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| Strandherd Bridge - Ottawa, Canada The Rideau Waterway | Bridge Base Scheme | Bridge Alternate Scheme
In conjunction with Buckland Taylor Engineers, MacDonald Architects submitted two designs for a bridge to span the historic Rideau Waterway. These two schemes pay homage to the waterway's scenic, natural, and cultural attributes. The Rideau Waterway has been designated as a National Historic Site and a Canadian Heritage Site. It has been nominated for and is under consideration as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The waterway is comprised of a series of rivers and lakes connecting the Great Lakes to the Ottawa River, and is considered one of the most scenic waterways in North America. The waterway was completed in 1832, making it the oldest continuously operating canal system in North America. The Rideau River forms the northern section of the waterway flowing past through Ottowa into the Ottowa River. The Rideau River is known as a boater's paradise, and the bridges built across it reflect that reality. While the bridges each have their own individual character, they are often built with simple decks supported by decorative and articulated structural systems. this consistent language forms a dialogue among the bridges for the boaters crossing under them as they navigate this historic waterway. These bridges are reflections of their time and are expressive of their inherent nature. Each bridge is not merely a span crossing the waterway, but creates a memorable experience for those navigating below as well as across them. The bridges that have been built have respected the scenic, natural, and cultural heritage of the Rideau Waterway and have in turn enriched them. It is with that understanding that we approached the design of the Strandherd Bridge. Architectural features of base scheme bridge Bridge The bridge creates a strong first impression with the prow shaped structure, projecting out to the river and her boaters. The prow of the bridge forms a belvedere opening the bridge up for the pedestrians, allowing them to join in the boater’s enjoyment of the articulated structure. This V-shaped form becomes the defining characteristic for this bridge and is echoes in the structure, fences, railing and lighting. In addition to reflecting on the traditional forms, it uses these same shapes to interpret how the ice breaks up. The V-form is reflective of both the shape of the bridge piers designed to withstand the force of the ice floes in the river and the patterns of the ice breaking up as it flows down the river. Fences
Railing The vertical posts of the railing are constructed of two parallel plates of steel. As posts rise they take on the sectional qualities of the prow. These posts are connected by steel cables. The forms are based not purely on echoing the forms of the structure but enhance the safety of the system. The use of the inclined post and a cable system minimize the risks of having pedestrians climbing the railings. Lighting
Summary The forms of the bridge are not developed in isolation but in relation with each other. They cannot be pulled apart without losing their meaning. The forms in bridge are echoed throughout. The plan and section, and the structure, railings, fences, and lighting are developed from the same ideas. This bridge reflects upon the forms of the ice breaking up and analyzes them in relationship with the traditional forms of a ship. The transformation of these concepts into form was undertaken only after consideration of the scenic, natural, and cultural heritage of the Rideau Waterway. Architectural features of the alternative scheme bridge Bridge
Fences The fence posts are curved steel plates rising up in pairs, echoing the graceful curves of the blue heron. As in the base scheme, the posts are connected to a perforated steel screen. This screen provides both a dynamic screen and a protective barrier between the vehicular and pedestrian traffic Railing The vertical posts of the railing are constructed of two parallel plates of steel similar to that of the fences. These posts are connected by steel cables, creating a light edge to the bridge. The curved forms of the railing are valued for their function as well. The curved profile makes climbing more difficult, minimizing the potential for accidents to occur. Lighting Like the railings, the lighting for pedestrians and vehicles both start rise with a single tapered round column with horizontal arms reaching out in a curved wave form. The top portion of the arms carries a transparent reflector. The vehicular fixtures have symmetrical arms stretching out, like a bird before taking flight out of the water. The pedestrian fixtures have an abbreviated arm, interpreting the form of a bird fishing. In addition to the form, the fixtures are designed to provide a high-quality of light, delivering a glare-free, indirect light.
Summary As with the base scheme, the forms of the bridge are not developed in relationship with each other and the heritage of the waterway. The form of the structural arches is echoed in the forms of the fence and railing post and the horizontal arms of the light fixtures. They achieve their meaning only in conjunction with each other and not in isolation. The bridge features are developed from the ideas of a wave, and the ecology and history of the waterway. Furthermore, the bridge is designed to appreciate the scenery and to be appreciated from the river, the surrounding area, and the bridge itself. The forms of the bridge are not purely aesthetic but provide for safety. |
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