City of Salford | Salford, Manchester, UK 2013

This shortlisted proposal for a new bridge across the River Irwell in Salford balances visual playfulness with a impression of transparency, allowing its users to enjoy both it and its natural parkland setting. The structure is predominantly located below the walkway level, allowing unrestricted views off the bridge to all parts of the landscape. Only at the ends of the bridge do the catenary cables that support the deck rise up several feet to create fan-like shapes announcing the bridge landings.

Stepped and ramped access at the Salford Meadows end is combined with a cascade of green seating, providing a natural amphitheatre. The proposal is to remove the minimum number of trees possible, allowing bridge users to experience a range of transitions between highway, river, trees, and open parkland settings.