salford meadows bridge proposal by avery associates architects
all images courtesy of avery associates architects

 

 

 

based on the shape of a palm leaf stem, the elegant proposal for the salford meadows bridge competition by UK firm avery associates architects takes its structural strength and integral sculptural beauty from this natural form. a wide entrance on the main road invites pedestrians onto a platform, from where they can look out towards the meadow and river. the journey along this generous promenade gradually leaves the hum of the road behind as it gently ramps down over the river and into the surrounding foliage. emerging through the trees, visitors eventually arrive at the main viewing and orientation deck where they can begin their perambulation across the meadows. this corner is defined as a place of arrival, where events may occur on the manicured grass that embraces the site’s natural contours. this landscaping is informed by the beauty of the river’s natural curves, the banks follow the shape of the river and footpaths to create a space where a vast number of programs can be installed. the design is initiated as an on-going development, helping to embed a sustainable future for the meadows so they become a crucial part of salford and the irwell river park.

 

 

salford meadows bridge proposal by avery associates architects
aerial view illustrating the beauty and simplicity of the form and landscaping

 

 

salford meadows bridge proposal by avery associates architects
journey towards the meadows

 

 

salford meadows bridge proposal by avery associates architects
site plan

 

 

salford meadows bridge proposal by avery associates architects
cross section of the stem-leaf bridge set within the geometric purity of an equilateral triangle

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.