Jason Koski/University Photography

Architect Nader Tehrani, right, talks with University Architect Gilbert Delgado at a meeting earlier this month.

An architecture firm hired to improve the safety of gorge bridges has assessed the conditions on each bridge and laid out an approach for the project.

"On the one hand, we must solve clear problems with a sense of economy and responsibility, while on the other we must strive to enhance the beauty, allure and uniqueness of these gorges by way of their bridges, paths and adjoining landscapes," the firm, Office dA Architecture LLC, wrote in a recent report.

Cornell has hired Office dA to conduct the Long-term Bridge Means Restriction Study, which will identify permanent ways to restrict access to the bridges as a means of suicide. The fences now on the bridges are temporary. The study will explore the many possibilities for effective means restriction on the bridges, such as the use of substructures, nets, transparent materials, landscaping and lighting, and the removal of footholds.

The report, which is posted at a new website, documents the current conditions of each bridge, including such technical data as distance to the water below, length of span, railing height, construction material and the type of traffic it supports (vehicular, pedestrian or both). The analysis also compiles each bridge's social context, such as its history, iconic importance and connection to the City of Ithaca and adjacent neighborhoods.

Since 1990, 29 people have committed or attempted suicide by jumping from East Hill bridges and adjacent gorge edges. Fourteen were Cornell students, 11 were other members of the Ithaca community and four were people from out of the area.

Research indicates that restricting access to jumping sites has a substantial probability of saving lives; if suicidal individuals are deterred from jumping at a particular site they are unlikely to attempt suicide again.

The architects are exploring means restriction for seven bridges. On Fall Creek Gorge, they are looking at the Stewart Avenue Bridge, Suspension Bridge, Thurston Avenue Bridge and Beebe Dam bridge. On Cascadilla Gorge, they are studying the Stewart Avenue Bridge, the Stone Arch Bridge and the Trolley Bridge.

Besides assessing the technical and social aspects of the bridges, the architects have also been meeting with a range of stakeholders, including the Cornell/City of Ithaca Means Restriction Study Committee on Nov. 1 and Nov. 15, to understand their concerns.

"The voices of the different constituencies matter," said Nader Tehrani, principal at Office dA. "Their voices may not always say the same things, but if construed comprehensively as part of a larger picture, one maybe has access to ... design something that is larger than the sum of their parts. That's what we're after."

The 2011 timeline for the project is:

• January: Office dA pre-schematic design report draft to be completed;
• February: Office dA to present pre-schematic design to Cornell community;
• February: Office dA to begin schematic design phase;
• March: Office dA to present schematic design progress update;
• April: Final schematic design due from Office dA.

Cornell promotes well-being with a comprehensive approach

Along with the Long-term Bridge Means Restriction Study, Cornell has a well-established, comprehensive approach to mental health promotion and suicide prevention. It includes programs and policies that:

• Foster a healthy educational environment;
• Promote life skills and resilience;
• Increase help-seeking behavior;
• Identify people in need of care;
• Provide mental health services;
• Deliver coordinated crisis management; and
• Restrict access to means of suicide.

For more information, visit http://caringcommunity.cornell.edu/.