Anuenue's Arc
Caroline Buecker, Alexsandra Arnstein, Lexi McNutt, Jasmine Said, and Aliyah Murph
Anuenue's Arc embodies the essence of celestial architecture by intertwining the earthly and heavenly realms. The design reflects the rich mythology and natural beauty of Maui, Hawaii through a bridge structure that memorializes the lives lost during the Maui fires.
Rainbows
To view a rainbow there needs to be both sun and rain present, with the sun behind the viewer and the rain in front. The sun must also be lower than 42 degrees above the horizon. Optimizing this information in reference to the location of our chosen site, our bridge has been created to bring viewers to higher east and west points. After analyzing the sun and our site, we found that rainbows can be viewed towards the east and the west. The western views of rainbows can be seen at an azimuth between 245° to 335° anytime between 06:00 and 11:00 depending on the time of the year. Whereas the eastern views, which will most likely be the most seen, can be seen at an azimuth of 25° to 115° between 13:30 and 19:00 depending on the time of the year.
Project Team:
The bridge is an experience that works with the landscape of the site by following the coastline and creating an elevated bridge to bring users closer to the rainbows and allow for the best viewing points towards rainbows, while also serving as a symbolic link between the terrestrial realm and the celestial spheres.
Initial Iteration:
Final Design:
The slope of the bridge remains 1:12 slope and shallower, allowing for the entire structure to be ADA compliant, increasing the number of visitors who can enjoy the bridge and surrounding serene landscape. The design incorporates open-air elements to promote natural ventilation, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all users.
The incorporation of polycarbonate panels further underscores its commitment to innovation by maximizing natural light and reducing the need for artificial lighting. Solar powered LED footpath lights are also implemented to allow for additional lighting at night, without the need for traditional power sources, ensuring that the bridge remains environmentally friendly throughout its operation.
With 100 prisms illuminating the night sky, each one representing a life lost, the bridge serves as a beacon of remembrance, honoring the memory of the lives lost during the 2023 Maui Fires. By illuminating the path at foot level, the bridge aims to guide visitors to a place of reflection and contemplation, where they can pay tribute to their loved ones and find solace in the beauty of the celestial realm.
