The Bridge that DNA built.

Sort of….

Seattle Urban Sketchers had been to the Helix Pedestrian Bridge before but I never knew about it until it was our scheduled outing for this month.

It is a marvel of a bridge!  Here is some information I found about it:   “Spanning 11 railroad tracks, this bridge connects Amgen’s office complex on the waterfront to a major arterial road. The bridge is designed after the double helix structure of DNA. (Amgen is one of the world’s largest biotech companies.)”  [I think I heard Amgen no longer occupies the building there.]

In 2004, the Amgen Helix Pedestrian Bridge received the “Outstanding Project” award under the Bridges and Transportation category given by the National Council of Structural Engineers Association.

Fabric Type: PTFE Fiberglass
Architeect: Johnson Architecture and Planning; Seattle, WA
Engineer: KPFF Consulting Engineers; Seattle, WA
General Contractor: Sordoni Skanska Inc.
Completion Date: 2004

It’s a very complex structure to sketch.  I picked this view as I thought it was a bit challenging but not beyond what I might be able to do.  That’s Susan H. sitting in front of me.

We were supposed to all begin by meeting at “Fish On” Bait and Tackle Shop/Cafe along the trail.  It was hard to find and many didn’t make it.  I headed back to find a view of the pier.  These are the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) ships.

What is with this leaning boat. I did not notice I tilted it while drawing it!

Then back to the bridge for our sharing session.  There were a few new people and a couple people had to leave early so we’re missing them in the group photo.

More photos here.