Ok i wasnt sure where to put this but ithought it go under culture maybe?

This is for Millenium bridge London vs. Millenium bridge newcastle

London:
http://hhollick.com/v-web/b2/images/millenium_bridge.jpg

http://www.pb-photography.co.uk/images/urban/milleniumbridge700

http://www.ninaludwig.co.uk/ld/ld014.jpg

Newcastle:

http://www.bridgingng.org.uk/images/millenium%20bridge.jpg

http://www.paul-parker.com/blog/bblog/pbimages/9.jpg

I love the one in Newcastle but have never seen the one in London so i can't really judge...

one winks, one wobbles. no contest really.

I would have to cross them both to get the full on crossing bridge experience, before I cast my deciding vote.

Too difficult to decide, but purely on aesthetics Newcastle. However, that's not to say the London is ugly, far from it.

Newcastle gets it from me. I haven't walked across either, but Newcastle's bridge is a timeless classic - more so than London's bridge could ever hope to be.

So good in fact that up here in Glasgow we are about to copy it, make it bigger and stick it in the focal point of our Clydeside regeneration scheme...

How do I put in a poll? Or does have to be a moderator or something? Ive never done a poll before...

The NewcastleGateshead Millennium Bridge is much better. London's is ok, bit pointless though- the money could have been better spent, its hardly made a tourist attraction unlike Gatesheads or other London additions like BA London Eye, The Dome...etc

Defo Newcastle. The London one is nice but its not fantastic.

Newcastle, though the London one has a better view.

Newcastle. I like the london one but Newcastles' is more interesting.

It didn't really need to be an attraction, its got two of London's biggest attractions on either end, St Pauls and Tate Modern. So it just had to link them in an attractive but subtle way, which I think it does very well!!

Newcastle's, having visited it earlier, its a major focal point. Though London's is the 4th best bridge in the city :D

The one here is rubbish. Horrible concrete piers, dreary colours, no stairs at the southern end for a quick entrance or exit, nasty flooring and nothing else. Newcastle's is better.

I agree with phillip the one in London ,although impressive bit of engineering is looking shabby already- cracked pathing, missing lights & not a great finish. Newcastles is miles better.

Well they both perform their completely differing goals to equal effectivness

the Newcastle one creates a great visual attraction and a clever method of allowing the river to continue to be navigatable

while the bridge in London is an elegant span over the river using minimal supporting structure to have minimal visual impact, note the suspension structure is as close to the horizontal of the bridge as technologically possible which is pretty much at the leading edge of bridge engineering.

I havent been on the Newcastle bridge but the sense of floating above the Thames is a great feeling with Normans Fosters design, definitely joins the small list of Londons great bridges.

Foster is not a renowed bridge designer but has done tremendously well on the London millenium bridge. Wilkinson Eyre on the other hand does bridges for fun. Having seen both, I prefer Foster's for a number of reasons most of which have been mentioned above. A bridge like the eye would be great in London though. We kinda have one already at Canary Wharf.

Watch out though, Hakes Associates' Mobius bridge in Bristol will be a contender.

Foster is not a renowed bridge designer

????

He designed the tallest bridge in the world.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-12/10/xin_121201101001494207472.jpg

Definately the Newcastle one. WIlkinson Eyre are much better architects than Foster anyway. AND their employees are better looking! :D :runaway:

WIlkinson Eyre are much better architects than Foster anyway.

Hehe, the only ones who believe that are trapped in a dinky little architects studio north of the City! :D

Hehe, the only ones who believe that are trapped in a dinky little architects studio north of the City! :D

I'm sure I have no idea what you mean! :)

Besides, size isn't everything.

http://www.architecture.com/imageLibrary/jpeg330/5841.jpg
http://narian.org.uk/siteimages/large_116.png

Where the bloomin heck is that twisty thing? it looks like the entrance to your worst nightmair, but in a good way.

That 'twisty thing' is a walkway at the Royal Ballet school in London, and it was designed by wilkinson eyre.


Did you know the London Millennium bridge is a suspension bridge, and it only wobbled because of the 100s of people walking in step.

Example...

Wooden bridge....50 people walk over it, ramdom stepping.

Then a 50 person marching band walks over it....the thing will shake.

I'm sure I have no idea what you mean! :)

Besides, size isn't everything.

http://www.architecture.com/imageLibrary/jpeg330/5841.jpg
http://narian.org.uk/siteimages/large_116.png

saw that yesterday! it looks unreal suspended up above a backstreet in covent garden.

^yeah the expressions on tourists' faces when the see the building is quite amusing (modern architecture in central london? surely not...;))

Honestly didn't realise how close Glasgow's proposed Neptune's Way bridge is to Newcastle's Millenium Bridge....

But I guess there's only so many DIFFERENT designs all everything else are just variations....

Remember I said the Millennium bridge in London only wobbled because of the 100s of people walking in step?


