Form and Function
Research/Concepts ~ Analog of movement ~ Plan/Elevations ~ 3 x 3 ~ Animations~Philosophy
In order for a mechanism to work the form must fit the function in which it ties into. The function of the bridge is to be able to allow pedestrians to walk across and allow for the passing of ships to clear a 30 foot wide, 40 foot tall space. The bridge spans an opening of a 190 feet and uses a set of arches and cables to support the road bed below. The mechanical portion of the the bridge is fully indepentdent from the rest. The remaining 160 feet is held up by an arch and a compressive column and at its end is held by cables from the tower above. Another arch spans above the mechanical part to continue the astethic but also to provide a place to mount the differential which causes the bridge to move. The moving road bed sits in a track that is held my bracing arms connected to the tower. A set of gears are what allow the hydrulic arm to move back and forth lifting the track out of the way and make room for ships to pass. The machine powered differential pulls the road bed up into a angled track in which it sits in. The observation room is cantileving off the tower and is made of glass to allow spectators to look down and see what makes the bridge move. A set of stairs weaves through the tower leading up to the observation deck.
I feel by using different concepts it gives the bridge a structural sense rather then more of a astethic. By following a more structural approach makes the bridge more clear to understand. Each part of the bridge can be easily be distinguished. Each part of the bridge plays a major role in its ingenuity.