The Van Ginkel Footbridge is a heritage-designated cantilever pedestrian bridge, located in Bowring Park, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. Architects Sandy Van Ginkel and Blanche Lemco van Ginkel, recognized for combining urban planning with architectural skills, were commissioned in 1958 to design the footbridge. Architect Blanche Lemco Van Ginkel resonates as a leading figure in modern architecture since first graduating from McGill’s school in 1945. She was one of the first women to be admitted into architecture school at McGill and first woman to be elected officer in 1972 and then fellow of the RAIC in 1973. After her graduation, her career began to develop swiftly, and she was given many opportunities to grow her professional experience. Van Ginkel moved to Europe to work under Le Corbusier and eventually moved back to Montreal bringing an interpretation of modernism learned from the modern masters of the twentieth century. Lemco Van Ginkel taught at numerous universities, and she was a professor at the University of Toronto from 1977 until 1982 and served as Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Landscape Architecture from 1980 to 1982. She is a fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, an honorary Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, and a founding member of the Board of Advisors for the International Archive of Women in Architecture at Virginia Tech. Architectural description The bridge follows modernist design concepts that include the relationship of form and function and the use of new construction technology. It represents a bold modern addition to an Edwardian park landscape. It satisfies the public’s needs and along with the rest of the park, achieves its aims of creating spaces for activity and repose. Also evident is the Van Ginkels' consciousness of contemporary circumstances while maintaining sensitivity to the protection of the pedestrian. The bridge is made of reinforced concrete, the entire load being carried on a single support. The long bridging section is hinged at its extremity and counter-balanced by the lower section. The lower section, including the steps, is cantilevered and does not touch the ground.The rough finish of the concrete has been retained, and the railings are of bronze with a wood hand rail. Design history The Van Ginkel Footbridge is located within Bowring Park, the City of St. John’s largest municipal park. The Park was established in 1914 by the Bowring Brothers and presented to the City in 1924.