There is a sign on the Albert Bridge in London 'All Soldiers Must Break Step When Walking Accross the Bridge'

http://homepage.mac.com/aforkosh/EuroBikePhotos/image/l01albert_bridge.jpg

See, i'm not just a pretty face.

Remember I said the Millennium bridge in London only wobbled because of the 100s of people walking in step?


the only reason they walked in step was cos it started wobbling tho, then when they walked in step, it made it worse, so they walk MORE in step, and the wobbling increases etc etc.

.
An interesting 'photo' in a very familiar location . . . BUT

1 - What is this bridge?

2 - When was it designed/proposed?

and, if you know it . . .

3 - Who designed it?

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Whatisthisallabout.jpg

Well here goes for a first post...

Was it one of the 5 losing designs for the Millenium Bridge competition which would put the date at 1997?

Well here goes for a first post...

Was it one of the 5 losing designs for the Millenium Bridge competition which would put the date at 1997?


Welcome to the forum, CDBOO, hope you are going to become a regular!

Certainly a good first post, as (of the three questions) you got one right, and another "very nearly" right!

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Whatisthisallabout.jpg

1 - What is this bridge?

Yes, it is one of the five losing designs for the Millenium Bridge

2 - When was it designed/proposed?

Very nearly right (you said 1997) the six designs were all formally unveiled on Monday November 18th 1996!

So, now all we need to know for this one, is . . .

3 - Who designed it?

As a clue, were the designers an architectural practice..?

If not, it could be anyone...

Welcome to the forum, CDBOO, hope you are going to become a regular!

Certainly a good first post, as (of the three questions) you got one right, and another "very nearly" right!

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Whatisthisallabout.jpg

1 - What is this bridge?

Yes, it is one of the five losing designs for the Millenium Bridge

2 - When was it designed/proposed?

Very nearly right (you said 1997) the six designs were all formally unveiled on Monday November 18th 1996!

So, now all we need to know for this one, is . . .

3 - Who designed it?


I claim an extra half mark because I think the decision was not made until 97 so technically on that date it was not yet a losing design

As a clue, were the designers an architectural practice..?

If not, it could be anyone...


It is a "he" rather than a firm (though he has a firm of course) and he is a famous British architect of major office buildings around the world . . .

That is a very strong clue, better read it quick as I might change my mind and delete it!!!

I claim an extra half mark because I think the decision was not made until 97 so technically on that date it was not yet a losing design

Like your style!!

It is a "he" rather than a firm (though he has a firm of course) and he is a famous British architect of major office buildings around the world . . .

That is a very strong clue, better read it quick as I might change my mind and delete it!!!

I forgot his name, but is it the same guy who designed the Sage?

Anyway, can we have pictures of all 6/7 final Millenium Bridge designs?

Not Norman Foster?

Not Norman Foster?

Aye him, isn't he a Sir now though?

Not Norman Foster?

Aye him, isn't he a Sir now though?


Yes, Chris and CDB00, it was indeed designed by Sir Norman Foster, as shown on the below extract from The Guardian . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/MilleniumBridgedesignedbyNormanFost.jpg


As for photos of the other four bridges Chris, I do not appear to have them, or (at least) I cannot find them at the moment, though I have searched!

I'm sure someone on here will have them?

It would be very interesting to see them.

Argh, I was going to guess that but didn't check back quick enough!

Glad we didn't get this design though, nowhere nearly as good as the Wilkinson Eyre design.

You don't know where we can get hold of the other designs, do you Anger?

Haven't a clue... Gateshead Council don't have any online records do they?

Best I've found so far is this list from "Construction News" (using a Nexis UK News Search)

October 10, 1996 Thursday

Gateshead bridge Tyne bridge short list

SECTION: ARTICLE; Other; News

LENGTH: 63 words

HIGHLIGHT: GATESHEAD Council has shortlisted six design teams to work up drawings for the proposed Millennium Bridge across the river Tyne.

Out of 150 entries from around the world, WS Atkins, Gifford, Ove Arup, the Napper Partnership, Robert Benaim and Parkman have made it through to the final stages of the competition.

The council will use the designs and costings as a basis to try and secure funds from the Millennium Commission to allow the project to go ahead.

The preferred design team will be announced next year.

LOAD-DATE: October 10, 1996

Looking at CDB00's list, Wilkinson Eyre aren't on there... Anyone know what the story was there?

Yes, I have (finally) managed to find my Millenium Bridge papers, and buried amongst a load of articles and photos about the 'winning design', I finally found a couple of references to the selection process, but sadly still, NO photos of any of the losing designs, apart from Sir Norman Fosters.

HOWEVER, I did find the answer to your question, Anger.

CDB00s list is reproduced below . . .

Best I've found so far is this list from "Construction News" (using a Nexis UK News Search)

October 10, 1996 Thursday, Gateshead bridge Tyne bridge short list

Gateshead Council has short-listed six design teams to work up drawings for the proposed Millennium Bridge across the river Tyne. Out of 150 entries from around the world, WS Atkins, Gifford, Ove Arup, the Napper Partnership, Robert Benaim and Parkman have made it through to the final stages of the competition.

