Competition entry, February 2007
Client: New Islington Partners/ Urban Splash
Client: New Islington Partners/ Urban Splash
As a part of the regeneration project of New Islington area in Manchester,UK, the RIBA organized an international competition for the design of a new footbridge over the Rochdale Canal. The competition called for a solution that would address the very practical constraints of the site, but at the same time,would create an object of beauty, a structure that would combine aesthetics with engineering.
There were some challenging constraints on the design of that bridge. The bridge had to link between 3 opposite spots at different levels. No structural elements were allowed to interrupt the navigation beneath the bridge. On the Redhill street side (see the plan) the bridge had to be accessed through a discreet gap in the existing stone parapet. No structures were allowed to encroach onto the footway of the Redhill Street. Instead the bridge had to connect with that footway at the same level. Such level was higher than the required navigation clearance with just few centimeters, which meant that the bridge had to have an extraordinary slender deck. To complicate matters further, the canal wall on the Redhill street side is a historic listed structure, and the bridge had to maintain the least impact on it.
So as mentioned by the competition brief, the challenge for designers was to slip those constraints into a real sleek solution.
The proposed design offers an iconic structure that addresses aesthetics as well as functionality and feasibility. The ring shaped deck is an optimum solution to link 3 opposite points, but instead of being supported on those 3 points, it is suspended by a landmark arch, and therefore has no impact at all on the historic fabric.
Having a very slender floor depth, the deck derives its stiffness from its ring form, acting as a shell structure. In addition to the structural benefits, the circular path would provide a sense of connectivity and freedom among pedestrians. For its users, this bridge would offer an enjoyable experience, not just a crossing.
Having a very slender floor depth, the deck derives its stiffness from its ring form, acting as a shell structure. In addition to the structural benefits, the circular path would provide a sense of connectivity and freedom among pedestrians. For its users, this bridge would offer an enjoyable experience, not just a crossing.
