螺桥概念设计
Location: Avon Gorge in Bristol,UK
Architect: Yan Gao, Network of Design Emergence
Design Time: 2006
Awarded by New Civil Engineer and the University of Bristol
项目地点：埃文峡谷，布里斯托，英国
建筑师：高岩，Network of Design Emergence
获得由英国新工程师杂志社和布里斯托大学联合颁发的优胜奖 Final Shortlist
In history of human-being, people never stops learning from nature, which guides us to continuously develop the artificial world. Similar to the significance of Brunel’s time to architecture evolution, we are in a new boom to derive innovative design solutions from nature by applying digital design techniques.
Spiral and Fibonacci
Inspired by the spiral configuration principle of trumpet shell, as well as the universal rule of Fibonacci Numbers found in natural growth, I created this spiral bridge with inherent logic rather than simply imitating forms. Consequently the main frames are 4 continuously spiral curves intertwined at the points, of which the distances are based on Fibonacci Numbers. Presumably, this will be an efficient form for two aspects. One, the spiral itself builds in an advanced structural capacity to the frame network compared to conventional arch. Two, the span between any two consecutive intersection points meets the bending moment variation along the arc path, e.g. the closer to the supporting point, the more circles of spiral frames.
Geometry
The primary geometry is a dynamic tube with two different radius circle sections lofted along an arc path. Responding to the site context, particular slope plan slices off the loft object at the landing end. The spiral frames’ trajectories are the intersection lines between the tube surface and the zigzag vertical faces extruded from the diagonal footprint, which is generated by connecting the parallel section footprints based on Fibonacci Numbers. The detaching of vehicle road and pedestrian is the emergent result of the slice surface width variation at different level along the central arc path inside the loft surface.
Structure
The 4 continuously spiral steel frames are stabilized and rigidified by the combination of tension cables above/side with compression shells at the bottom. Inside the frame the vehicle road surface is supported by the crossing beams underneath, with the pedestrian mainly suspended by the cables above. Both of them will transfer the load to the spiral frame eventually. Furthermore, the balustrades are casting concrete, which will also facilitate the structure.
Experience
What I aimed to create here is a sort of unique, exiting and inspiring walking-cross river experience. Spiral Bridge can be read as sub-bridges within bridge. There are two breakthroughs for bridging experience. Firstly, it is a bridge encouraging you to stay or wandering around part from functionally passing through. It is achieved by the bifurcation of the pedestrian and vehicle road merged out of the geometry properties. Therefore it will provide a secure pedestrian zone, as well as the emergent multiple-layered crowd occupation in special local event, e.g. hot balloon festival. Secondly, it is a bridge offering you different routes, allowing you to cross to different side of the bridge without any barriers, which is rare in conventional bridge experiences.
Sustainability
Materially, Spiral Bridge use recyclable material, concrete and steel, as the major constructing stuff. Ecologically, Spiral Bridge has a potential to be covered with PV panel. At the moment, it is covered with fabric membrane at the top. Socially, Spiral Bridge can adapt to future programmatic transformation as the elements within the spiral frames can be replaced by other proper components.
In a word, Spiral Bridge behaves more like inhabitable architectural object across the Avon Gorge.
