4 Futuristic Inhabitable Bridges

Few days ago, I encountered two blogs written about inhabitable bridges. Jeremy and Lloyd talked mostly about existing inhabitable bridges, so I would like to talk more about conceptual and futuristic bridges that are worthy of acknowledgement.  

As Jeremy writes, “a bridge connects one place to another, and thus seems to promise transition and adventure.” Although this is true, futuristic bridges these days seems to offer so many more than transition and adventure. In a time of fast-paced changing world, the bridges are adapting more functions that just retails and apartments as the two bloggers lists. 

Here is a list of futuristic and “unbuilt” bridge designs that are innovative and appropriate to our changing environment.

1. Maribor Pedestrian Bridge by Ja Architecture Studio

A winning entry of the competition for 130 meters long pedestrian bridge on the Drava River in Maribor, Slovenia is designed with undulating surface of the bridge to provide the structural stability and closer access to water for pedestrians. The pedestrians can now sit on the sloping stairs to overlook on the river and enjoy fishing closer to the water. Although it is skeptical how boats will pass through the low-lying bridge, I think the project is successful in providing more public space on the bridge. 

2. London Bridge Vertical Farm by Laurie Chetwood Architect

Another competition was held in 2009 in London calling for new ideas for London Bridge. The winning entry proposes a vertical farm in the bridge which is completely supported by solar power energy. According to Chetwood, “the project uses EFTE over core to provide lightweight PV skin, harvest rainwater to supply non-potable for hydroponic landscape and WCs, and recycle grey water. As population grows in urban cities, the demand for food will increase up to the point that farmers in suburban will be not enough to support these cities. Providing its own food resources within its city is a great solution and this bridge is successful in that way. 

3. Carbon T.A.P.// Tunnel Algae Park by The PORT Architects

This rotating bridge connects Brooklyn and Manhattan by constantly rotating on the surface of the water. The bridge utilizes high-technology to farm algae, which will convert carbon emissions from New York City into bio-fuel. The bridge also provides high-speed bike lanes to advocate carbon-zero transportation. The project will offer a large park floating on the water to the New Yorkers. 

4. High Tide Street by James Gardener

James Gardener, an architecture student at University of Westminster in UK, designed a conceptual bridge for the Thames River in London, which will be moving with the tide. The design consists a series of floating elements that are linked to freely move with the tide. High Tide Street connects the two sides of the river’s edge when the high tide occurs. When the bridge is connected, the public can fully enjoy the programs in the bridge, such as a concert hall, library, fish market, and oyster bar. Moving with the ebb and the flow of the tide, the bridge provides unusual spatial moments that is created by the nature. 

Personally, this project is my favorite among the four bridges listed here not only because it is the only project which responds to the movement of the river but even more, this project makes me wonder how it would be like to be in this bridge. Also, high tides comes in different time of the day in different time of the year. So it is interesting to think that people will adjust to the schedule of the Moon to access this bridge. Perhaps different programs will be activated according to when the high tide occurs? I would love to visit London just for this bridge if it ever gets built. 

[Image sources from referenced websites]