BP Pedestrian Bridge, Chicago

In addition to his work on the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Frank Gehry lent his creative touch to the sinuous, stainless-steel BP Bridge, which serves as a link between Millennium Park and Daley Bicentennial Plaza on the eastern side of Columbus Drive, while also acting as an acoustic barrier separating the aforementioned Pritzker Pavilion from the traffic on Columbus. Surprisingly, the "BP" abbreviation doesn't reference "Bicentennial Plaza"; rather, it honors the energy giant British Petroleum, which generously donated $5 million toward the construction of this remarkable 960-foot-long structure.

Gehry was the sole contender considered for this project and agreed to take it on once the Pritzker family had secured the necessary funding. Resembling the sinuous form of a snake, its design inspiration is said to have been derived from the live carp that the architect's Jewish grandmother used to purchase at a Toronto fish market.

Engineered to bear a substantial load without experiencing structural issues due to its own weight, the bridge was lauded for its aesthetics and has received recognition for its innovative use of sheet metal, particularly stainless steel plates. These materials evoke biomorphic references that are characteristic of Gehry's distinctive style.

Why You Should Visit:
On a beautiful day, this bridge offers one of the most picturesque strolls you can experience in Chicago. Its broad, sinuous pathway continually presents opportunities to appreciate the city's skyline and the vistas of Lake Michigan, as well as providing delightful views of both Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park.