HOME
Millenium Bridge
Foster & Partners | |
| location | London |
| function | bridge |
| contributed by | boeboe |
This is the first pedestrian rivercrossing in central London for more than a century. A shallow suspension links Bankside with the City. This winning entry of a competition organized in 1996 was an innovative "blade of light" from Arup, Foster & Partners and Sir Anthony Caro. Unexpected lateral vibration (resonant structural response) caused the bridge to be closed for modifications. The movements were produced by the sheer numbers of pedestrians (90,000 in the first day, with up to 2,000 on the bridge at any one time). Attempts were made to limit the people crossing the bridge: this led to long queues, but dampened neither public enthusiasm, nor the vibrations themselves. The closure only 3 days after opening attracted public criticism. Solved by installing dampers under and between the deck and the river piers; excellent, as it does not impact the aesthetics. Linking the 2 major tourist attractions of St Paul's Cathedral and the fabulous Tate Modern, the bridge is well worth a visit.
Link
P :-)
No MIMOA account? Register here!