May 11, 2010 - Top 5 Finalists Announced for Safe Trestles Competition

The Safe Trestles Competition began back in February and was intended as a way to challenge architects and designers to come up with the best way to safely access the world-famous Trestles beach in Southern California.

On average, more than 100,000 people visit the famous surf break and beach each year. Access to the beach begins with parking off of the Old Pacific Highway 101, walking through the wetland area, crossing the train tracks and finally arriving at the beach. In addition to it being incredibly dangerous to cross active train tracks, numerous paths have been cut through the area over the years disturbing the fragile ecosystem. Trestles has been threatened by development and the highly controversial toll road recently and now that the area is finally safe from change, it's time to make the beach safe to access. Here are the finalists for the Safe Trestles Competition:

The Long Trail by KSLA

KSLA proposes a slightly elevated pathway constructed of FSC-certified redwood cutting down the side of the bluff in a direct path to the train tracks, where a safe track crossing would be installed. Lights, bells, and a gate alert visitors to oncoming trains to keep them safe, and a series of signs educate about the environment.

The Wave by Joshua Beck and Tom Reiner

The Wave proposes an elevated walkway and bridge on the lower portion of the trail and a widened dirt path on the upper section, beginning at the parking lot. The new walkway, constructed from steel tubes and an undulating sustainably-harvested wood decking, is elevated about the wetland area, allowing visitors to view nature from above without disturbing it. A gate and signal crossing would also be installed.

Natural Scheme by Murphy Burnham & Buttrick Architects

Constructed with reclaimed, recycled, local and otherwise sustainable materials, the Natural Scheme proposal features an elevated walkway that follows the topography of the area down and across a bridge to the beach. A new parking area will be constructed completely shaded by large canopy trees. Bathrooms and a viewing deck will be built at the parking area.

Unveiling The Natural by E. Tsirintani, G. García, J. Gamboa and M.P. Seixas

This group's proposal attempts to let the pathway naturally adapt to the topography along the path. The project is composed of a locally-sourced wooden walkway and a series of wood wall sheets that are set at different angles according to the need at that spot. The wood wall sheets are set straight up and down to act as railings, flat to act as benches and angled to provide information. The path winds slightly to follow the topography and stops along the way to provide views and then goes underneath the train tracks.

Easy*Safe*Dry by kola+kle

Kola+Kle proposes a super-simple wooden path straight from the parking area to the beach. This no nonsense path doesn't meander, doesn't have any fancy bridges or underpaths, and takes a straight line approach to provide the most direct access. Along the way, the wooden walkway and rails are painted with information about the surrounding ecosystem and an easily visible rail crossing has visual and auditory signals to alert beach goers. Bathrooms, a water fountain and changing rooms are located near the beach.