One of the names mentioned above, on CDB00s list, is "Gifford", and the below small article (from the Journal of 22nd November 2000) shows that Gifford were the Civil Engineers and Chris Wilkinson (Wilkinson Eyre, I assume) were the architects!

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/MilleniumBridge.jpg


Most of the stuff I have is all about photos of the Asian Hercules 2 carrying the bridge into place, etc (some of the photos are GREAT, mind!) but I did find a little bit more background (below) on the selection process for the winning design . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/MilleniumBridge001.jpg

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The Evening Chronicle - Monday November 20th 2000.

Carried by a HUGE floating crane, the 'Asian Hercules the 2nd', the new Millennium Bridge over the Tyne finally arrives . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/MilleniumBridgeOpeningDay2.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/MilleniumBridgeOpeningDay3.jpg


The Journal - Tuesday November 21st 2000.


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/MilleniumBridgeOpeningDay4.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/MilleniumBridgeOpeningDay5.jpg


The Journal - Tuesday September 18th 2001.

Almost one year later, the Millenium Bridge opens to the public . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/MilleniumBridgeOpeningDay6.jpg

.

Just been digging through some papers now that I am able to get up into my attic office - oh the joy of being surrounded by my goods and chattels!

Anyway, here's a little piece of memorabilia that folk might be interested in -HM Queen Elizabeth's visit to Tyneside and her naming of the Gateshead Millennium Bridge on 7th May 2002.

http://www.fototime.com/B1F71B5000960CB/orig.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/64E165FBADBB898/orig.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/D7FD8F796199DE4/orig.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/654E822642610FC/orig.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/12967EFEDE3EA5F/orig.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/3A3FF1516A5DE94/orig.jpg

Events to hail Millennium Bridge's 10th birthday
by Linda Richards, Evening Chronicle, August 17th 2011

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/3442281-bridge11_460_345.jpg

IT IS nearly a decade since the Tyne’s riverscape changed forever.

Thousands lined the riverside on September 17, 2001, to see the Gateshead Millennium Bridge open to the public and there was a huge queue to be among the first to cross it.

Gateshead Council leader Coun Mick Henry said: “The Gateshead Millennium Bridge has become such a familiar part of our riverscape that it’s incredible to think it’s only been here for 10 years.

“Yet in that short time, the Gateshead Millennium Bridge has become famous throughout the world and it’s an absolute must-see for any visitor to Tyneside.

“It seems you can visit the bridge at almost any time of the day or night and you’ll usually find a steady stream of visitors from all around the world staring up in wonder at it.”

Among the events planned are an open weekend so people can go down right inside the bridge to see its workings; the opportunity for lucky residents to take control of the bridge and raise it themselves; the relaunch of a special Millennium Bridge celebration ale; and a musical performance on Baltic Square accompanied by spectacular light show on the bridge.

Coun Henry added: “We are organising a whole series of special events over the coming weeks to celebrate the bridge’s 10th birthday – and everyone is invited.


Read More - http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2011/08/17/events-hail-millennium-bridge-s-10th-birthday-72703-29251228/#ixzz1VYcIij2Q


We have already covered the actual event (from 2001) in the NEWSPAPER HEADLINES Thread . . .


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The Journal - Tuesday September 18th 2001.

The Millenium Bridge opens to the public . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/MilleniumBridgeOpeningDay6.jpg

.

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Evening Chronicle, Saturday 20th August 2011 . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/MillenniumBridge-20Aug2011_0002.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/MillenniumBridge-20Aug2011_0001.jpg

Newcastle's Millenium Bridge

There is a poll of this on the one on one where Newcastle is currently leading by a long way

http://xl.skyscrapercity.com/?page=oneonone&otherday=20111016

Having used both I have to say each is ideal for their location. The Newcastle one does not work in London which needs a straight bridge to capitalise on that St Paul's to Tate view while a Newcastle needs a bridge with clearance for shipping which the London design would not satisfy from the quayside.

Both are innovative. London for a flat suspension and Newcastle for a swing bridge that swings in an unconventional axis.

As a means of getting across quickly I prefer London's as you go direct rather than a longer arc. However, I think London's should have been built wider as at time it gets quite congested with all the tourist and school parties mixing in with the tourists.

There is no wobble on the London one as they installed dampers before it reopened

Looks wise I prefer Newcastle but overall the London one gets my vote taking into account its much higher level of use (commuters and tourists) and the the benefits it has given to the adjoining areas.

Quirky bridge across a canal in Paddington

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=0aIl0bzyQD0

Definately the one in Newcastle.

I've walked over the one in London many times, and it's in a great location and very functional, but it's hardly attractive.

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An interesting photo of the Millennium Bridge in Newcastle, with its JAWS wide open . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/21stOctober2009-MilleniumBridgeO-1.jpg
Photo courtesy of - http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/21stOctober2009-MilleniumBridgeO-1.jpg