The design
The Spring Bridge spans the River Irwell, elegantly bending 128 degrees, counteracting the natural bend of the river below. Suspended off a structural arch, the bridge takes two elements – nature and architecture – and forms its master plan; its slender lines constitute the ‘stem’ and the branching out of the footbridge forms two green ‘leaves’.
This gentle movement provides a dynamic look to the structure and allows the users to enjoy the surrounding views – the park on the north-west side and the cityscape on the east. The particular geometry of the bridge offers a clear reading of its trajectory and keeps a clear line of site. The footway is DDA compliant with a 5% gradient slope.
The project fluidly articulates the bridge and infill landforms; the land is altered to create a landform sculpture, which forms a natural auditorium and a public space.