Educational Media Reviews Online

This documentary film, part of the Art and Architecture series, examines the controversial Sundial Bridge in Redding, California. Designed by world-renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the footbridge crosses the Sacramento River as it connects the trail system in Redding with the Turtle Bay Exploration Park and McConnell Arboretum. The bridge is made of steel, concrete, Spanish tile, ceramic and opaque glass. The 217-foot pylon acts as a genuine sundial as it tells time on the north side of the bridge.

The film includes several very short interviews with various people involved with the construction of the bridge including architects and engineers as well as architectural critics and local citizens from Redding. Opinions about the bridge vary widely, some feel it is an architectural wonder bringing spiritual and artistic splendor to the area; others feel it was an unnecessary extravagance that is completely at odds with the environment. This bridge was not built with public funds however, the McConnell Foundation donated $23 million for its construction. Calatrava kept environmental issues clearly in mind throughout the project – the suspension bridge was designed to avoid the salmon spawning habitat on the river. What makes the film so interesting is the many different ways people look at and feel about the Sundial Bridge.

Beautifully filmed and well-narrated, this film is recommended for libraries with architecture collections.