Singapore - World's first "Double-Helix" bridge

[xtemujin]

Singapore - World's first "Double-Helix" bridge

Originally Posted by RafflesCity

6 MARCH 2006

LANDMARK BRIDGE FOR MARINA BAY – A WORLD’S FIRST IN ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING DESIGN

Minister for National Development, Mr Mah Bow Tan, today announced the building of a landmark bridge at Marina Bay. Designed as a double helix structure, the pedestrian component of the bridge scores a world’s first in architecture and engineering design.


The bridge will link the Bayfront area to Marina Centre, completing a walking route that brings visitors to the major attractions around the bay including the Esplanade and the future Integrated Resort and Singapore Flyer. The new 280metre-long bridge is envisaged to be a destination point for all visitors to Marina Bay – a place for them to enjoy and catch a panoramic view of the Singapore city skyline.


A consultant team, consisting COX Group Pte Ltd (Australia), ARUP Pte Ltd (Australia) and Architects 61 (Singapore), led by award-winning architect Mr Philip Cox, has been appointed to oversee the design and construction of this new bridge.


The team has good track records and extensive international experience in designing and constructing bridges. Notable bridges completed by the team include the Goodwill Bridge in Brisbane, Australia; Webb Bridge, Melbourne, Australia; Spencer Street Footbridge, Melbourne, Australia; Hulme Arch Bridge, Salford, UK; Corporation Street Footbridge, Manchester, UK; and the Millennium Bridge, London, UK.


New Bridge at MarinaBay
There are two components to the new bridge – a six-lane vehicular connection and a six-metre wide curved pedestrian connection that embraces Marina Bay.


World’s First ‘Double-helix’ Design
The pedestrian connection incorporates a unique ‘double-helix’ structure, a world’s first in architectural and engineering bridge design. It comprises two opposite spiraling steel members that are held together by a series of connecting struts to form a tubular structure. This provides an inherent strength, ideal for the curved form. Its resemblance to the structure of DNA, the basic building block of life, symbolises “life and continuity”, “renewal”, “everlasting abundance” and “growth”, reflecting our aspirations for Marina Bay.


Panoramic Views
Visitors can take in the views of the city skyline and waterfront or watch events happening within the Bay from the bridge’s viewing platforms (‘pods’). Four of the pods will extend out over the water and include glass openings in the floor to provide visual connection to the water below. The fifth will be located on the northern bank. Each pod will be designed according to a different theme, such as the five natural elements - earth, metal, water, wood and fire.


Unique Crossing Experience
Crossing the bridge will be a unique and pleasant experience.


The inner spiral of the double-helix design will be used to support fritted-glass and steel mesh canopies. The canopies will be designed as artwork and will be installed at strategic locations to offer shade for pedestrians. In between, areas will be left open to allow unblocked views of the Bay. Seats will be provided at resting points.


At night, the bridge will be illuminated by a series of lights that will enhance the double-helix design and visitors’ experience. These lights can be programmed with different colours and effects to set the mood for various festivals and events.


Creative Artwork
To encourage civic participation in the design of the new bridge and develop a sense of ownership amongst the local community, a number of Singapore youths will be selected through an `Art Competition’ to work with recognised local artists to develop ideas for artworks and to integrate them into the design of the new bridge. These artworks will be based on the theme of “Aspirations for Life in Singapore”. See fact sheet at Annex 1 for details.


The ‘pods’, shade canopies, railings, seats and floor finishes along the pedestrian connection will provide a canvas for the artwork. This will enliven the pedestrian’s experience and create a distinctive sense of place and identity.


Vehicular Connection
The vehicular connection will link the future Bayfront Avenue and the planned Integrated Resort to Raffles Avenue at the junction with Temasek Avenue, next to the upcoming Singapore Flyer. Its simple design blends in with the existing BenjaminShearesBridge to form a backdrop to the sculptural pedestrian connection.



How the Design Was Selected
The selection process for appointment of the Consultant Team took into account both the track record of the firms and the innovative design concept proposals to respond to the site context and Singapore’s hot and humid climate.


The Consultant Team was selected following an International Design Consultancy held by URA in April 2004 to seek the best teams and design ideas for the new waterfront promenade and bridge at MarinaBay. A total of 36 submissions were received from local and international firms at Stage One of the consultancy.


Five teams were subsequently short-listed to develop and submit their design proposals for both the promenade and bridge under Stage Two of the Consultancy before a consultant team was selected to develop a final design scheme for the bridge.


Bridge Completion Date
The construction of the bridge will commence around end 2006, and it is targeted for completion around 2009. The construction cost for both the vehicular and pedestrian connections is estimated to be around S$68million.

[xtemujin]

World's first 'double-helix' bridge in Singapore

Originally Posted by RafflesCity

[xtemujin]

Photos taken on 270309(Fri).

image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr


http://www.flickr.com/photos/xtemuji...7613308112614/

[xtemujin]

View of the Esplanade, the Double helix bridge and vehicular road from the top of the New Supreme Court.

image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr

[Simon91]

Great to see its taking shape now.

[RafflesCity]

Can't wait till its ready, together with the Art Park. I can imagine it will be very packed on festive occasions when there are fireworks.

[spikeshamz]

When sill it be ready. I hope it will be ready by June or July.

[xtemujin]

What's the intel on the completion date for the double helix ?

[RafflesCity]

I think end of the year to coincide with opening of Sands? No point opening it when the Sands is not ready...

[xtemujin]

Thanks for the intel bro, I think that most of us will be out of Singapore for a holiday if it opens in December.

Originally Posted by RafflesCity

I think end of the year to coincide with opening of Sands? No point opening it when the Sands is not ready...

[spikeshamz]

Originally Posted by RafflesCity

I think end of the year to coincide with opening of Sands? No point opening it when the Sands is not ready...

Who says no point for it if sands is not ready. They should be up at least before National Day (August 09) at least people could be up on the bridge by then.

[wonuraimo]

Oh well,definitely not the world's longest bridge,but unique nonetheless.

[Simon91]

Its an apotheosis of Singapore. Not the biggest, but unique.

[xtemujin]

Photos taken on 210409(Tue).

image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr


http://www.flickr.com/photos/xtemuji...7613308112614/

[wonuraimo]

Looking good, what cam did you use? Also, what mode do you recommend when taking skyline pics during the day? No flash right?

[xtemujin]

I was testing my new lens 80-200mm with my Nikon D200.

For landscape, we use Aperture mode and you can't use a flash as there is no way that the flash is able to light up a big area.

HTH.

Originally Posted by wonuraimo

Looking good, what cam did you use? Also, what mode do you recommend when taking skyline pics during the day? No flash right?

[ddes]

We might need a "unique or ugly" thread on this when it's completed...

[RafflesCity]

I dont mind the helical structure...but its beginning to look too concretey next to the Benjamin Sheares Bridge. Hope the facade will be elegant. Thanks for the pics xtemujin

[xtemujin]

No worries bro, need to retake some shots as the 80-200mm is no go with taking landscape.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by RafflesCity

I dont mind the helical structure...but its beginning to look too concretey next to the Benjamin Sheares Bridge. Hope the facade will be elegant. Thanks for the pics xtemujin

[xtemujin]

250409(Sat)

image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr


More photos in my Flickr album.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/xtemuji...7613308112614/