Frame and Form

31 August, 2009

Bridge of the week: Infinity Bridge (In)

Juan Tirado. malo

(1 Votes, average: 5.00 a 5)

Loading ...

In the northeast of England, in the municipality of Stockton-on-Tees, has constructed a new footbridge over the River Tees: “The infinity bridge”.

This original bridge was the winner of a competition proposal(open RIBA design competition)held in 2003. Formed by two unequal arcs has a design intended to transcend its own structural pattern and aspired to become the icon of the proposed regeneration of the River Tees.

Infinity Bridge Opening

Go to the spectacular sight of the proposal; consists of two cable-stayed arch (tied arch), a 120 and 60 m span, who join through a reverse concave. The reflection in the water of this meandering line, outlines the infinity sign which names the bridge.

The gateway has been awarded many prizes: International Green Apple Gold Award for Civic Pride: New Build 2009, Constructing Excellence Awards: North East – Project of the Year 2009, y el ICE Stephenson Award.

The arch is a classic whose basic function is understood, albeit intuitive,by anyone. The bridge infinity structure is more complex than straight union of two arcs, for example there is a fixed due to a reverse and also a splitting of each arc- but this composition is easily grasped by the viewer, what is undoubtedly a key to the success of the bridge.

On the other hand, the association of the shape of the bridge with the infinity sign, narrative gives it almost unlimited power (never better). For example, Some associations are suggesting infinity: abundance, eternity,remoteness, etc…

One of the highlights of the project is the great effort made by developers and designers to gather as social support.

A part of the contest, has made a website where you can see aspects of structural design and follow the evolution of construction work. Moreover, The opening day was held a big party with fireworks and a music and lighting on the bridge (watch videos).

Meanwhile, the designer has designed an interactive lighting system, reactive color changing light when passing a pedestrian. Below the handrail of the railing has been placed some small bulbs that illuminate the ground and indirectly mark the edges of the path of the runway. At a pedestrian crossing, sensors detect the presence, and the light reflected from the soil changes color.

This interactive lighting detail, addition to strengthening the technological nature of the bridge as a work, helps to make it next to the user, as he passed through an environment feel different from other bridges.