It looks like the architects behind the Scale Lane Bridge may have taken a page or two out of the 'Harry Potter' books. Like the staircases in Hogwarts, this overpass pivots to another direction. Yet instead of being a random occurrence that changes the direction of the person on the stairs all together, the Scale Lane Bridge only moves for boats and returns back to place right after.
Designed by architects McDowell + Benedetti, the Scale Lane Bridge is located in Kingston, United Kingdom. Also known as the River Hull Footbridge, it is designed for pedestrians and cyclists exclusively. Officially opened in June 2013, the overpass provides an entertaining ride as well as a convenient footpath.
What's Driving This Trend
- Pivoting Footbridges
- Architectural designs are expected to incorporate more pivoting or other futuristic features to enhance pedestrian and cyclist experience.
- Innovations in Bridge Design
- Architects, city planners and engineers will look to incorporate more interesting and technologically advanced design features into bridge construction for improving accessibility and visual appeal.
- Smart Bridges
- There will be increasing demand for bridges that feature automation systems, sensors and other smart technologies to support sustainability and energy efficiency.
Who This Affects Most
- Architecture
- Architects and designers will look to innovate bridge designs to incorporate more interesting and technologically advanced features for improving accessibility and visual appeal.
- Construction
- Construction firms will have to train their personnel to work with and incorporate smart technologies into built infrastructure and keep up with the increasing demand for innovative bridge designs.
- Urban Planning
- City planners and urban developers will integrate the possibility of using more innovative bridge designs and automation systems into the planning and urban development process.
