glacier skywalk extends over canada's jasper national park
located at the heart of the canadian rockies, the ‘glacier skywalk‘ forms a fully accessible observation platform presenting panoramic views across sunwapta valley. conceived by brewster travel canada and jointly developed by sturgess architecture and read jones christoffersen engineering, the walkway opens to the public in may 2014, three years after original designs were floated for the ambitious project.
the curved structure protrudes some 30 meters from the cliff’s edge
photo © brewster travel canada (also main image)
the curved glass-floored structure protrudes some 30 meters from the cliff’s edge, encouraging guests to discover a new found appreciation of jasper national park. the scheme is imagined as an extension of the surrounding landscape, built into the region’s rugged terrain. the use of steel, glass and wood echo the natural environment, while the absence of paint and other toxic finishes helps ensure that the project has a near-zero carbon footprint.
a sneak-peek of the ‘glacier skywalk’ observation deck
video courtesy of brewster canada
the scheme presents panoramic views across the sunwapta valley below
photos © brewster travel canada
the scheme is imagined as an extension of the surrounding landscape
photo © brewster travel canada
the platform encouraging guests to discover a new found appreciation national park
photo © brewster travel canada
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the lightweight, partially suspended platform is accessed via a separate movable structure – reminiscent of airplane step ladders.
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This is a nice design, but frankly, the area is/was nicer without it. I mean, c’mon, our view of the valley is going to be different because we’ve moved 10 metres out from the cliff? Not likely. No, this was more about pushing development in a national park, than enhancing the experience. -shaking finger- bad politicians, *bad*.
As a species, could we please stop leaving our physical mark on the last pristine places on this planet? Haven’t we built on/altered enough of it?
I would prefer extendable hidden condola type approximate 20m overhang, no exposure without one doller ticket.
have you seen the elevator in the movie ” the hitchhiker’s guide to the galaxy”
Looking good, simple and rather well integrated design. Steel and glass blend well into the nature. C’mon, it is nice to have access to see the nature from different perspectives… and yes, to be 30meters from the ridge in the open – does give another sensation 🙂
crass commercialism. It costs $24.95 cdn to spend one hour there. And who can deny the family (of 4) this $100 experience. Better a free walk in the woods.