WilkinsonEyre’s Post

From Toronto to Copenhagen via Gateshead, WilkinsonEyre has designed dozens of bridges. Working alongside Cundall, we recently submitted a proposal for a 136m long bridge linking Central Park in Dongguan to an adjacent urban regeneration development. The bridge was required to span an eight-lane highway with no intermediate support. With extensive tree planting on either side of the highway, we proposed an inverted Fink truss to minimise the extent of disruptive foundations and, with its relatively low profile, to avoid visually dominating the trees. The tension cable arrangement appears to span between the trees, maximising the views and appreciation of the natural forest. A stretched fabric canopy in the form of a series of sails offer shade as well as a canvas for projections. Planters with integrated seating and a water feature extend landscaping and biodiversity onto the bridge deck. Integrating a café into the supporting pillars give the bridge life and a purpose of its own while lighting ensures the bridge is activated both by day and night.