This project explores creating various catenary arches by altering the shape and contour of the bounding box. We wanted to see how the shape of the curves created is affected by adjusting the heights that the hanging members are attached from. This exploration led us to consider site conditions where arches must connect points at varying elevations.

In our model, the specific shape of the box is a direct replica of the topography of a small section of the Grand Canyon by the Bright Angel Bridge. In this way, the chains that hang between the points of the model translate directly into pure-compression arched bridges that span the canyon when inverted.

For each iteration of the model, three variations were produced using chains of different lengths hanging between the same points. Every length defines a unique curved profile under its own weight, demonstrating multiple possible configurations for spanning the valley while still working within the same spatial constraints. The final model shows 6 possible bridges that span across various points in the canyon, creating connectivity between existing paths, programming, and viewpoints.