Living Bridge, University of Limerick - WilkinsonEyre · Living Bridge, University of Limerick This...
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by WilkinsonEyre Living Bridge, University of Limerick This bridge is a small component of the University of Limerick’s ambitious plans for expansion to the north of the River Shannon, yet assumes a strategic importance that transcends its physical presence. The design grows from the site: an organic response to a natural environment. A curvaceous deck sweeps across the Shannon and its embankments in five spans between strategically located support locations. The impression is both of a single crossing but also of a series of bridges jumping from pier to pier, like stepping-stones. This span arrangement is a pragmatic response to the founding opportunities within the river, placing piers on the riverbanks, wooded islands and pool edges. Supported from a pair of under-slung catenary cables, the deck width ‘pulses’ along its length, offering wider platforms to be used as resting places or spaces for public art. Details Location: Limerick, Republic of Ireland Client: University of Limerick Architect: WilkinsonEyre Structural Engineer: Arup, Dublin Length: 350m Main Spans: 44m Value: €12M Date: Completed November 2007 Awards ACEI Award 2009: Bridge Category RIBA European Award 2008 IStructE Award 2008: Pedestrian Bridge Category Footbridge Award 2008 (High Commendation) Syndicat de la Construction Metallique Awards 2008: Bridge Category
Transcript of Living Bridge, University of Limerick - WilkinsonEyre · Living Bridge, University of Limerick This...
by WilkinsonEyre
Living Bridge, University of Limerick
This bridge is a small component of the University of Limerick’s ambitious plans for expansion to the north of the River Shannon, yet assumes a strategic importance that transcends its physical presence. The design grows from the site: an organic response to a natural environment.
A curvaceous deck sweeps across the Shannon and its embankments in five spans between strategically located support locations. The impression is both of a single crossing but also of a series of bridges jumping from pier to pier, like stepping-stones. This span arrangement is a pragmatic response to the founding opportunities within the river, placing piers on the riverbanks, wooded islands and pool edges.
Supported from a pair of under-slung catenary cables, the deck width ‘pulses’ along its length, offering wider platforms to be used as resting places or spaces for public art.
DetailsLocation: Limerick, Republic of Ireland Client: University of Limerick Architect: WilkinsonEyre Structural Engineer: Arup, DublinLength: 350m Main Spans: 44m Value: €12M Date: Completed November 2007
AwardsACEI Award 2009: Bridge Category RIBA European Award 2008 IStructE Award 2008: Pedestrian Bridge Category Footbridge Award 2008 (High Commendation) Syndicat de la Construction Metallique Awards 2008: Bridge Category
