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Government Honorable Mention
CamargoCopeland Architects, LLP
The Bridge
Dallas, Texas

Project Description
The Bridge is Dallas' homeless assistance center, serving as a safe haven and focusing on services for the City's newly and chronic homeless population of more than 6,000 individuals. The project's vision is "to empower homeless individuals and families to sustain and maintain permanent housing."

Our mission was to provide a safe, caring, respectful, and dignified refuge for individuals and families, create facilities needed in offering services that sustain and maintain clients in achieving self-sufficiency in permanent housing, and actively engage homeless individuals making them aware of available resources.

The Bridge was conceived, developed, and implemented with high regard and consideration to the environment. The importance of the psychological connection to daylight, large number of plumbing fixtures required, and desire to make something special out of an abandoned warehouse, resulted in Light, Water, and Reuse as major themes that directed the architectural and engineering solutions. The project is on track to achieve LEED Silver rating.

Believing that housing is the solution to homelessness, The Bridge offers much needed housing options for the homeless population, inclusive of Men and Women interim housing, Men and Women Live/Work housing program, housing for individuals with Special Needs, accommodations for the Chronic homeless, and refuge for mothers and children seeking help from abusive situations. The center addresses a segment of the population for whom there is little housing opportunity.

The Bridge elevates the quality of public spaces with durable, honest, and humble materials, finishes, and furnishings, offering a variety of gathering spaces for social interaction or solitary respite. The interior spaces are flooded with natural daylight; views to the exterior are available in 90% of all spaces. The interiors were designed to fulfill our mission of providing a safe, caring, respectful, and dignified environment.

Judges Comments:

• Should be a model for other cities
• a very good project