Concepts designs.

Most of the work done here is based on trial an error design. The design process took different approaches for a possible solution to the question at hand. How do you combine movement and structure together and transform it into something completely new?

I started out using symmetry as one of my possible solutions. Different bridge designs using symmetry threw me into different concepts, but at the end they all converge in the same path. In order to maintain symmetry, what happens in one side must happen to the other. Therefore if one side of the bridge moves, the other side of the bridge must move as well.

Monotone structures were not allowed as design solutions. Only 1’x1’ members were allowed in all expect of the design process. Therefore thinking on how every single component of the structure would react to different types of movement and loads was vital in the design. This process gave me a bigger understanding on how members of the structure would react when loads were applied from different sides, and how the actual movement function would affect the visuals and design of the structure it self.

However, due to the given parameters, symmetry would not be a good solution. The bridge opening must leave a space of at least 30ft in length by 40 in height for oncoming boats. In other a words symmetrical design would create an unnecessary opening. The opening would be too great in magnitude compare to its desire function, which is let small boat pass by. Because of this I resorted on non-symmetrical designs, which took a little bit of every structure concept.