As part of Project 2, we are required to make and develop our own brief in order to design our bridge. Below is what I have decided to follow.
Who?
By nature my bridge will be used to connect the canal, but the people who use it are the focus. A lot of people in the city centre won't be used to seeing much in the way of nature. Nottingham is a very built up area until you leave the city centre. Having lived in Nottingham all my life, I know that there are some amazing, beautiful and abundant natural places in the area. Yet this is something that many simply won't see.
I want to target these people. The people who go to work, or university. Who sit on a bus every morning and every evening staring out at grey clouds and grey buildings, only to walk out onto grey pathways and cross grey roads. My aim is to inject some natural colour into the city and draw people to the canal through my design.
I want to target these people. The people who go to work, or university. Who sit on a bus every morning and every evening staring out at grey clouds and grey buildings, only to walk out onto grey pathways and cross grey roads. My aim is to inject some natural colour into the city and draw people to the canal through my design.
What?
The bridge is to be two stories high. A big part of what I want the bridge to be is played through nature. However this design is going to be more than just a bridge, it is to be a place. As part of that it is going to incorporate other elements.
My biggest observation of the canal area from the last project was the lack of light. I feel this should without doubt factor into the design.
In essence, the closest description for the current direction I am heading in is to create a park. Perhaps more aptly I should call it a hovering park. It will be a place for people to meet, to take their time on. It should allow for an escape from the quick paced lifestyle of city living and draw people into the serene setting of the canal.
My biggest observation of the canal area from the last project was the lack of light. I feel this should without doubt factor into the design.
In essence, the closest description for the current direction I am heading in is to create a park. Perhaps more aptly I should call it a hovering park. It will be a place for people to meet, to take their time on. It should allow for an escape from the quick paced lifestyle of city living and draw people into the serene setting of the canal.
Where?
The current location is yet to be decided, it will be done so after I have researched precedence studies. Choosing a definite location before exploring designs, at least on a research level, can subconsciously discard ideas and inspiration.
This said, I am looking for an area which will be easily accessible, not too hidden that no one will find it. Yet it must be away from the noise of the roads and streets. The canal stretch should long enough to provide a good amount of area to take time walking across, although a direct route from one side to the other is not necessary, although the option should perhaps be present.
This said, I am looking for an area which will be easily accessible, not too hidden that no one will find it. Yet it must be away from the noise of the roads and streets. The canal stretch should long enough to provide a good amount of area to take time walking across, although a direct route from one side to the other is not necessary, although the option should perhaps be present.
How?
The structure will be made from timber. I plan on it being a light weight as possible to emphasise the element of light and to create an interesting environment which speaks to the one around it. Interaction with the surroundings should be a possibility. I will look into the construction of such structures to find out more information.
Cladding may become an interesting and important part of the design, specifically when/ where to not have it.
Cladding may become an interesting and important part of the design, specifically when/ where to not have it.
When?
The canal is surrounded by history, but also by development. This development will only continue to push forwards and expand. It would be the job of the bridge space to maintain it's purpose and character throughout any and all future developments, but also to remain appropriate to the context of the area. Looking to the future at what may happen will definitely influence the location of the site, and will likely bare effect on the design too.
Why?
I think that it is time for people to have an option to slow down in the city. They should have a place to go and relax. Studies show that living just 5 minutes away from a park drastically increases the likelihood of people going there. By locating a section of the canal which is secluded from nature, I am more likely to be able to introduce people to it.
The canal itself also needs more appreciation. By designing, building, and placing the bridge cleverly, I can draw people to the canal. Furthermore, since the canal is itself a calm and relaxing place, the bridge may act more as the initial stepping stones for people to enjoy these qualities, as opposed to being the only space to possess them. In doing this, the bridge would be spreading out from the confines of it's own personal space and using the entire canal as an extension of itself.
The canal itself also needs more appreciation. By designing, building, and placing the bridge cleverly, I can draw people to the canal. Furthermore, since the canal is itself a calm and relaxing place, the bridge may act more as the initial stepping stones for people to enjoy these qualities, as opposed to being the only space to possess them. In doing this, the bridge would be spreading out from the confines of it's own personal space and using the entire canal as an extension of itself.