JURY CITATION
Honourable Mention for an Unbuilt project

Refer to Project Page

As a type the pedestrian bridge provides an opportunity to explore fundamental experiences of passage and transition, the making of form and the relations of form to structure, land-marking, speed and scale. In Australian built examples, the opportunity is often missed. This is not because architects always fail. Indeed, it is more often due to the limited comprehension of the ways that bridges and our experiences of them can enrich our lives, and of the value of such enrichment.

Sometimes a failing of architects, more often a failing of clients.

This proposal, conceived for a limited competition, is delightful and convincing, presenting a challenge to the trail of lost opportunities. Except that it remains unbuilt! Let’s hope that whatever was built was even better. As an entry for our consideration, it succinctly and eloquently communicated a resolved and sophisticated concept, eminently do-able and certainly desirable. The essential vision is of two paths extending to connect at a pivotal, elevated point. Conceptually, the bridge almost disappears, reduced to a brief span of timber, perhaps six metres long, and curving to connect the two concrete decks which cantilever from the bush on each side of the highway.

The two structures are shrouded by fine, draped mesh, providing enclosure and shade, and lending a somewhat animal-, even bat-like carapace against the simple frames of the trusses. It is usual with pedestrian bridges for approach ramps to give abrupt access to a flat deck across the main span. Here, this approach is rejected in favour of a continuous, gentle climb that culminates at the central, tenuous link – the moment of arrival and departure, a place for outlook and for pause.