Hillsboro's unique blend of art and utility has garnered international acclaim as its "Bridge of Land & Sky" clinched the coveted Team of the Year award at the 2024 CODAawards. The award, which recognizes outstanding collaboration in art and design projects worldwide, acknowledged the transformative overpass as a standout among this year's Top 100 global submissions. Hillsboro's innovative structure now proudly stands as a functional overpass and an artistic marvel, celebrating the intersection of creativity and infrastructure.
The "Bridge of Land & Sky," designed by artist Cliff Garten, dramatically enhances the city's skyline with its two flowing steel ribbons that gracefully arch over Highway 26. According to the City of Hillsboro's official announcement, this striking public art was intended to boldly challenge and beautifully extend beyond the utilitarian norms often associated with overpass design. CODAawards juror and former Creative Director of Moment Factory, Cheryl Catterall, admired the "technical complexity of transforming a security barrier to something that expresses the landscape and the curated light show that brings it to life are lovely", as obtained by Hillsboro-Oregon.gov.
The public art piece also serves as a testament to the collaborative spirit, having been brought into existence through the combined efforts of the City of Hillsboro, the Oregon Department of Transportation, and Washington County. This partnership ensured that "Bridge of Land & Sky" not only met safety standards but also elevated the commuting experience for the 60,000 cars passing underneath each day. As an artistic gateway for the Hillsboro community, the installation showcases how public spaces can inspire and delight while remaining firmly rooted in functionality.
"Bridge of Land & Sky" is among the few highway overpasses in Oregon to have been deliberately treated as an art gateway, offering a visual feast for the daily commuter and travelers alike. The juxtaposition of its landscape-inspired design against the backdrop of the Tualatin Hills provides a moment of reflection on the natural beauty surrounding us, even in our most mundane travels.
