At the heart of Colgate University’s campus, the glass bridge at Persson Hall offers students a unique and scenic space to study.
Designed by TKSP Studio, an architecture firm known for its logical and energy-efficient buildings, Persson Hall sits at the intersection between upper and lower campus on what some alumni call Cardiac Hill.
The Persson Hall bridge, known to students as the “sky bridge,” is a suspended bridge that allows easy access to both wings of the building while simultaneously allowing pedestrians to pass through beneath the bridge. The elevation of the bridge gives the space an open, airy feeling that invites students to make the most of their study sessions.
The sky bridge is more than just a study spot: It’s a space that blends nature and architecture seamlessly. A row of elevated seats lines the bridge, offering a dramatic view of the campus below. From this point, students can look out at Taylor Lake, Willow Path and other campus buildings such as Bernstein Hall, James C. Colgate Hall and Case-Geyer Library. Tables along the other side of the bridge also provide ample room for group work, offering the ideal spot for collaboration and independent studying. The combination of comfort and stunning views makes it an ideal place for productivity but also inspiration.
For many students, the space offers a front-row seat to nature’s changing landscape. The fall foliage provides a vivid array of colors, making it a perfect backdrop for studying. Then, as winter arrives, the view is transformed again, with Taylor Lake freezing over and the lights shimmering from Willow Path. Central New York’s fluctuating seasons provide a refreshing view that leaves you with new inspiration and a fresh perspective each time you study in the sky bridge.
Sophie Lalas, a first-year student, enjoys the surreal experience of viewing Colgate’s many different seasons.
“Being from Los Angeles, I obviously don’t get the chance to see much snow, and I really appreciate that the Persson Hall bridge makes you feel like you’re in a snow globe,” Lalas said.
Another attractive quality that the sky bridge offers is that it allows for a more informal and relaxed environment. While Case-Geyer Library is known for its quiet study spaces, it can feel a bit too silent for some students. First-year student Marina Garcia highlights the balance offered by this space.
“After trying multiple study places, I was able to be my most productive on the sky bridge. It offers a good blend between silence but also calm, bustling conversations,” Garcia said.
As the sky bridge is smaller than Case-Geyer and most other study spots on campus, it can also be a less intimidating experience to study there. The combination of the intimate atmosphere and scenic views attracts senior Lucrezia Di Vincenzo to the sky bridge.
“I like studying there because I get a really nice view, and there’s not too many people at once so it’s not too overwhelming,” Di Vincenzo said.
The lighting in the space also plays a key role in its appeal. During the day, outside light flows through the glass structure, creating a naturally bright atmosphere. The bridge’s openness to the outdoors allows sunlight to flood the space, enhancing the connection between nature and the indoors. At night, the lighting is dim enough to help you stay focused, but not so dark that it feels gloomy. The ideal lighting conditions make the bridge an inviting place both during the day and night, offering students a space for their studies that works at all times of day.
Most study spots are often defined by their practicality and their ability to provide a cubicle where you are forced to exist in silence with the people around you. The sky bridge of Persson Hall stands out for its ability to offer not just a functional space, but an experience that connects students with a beautiful setting for being productive. This study spot has become a beloved gem for students seeking a peaceful yet flexible place to work, so head over and check it out for yourself.
