Judson Early College Academy-Element 1: Bridge

In a normative way, a bridge can link two separated parts of land and it also allows a river to move through without impeding its flow. In a similar fashion the "bridge" at JECA links two worlds and acts as a gateway allowing the future to flow through unimpeded.


Bridge as a Link
The bridge at JECA links the academic building to the administration building. The bridge brings the two worlds together into a seamless connection between the students and those who assist them in their journey toward academic achievement. The teachers and administrators have a vested interest in the students and the bridge signifies this founded interest between the teacher and student. The bridge is a strong element in the architectural landscape of the campus and acts as a metaphor of the academic challenge and structure of the school.


Standing on the bridge on the second level, one can see the NLC campus to one side and the school's courtyard toward the other. A graceful monumental stair leads from the upper level of the bridge down to the courtyard below providing a strong tie between the ground and upper level of the bridge.


Bridge as a Gateway
The educational agenda for JECA is to provide the students a gateway to their future through their academic achievement by providing them an entré to higher education. Upon graduation the students are given not only a high school diploma but also an associate degree from Northeast Lakeview College.


The bridge acts as a gateway in its most apparent manner as one is standing within the JECA school courtyard. By viewing through the bridge from the courtyard, one can see directly into the NLC campus with a direct view of the college's clock tower which stands as an icon and landmark of this higher education institution. As a gateway it ties the college to the academy but it also allows the academy its own identity.