, the design works with it: existing columns anchor a curved steel language, translucent panels improve weather protection while keeping daylight, integrated lighting strengthens visibility at night, and seating creates places to pause without compromising accessibility or egress.