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 purusal 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

  1. ↑ Commuting underway on Weave Bridge | PlanPhilly: Planning Philadelphia's Future PlanPhilly (2009-01-26). Retrieved on 2010-09-09.
  2. 1 2 Weave Bridge - Engineering. Architect Magazine. Retrieved on 2010-09-09.
  3. 1 2 'Weave': Cecil Balmond's bridge in two pieces. Wired.co.uk. Retrieved on 2010-09-09.
  4. ↑ Magazine. Mark Magazine. Retrieved on 2010-09-09.
  5. ↑ Mirojnick, Ellen. (2007-09-18) No. 48: The Weave Bridge, an Impossible Structure. Esquire. Retrieved on 2010-09-09.
  6. ↑ Cecil Balmond – NSO. Nonlinearsystems.org. Retrieved on 2010-09-09.
  7. ↑ "Penn Design".
  8. ↑ "THE ARCHITECTS NEWS PAPER".
  9. ↑ "Jannuzzi Smith".

External links

Coordinates: 39°56′55″N 75°11′13″W / 39.94864°N 75.18702°W / 39.94864; -75.18702

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