Safe Trestles Design Competition Invites the Public to Vote on Finalists

The Safe Trestles International Design Competition announced the finalist proposals. With 104 entries from 25 countries, the jury had the tough job to narrow it down to 5 teams in the finalists round. Finalists will receive a stipend to work with Trestles Stakeholders to refine and develop their designs towards an achievable solution.

Access to Trestles, one of North America’s most celebrated waves at the northern edge of San Diego County, California, is under threat due to safety and environmental concerns. Currently, over 100,000 people each year follow informal trails through wetlands and over active train tracks to gain access to the surf breaks at Trestles. These impromptu manmade paths present a safety hazard with passing trains and threaten the fragile ecosystem of Trestles.

In response, in February 2010, a coalition of concerned groups organized by the volunteer non-profit organization Architecture for Humanity, launched “Safe Trestles,” the open-to-all, two-stage design competition to create a safe pathway to serve surfers, the local coastal community and day visitors to San Onofre State Beach. The competition asked for cohesive designs that eliminate the danger of crossing active train tracks, help to restore wetlands that have been damaged by the present path, preserve and improve vistas, and offer education about the history of the site and the beach marsh environment. The new path should ensure continued access to the resources by all members of the community and adhere to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

Check out the five finalist projects below and visit the Safe Trestles People’s Choice Award Page to vote for your favorites.