1. Ponte Segunda Circular
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Designers: Maximina Almeida & Telmo Cruz
As referenced in the title, this steel structure crosses the Second Circular Road in Lisbon, and is accessible by cyclists and pedestrians. This bridge is held up by two columns either side of the road, and is therefore void of structural support on the road itself, which is beneficial as the road would not have had to be fully closed for construction, nor would it be for maintenance. There are 5 methods of access, 4 ramps and 1 set of stairs. Although the bridge has an inclusive design, it is unfortunate that it couldn’t be entirely step free. It is possible that the steps were installed by choice as there are enough wheelchair access routes, and a quicker route by foot was desired.
The parapets are below shoulder height, leaving cyclists somewhat vulnerable to falling over the side in the event of a collision.
I am particularly drawn to this bridge due to its network of connections, which utilise the land footprint to provide multiple potential routes for users, depending on their destination. This consideration would be appropriate for the given brief as university students often have to travel between the buildings, and destinations can vary both student to student and day to day.
Jan Waaijer Bridge
Location: Westerpark, Netherlands
Syb van Breda & Co. Architects
The primary element of this bridge which sticks out is the segregated, differentiated paving for cyclists and pedestrians. The different pavings provide subtle instruction for users, removing the need for aesthetically hindering barriers.
Like the previous, this bridge also accommodates the need to access more than two destinations, and allows users to p
eel off in their desired directions seamlessly.
The lampposts, which also act as structural members, have drawn their form from the surrounding forestry, an effective method of townscaping.
Melkwegbridge
Location: Purmerend, Netherlands
NEXT Architects and Rietveld Landscape
This bridge offers an alternate solution to giving pedestrians and cyclists designated spaces; cyclists (and wheelchair users) are provided with a flat zig-zagged deck while pedestrians walk over a steep, arched upper level.