Glass Bridge wins Gold Prize in Design for Impact at the 2026 Design Educates Awards! It also received an Honorable Mention in Architectural design.

Emerging from research at the Polyhedral Structures Laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania, this bridge is the result of four years of collaboration. Constructed from ultra-thin 16 mm glass sheets, it demonstrates a high-performance multilayer structural system. Using Polyhedral Graphic Statics, the design team developed a funicular form that aligns geometry with internal force flow, minimizing material while maximizing structural efficiency. These methods have been developed since 2017.

The project demonstrates how brittle glass can be engineered into a load-bearing system. It bridges not only physical distances but also cultural divides, fostering understanding and empathy across communities.

By directing forces through an extremely thin cross-section, the bridge achieves an ultra-transparent structure with architectural potential. Reduced material use lowers embodied carbon and demonstrates a more sustainable approach to construction.

The bridge encourages architects to rethink structural design through strategies that reduce material while improving performance, durability, and recyclability. It promotes thin-sheet construction for lightweight buildings and infrastructure.

Blending art, science, and engineering, the bridge makes structural principles accessible to the public, transforming engineering innovation into a shared cultural experience.

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