Scott System
Case Study
West Glebe Road Bridge Formliners
Project
Overview
Scott System worked side by side with artist Vicki Scuri to transform her flowing design into custom architectural concrete formliners, using hands-on R&D testing and design refinement to achieve her artistic vision.
Spanning the communities of Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia, the restored West Glebe Road Bridge incorporates art throughout its concrete barriers and metal railings. The patterns reflect the natural terrain, movement of water and people traveling through the surrounding communities.
The Challenges
Translating an artist’s original design into architectural concrete required more than simply reproducing a pattern. The depth, shape and finish of the relief all needed to capture Scuri’s artistic intent while producing a consistent result in concrete.
Scott System also needed to develop a mold-making approach that would maintain the character of Scuri’s previous work while adapting it to the requirements of the bridge restoration.
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The Vision
The bridge’s artistic elements were designed to connect the structure with its surroundings and the communities of Arlington and Alexandria.
The barriers feature flowing patterns suggesting water, complemented by cut metal railings above. Together, the concrete and metal elements create a continuous visual language inspired by the natural terrain and movement of people through the site.
Proposed Solution
Scott System worked directly with Vicki Scuri through an iterative R&D process, producing test pieces in XPS foam and reviewing them together in person. The design was adjusted throughout testing until the relief achieved the aesthetic Scuri envisioned.
Once the design was established, Scott System utilized a coated HDU mold-making process to help ensure the finished concrete remained consistent with the look and character of Scuri’s past work.
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Components for Success
- Collaborative R&D: In-person testing with Vicki Scuri allowed the design to be evaluated and refined throughout development.
- XPS Foam Testing: Prototype pieces helped confirm the pattern and relief before final mold production.
- Coated HDU Mold: The mold-making process helped produce a consistent finish aligned with the artist’s previous work.
- Artistic Translation: Close collaboration carried Scuri’s original vision from design through fabrication.
Products Used
Custom Formliners: Developed specifically for the bridge’s artistic concrete barriers
Coated HDU Mold: Created to achieve the desired relief and consistent surface finish
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The Outcome
Through close collaboration with Vicki Scuri, Scott System translated the artist’s flowing design into custom architectural concrete formliners while preserving the character of her work. The finished barriers complement the bridge’s cut metal railings, bringing the water-inspired pattern across multiple materials and helping connect the restored bridge to its surrounding environment.