This 3D-printed pedestrian steel bridge concept has won the 2021 Forge Prize

Ruthrauff's winning bridge concept is conceived for a site in San Diego's Balboa Park, seeking to reflect the network of trails in Florida Canyon through its organic form. According to the designer, 3D-printed steel was chosen due to its better tensile strength than 3D-printed concrete and the reduced complexity of the design process.

"The bridge’s open deck offers uninterrupted views and some unconventional public space: large hammocks over four apertures that look down into the canyon," explains the project description. "The project would take advantage of the unconventional shapes that are possible with 3D-printed structural steel."

Pascale Sablan, FAIA, NOMA, LEED AP, Associate at Adjaye Associates Architects, and a 2021 Forge Prize jury member, commented on the winning design: "I don’t think any of us have a doubt in our mind that it’s going to come together and be a catalyst for the rest of us across the country. [Ruthrauff] really convinced us that [he] can actually help solve some of the infrastructure issues that are plaguing our nation."

The submission for a mixed-use civic plaza in Richmond, Virginia by Yimeng Teng and Mert Kansu of VMDO Architects was selected as the first runner-up. Jieun Yang of Habitat Workshop came in as second runner-up for her Signal Park urban village design.