Weave Bridge
The Weave Bridge is a 145 ft (44 m) bridge at the University of Pennsylvania, USA, which was conceptualized by Cecil Balmond[1] and engineered by Ammann & Whitney. It was commissioned by the university in 2007, and opened in June 2009.[2]
The bridge creates a pedestrian passage over the Amtrak train tracks that currently separate the main campus from athletic fields along the Schuylkill River. The design features a "braided rope" structure consisting of stainless steel strands. It marks the first milestone in the university's plan to transform a former postal depot into a 24-acre (97,000 m2) complex, called Penn Park.[2] The design uses a "never before used bridge structure" [3] It is in keeping with Balmond's perusal of a "non-linear world,[4] and his principle that "structure as conceptual rigour is architecture." His dynamic and organizational approach to structure is informed by the sciences of complexity, non-linear organization and emergence.
The design obviates the use of conventional longitudinal supporting beams.[3] According to Esquire magazine:"The span is a poetic solution to a pedestrian problem."[5] Balmond founded and runs the University of Pennsylvania's Non-Linear Systems Organization, a research group he set up to explore ways in which architecture can demonstrate, test and apply insights from mathematics and sciences.[6] He currently holds the Paul Philippe Cret chair as Professor of Architecture at PennDesign.[7] Cecil Balmond realized the design through Arup's AGU, an experimental research and design unit he founded in 2000.[8] Balmond joined Arup in 1968 and is Deputy Chairman.[9]
References[edit]
- ^ Commuting underway on Weave Bridge | PlanPhilly: Planning Philadelphia's Future PlanPhilly (2009-01-26). Retrieved on 2010-09-09.
- ^ a b Weave Bridge - Engineering. Architect Magazine. Retrieved on 2010-09-09.
- ^ a b 'Weave': Cecil Balmond's bridge in two pieces. Wired.co.uk. Retrieved on 2010-09-09.
- ^ Magazine. Mark Magazine. Retrieved on 2010-09-09.
- ^ Mirojnick, Ellen. (2007-09-18) No. 48: The Weave Bridge, an Impossible Structure. Esquire. Retrieved on 2010-09-09.
- ^ Cecil Balmond – NSO. Nonlinearsystems.org. Retrieved on 2010-09-09.
- ^ "Penn Design".
- ^ "THE ARCHITECTS NEWS PAPER".
- ^ "Jannuzzi Smith".