my design fix

Onepoto Footbridge – Beca Architects

Photo via Flickr: Ray Tomes

The Onepoto Footbridge is a shared use bridge for pedestrians and cyclists located in the Onepoto Basin, north of Auckland. Completed in 2008, it was designed by Beca Architects for the North Shore City Council.

“This vision was developed into an architectural form simulating a breaking wave, realised through a series of glue laminated timber rib components. From a sustainable urban design view, the bridge creates interest that encourages pedestrians and cyclists to use it. It also provides comfort for pedestrians and cyclists, separating them from the road.”               Beca Architects

There is some very nice detailing in this project such as the view shafts notched into some of the timber ribs to allow people passing by to catch glimpses of the surroundings. Lighting has also been set into the concrete path to differentiate between the pedestrian and cyclist sides.

I also think the timber ribs also look a bit like a fish or whale skeleton sticking out of the mud amongst the surrounding mangroves.

For further reading visit NZ Wood here.

Visit the Beca architects website here.

Photo via Flickr: beejayge

Photos: Simon Devitt

Photo: Simon Devitt 

Click on the above elevation to view a pdf brochure of the project containing this drawing and other images at shwan.net