Oklahoma City, OK.

Concrete Bridge Deck Reliefs

2017

On the bridge deck, CDR designed a pedestrian respite area for commuters traveling to and from the University of Oklahoma. The design pays homage to the university’s origins as an agricultural college. A furrowed row motif is scored into the concrete sidewalk, representing Oklahoma’s planted fields. Two distinct tall grass bas-relief patterns are cast into the seating walls, referencing both the region’s indigenous vegetation and the Dust Bowl era, when residents learned that native grasses were essential for enriching and anchoring the soil. Facing Lindsey Street and framed by two small faux-brick and quoin columns is cast text reading, “City of Norman.”

A custom railing was designed for the bridge, echoing the arched lintels found throughout the university’s architecture. Centered on the parapet and bracketed by two cast-concrete columns with brick and quoin detailing is a concrete bas-relief of the Seed Sower, David Ross Boyd—the university’s first president and a lasting symbol of its dedication to education and growth.