This might not be considered as a bridge exactly, but it does offer an interesting option. By arcing out over the edge of a mountain it provides an amazing view of the Canadian Jasper National Park. I like the idea of not creating a straight line and allowing people to meander. This research has presented the idea of circling back onto the same side of the canal. If someone doesn't want to cross the canal, but simply be in the space that the bridge creates, then why force them to go back on themselves via the same route that they came from? Why not create an experience all the way around, a journey to the same place they came from.
I saw this bridge and immediately loved the idea of weaving. Complex and beautiful shapes and patterns can be found and formed through such art forms. Taking inspiration from these may be a very wise idea, especially given the rich history of lace in Nottingham. Although not strictly contextual or appropriate to my site, this example simply serves to suggest that a structure can be fun. It does not need to take itself too seriously. This bridge was converted into the colourful finished piece you see above, it was not designed like this to begin with. It injects vibrant colour into an otherwise drab setting. This amazing tree top walk bridge allows for some incredible views and a very unique experience. The open atmosphere of the bridge brings it's users a step closer to nature, and the positioning of it allows them to experience it in a completely different way. Whilst this may not be possible in quite the same way for my own project, it certainly offers up the possibility of an alternative perspective. In researching precedence studies for my bridge, I am using Pintrest to discover and collect inspiration. The link to my board is:
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. 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. 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. 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. 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. A brand new project has begun and its all about bridges!This new project allows us to focus on a specific section of the canal of our choosing and then design a bridge for it. However, this will be more than a simple A to B bridge. It will be a space. Somewhere for people to go to, for them to experience. Not just a utility for getting from side of the canal to the other.
This is an exciting challenge to take on. I will be creating and developing my brief shortly, at which point it will be posted on here. I have been looking into how to make books, from clever little tricks to binding it all together.I have looked into several videos about book making and presentational books, below are some of those videos. Sources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=777LCuBpmMU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyJCTZJBEns&spfreload=10%20Message%3A%20JSON%20Parse%20error%3A%20Unexpected%20EOF%20(url%3A%20https%3A%2F%2F www.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DuyJCTZJBEns) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwP5OgPeBjE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJ3OwzCze58 I noticed how quiet the canal area is. Despite being right next to a supermarket, a retail park and busy roads, its secluded nature seems to result in a lot of the nearby sounds being absorbed before reaching the canal. I took a sound recording on one of my visits to illustrate this.Whilst at the canal I took some photos using my phone which my laptop is then able to analyse for GPS data to show the locations which they were taken. Below is that information on a map.Sources:
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