Timber is a strong, light, and surprisingly fire resistant material to build with. It lasts long and doesn't require much maintenance. Furthermore it is an established construction method, one which we have mastered over the years, we understand it. On top of this is amongst the cheapest materials to build with. Looking at examples of timber construction is useful to understanding how the bridge would work and function. It also effects the appearance of the bridge and so has a necessity in the aesthetic design too. Sources:
http://www.bridgebuilders.com/why_timber.php http://mathemati.ca/images/Model_B3.gif http://cenews.com/userfiles/image/SE112012_11a.jpg http://www.ybc.com/design-build/materials/ APPROVAL FROM THE OWNERS OF THE CANAL!!I went to my chosen site and counted the amount of people that I saw there...In the space of 5 minutes I counted: 5 bikes 1 runner 45 3 bikes This shows that the site is a very busy place I then talked to a lady who was by the site from the Canal & River Trust who informed me about the canal and the work that they were doing there...She told me that in that area, they would on average see around 1000 people per day pass that part of the site.
The area belonging to the canal stretches a total of 2000 miles. They have to replace the canal lock every 4 years at a cost of £80,000 each time. The Canal & River Trust took over from British Waterways 2 years ago and in that time they have got onto of the pollution completely. They are also very keen to introduce more wildlife to the area and look after the nature of the site, as well as provide more of it. She was very keen on my idea for the bridge, happy that the natural nature of it would fit in well with the aims of the Canal & River Trust. She was very approving of my proposal. I have used Pintrest to explore rustic design influences as well architectural fences. The fences/ handrails will be a key part of the design aesthetics and need to be got right. They should fit in with the style of the bridge and enhance the experience, not just be present or obstructive. Two more example works from Heatherwick Studios have given me ideas using topography in my work.This first work is very sweeping and could be a good way to start/ end the bridge as well as use the internal construction to form interesting spaces. This second one is almost the complete opposite. It is actually designed as the facade of a building but could easily be laid down onto the floor. It is not as practical as the first example but certainly presents possibilities. Sources
http://domainmoneyblog.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/wilson-longchamp01.jpg http://www.designboom.com/weblog/images/images_2/andrea/thomas_heatherwick/sheungwanhotel03.jpg I thought it wise to look into the size of narrow boats.This link - www.abnb.co.uk/submenupages/length.html - has provided some very useful information on the general size of different canals and as such what size boats can use them. It helps to grasp an idea of what is considered large or small. I have also looked at boat plans too. Sources
http://www.abnb.co.uk/submenupages/length.html http://www.virtualperspective.co.uk/img/images/canal_boat_layouts/Canal_Narrow_Boat_layout_designer_60ftlayout_eg.gif Whilst looking through Pintrest I found something called the Hop Box.Although their own website is currently under construction, I was able to gain a good understanding of what the Hop Box is. In essence the owners have converted a horse box trailer into a portable bar in order to pop up and provide a mini pub. I think that this is a brilliant idea and I love the rustic look too. I would like to pursue the rustic theme for my bridge. Something like the Hop Box could be a nice addition to my bridge and it's ideas. Sources
http://hopbox.co.uk http://www.pinterest.com/pin/272467846179524844/ |
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