Dodder Pedestrian Bridge, Ballsbridge, Dublin IE
Through a series of existing bridges across the Dodder a set of plays or moves are facilitated, connecting nodes of activity & density like a life size game of snakes & ladders. The proposed pedestrian bridge adds a further set of permutations to this Markov Process of unpredictable urban links. The proposal consists of 2 ‘snakes’ (at either bank) and an elegant timber ‘ladder’ connecting them. Given the infinite possible combination of moves or connections afforded by the new crossing, a formal geometry or alignment of the bridge with existing local conditions is avoided. Instead attention is focused on the bridging move itself, the execution of which rests in the structural connection of two interdependent bridging elements, forming a single timber span.
The two elements are each pinned to black exposed concrete bases which negotiate the space and level between the bridge deck and the existing riverside walkways. The bridge is rendered entirely accessible by these concrete abutments. On the east bank a tripartite set of cast in-situ, and polished, black concrete ramps connect Beatty’s Avenue, Herbert Cottage’s and the new link across the Dodder, while allowing uninterrupted use of the existing pedestrian walkway along the east bank.
The confluence of these routes becomes a new public space; to pause, meet, greet, rest or gather.
In collaboration with Kaisa Turza-Rachwal
Competition Entry/ 2008
