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Salford Meadows Bridge Competition
Salford Meadows Bridge Competition
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Salford Meadows Bridge Competition
Spool Bridge
Through a considered site & brief analysis our response and concept approach within this proposal captures both the history, and the essence of change Salford is currently undergoing. Recognisable contextual aesthetics and sculptural design are crucial for a major new element in an urban environment to successfully integrate within the branding vision of a city. We believe our competition proposal embraces this idea and will create both a welcome gateway and a distinct iconic landmark.
In conceptualizing the bridge aesthetics, we looked to the history of the site and felt a design to reflect the importance of the textile industry would be an interesting paradigm. The idea of the ‘rotated spool arms’ which sweep from the vertical ‘marker’ position at the bridge landings to the horizontal line is derived from the motion and shapes associated with textile mill machinery. The concept was to develop a form that provided a landmark emphasis to both street and park but paid due respect to the river and user. The linking ‘threads’ across the river is translated in the five main cables, which flow through the spool arms and also represent the five local settlements that benefited from the textile industry during the industrial revolution.
The structural design explores an efficient hybrid solution, with a tubular steel truss top and bottom sleeved together with a colonnade of ‘spools’ and module decking panels. The 63m-long ‘Spool Bridge’ will carry a 1:40 graded path providing connection between recreational parkland and The Crescent and forms an integral part of the wider package of connections within the Middlewood Loop.
On the meadow side a series of sweeping paths that echo the sculptural motion of the bridge have been formed out of the ground providing a raised but inclusive access to the bridge. This subtle new sculptured landform feature will provide a positive contribution to the meadows site and compliment the bridge form. To the crescent side the existing pathway widens to create the access point onto the bridge. Through careful woodland management and tree removal along the river bank the bridge will enhance the visual amenity to and from the meadows.
Once on the bridge, users will be able to experience the visually dynamic form, the sculptural presence of the ‘spool’ structure brings a distinctive new identity to the location. Similarly, drivers and pedestrians along The Crescent, and approaching from Oldfield Road will experience a strong sense of traversing a special place in the city, a new ‘gateway’. The bridge will signal the prominence and beauty of the park with an engineered structure, to be admired and enjoyed.
The bridge will be illuminated at night to highlight the sculptural motion of the spools. Outward facing luminaires accentuate the sweeping curves, while another set of lights will illuminate the walkway. The form is designed to be recognisable by day and night, providing a positive gateway to both park and city.
Through a considered site & brief analysis our response and concept approach within this proposal captures both the history, and the essence of change Salford is currently undergoing. Recognisable contextual aesthetics and sculptural design are crucial for a major new element in an urban environment to successfully integrate within the branding vision of a city. We believe our competition proposal embraces this idea and will create both a welcome gateway and a distinct iconic landmark.
In conceptualizing the bridge aesthetics, we looked to the history of the site and felt a design to reflect the importance of the textile industry would be an interesting paradigm. The idea of the ‘rotated spool arms’ which sweep from the vertical ‘marker’ position at the bridge landings to the horizontal line is derived from the motion and shapes associated with textile mill machinery. The concept was to develop a form that provided a landmark emphasis to both street and park but paid due respect to the river and user. The linking ‘threads’ across the river is translated in the five main cables, which flow through the spool arms and also represent the five local settlements that benefited from the textile industry during the industrial revolution.
The structural design explores an efficient hybrid solution, with a tubular steel truss top and bottom sleeved together with a colonnade of ‘spools’ and module decking panels. The 63m-long ‘Spool Bridge’ will carry a 1:40 graded path providing connection between recreational parkland and The Crescent and forms an integral part of the wider package of connections within the Middlewood Loop.
On the meadow side a series of sweeping paths that echo the sculptural motion of the bridge have been formed out of the ground providing a raised but inclusive access to the bridge. This subtle new sculptured landform feature will provide a positive contribution to the meadows site and compliment the bridge form. To the crescent side the existing pathway widens to create the access point onto the bridge. Through careful woodland management and tree removal along the river bank the bridge will enhance the visual amenity to and from the meadows.
Once on the bridge, users will be able to experience the visually dynamic form, the sculptural presence of the ‘spool’ structure brings a distinctive new identity to the location. Similarly, drivers and pedestrians along The Crescent, and approaching from Oldfield Road will experience a strong sense of traversing a special place in the city, a new ‘gateway’. The bridge will signal the prominence and beauty of the park with an engineered structure, to be admired and enjoyed.
The bridge will be illuminated at night to highlight the sculptural motion of the spools. Outward facing luminaires accentuate the sweeping curves, while another set of lights will illuminate the walkway. The form is designed to be recognisable by day and night, providing a positive gateway to both park and city.
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