unit-code
In a world that is changing radically environmentally, socially and economically, the built environment lacks the ability to match the speed of changing population needs and habits. In this era plagued by the deterioration of climate change, designers of the built environment find that their buildings must not only emit zero carbon, but also amend the environmental damages made by their predecessors. This can be achieved through carbon re-capture and ecological restoration, sparking the idea of creating dynamic infrastructure that can evolve and grow its own construction materials.
The concept consists of creating a permanent structural skeleton off which rooms can always be added or allowed to decay, by using movable partition systems made from a mixture of algae-based tiles and glass. The structural skeleton itself is a matrix of vaults, built using Guastavino tiling, using algae tiles grown and fabricated on the bridge itself. While aiming to be a place where you can work and play, dismantling the idea that you must separate occupation, recreation, and family, the habitable spaces on the bridge are designed for flexible working areas and lively community centre spaces.
Entrance to the habitable bridge. The vaults shine in all their green algae glory, connected by columns made from re-claimed concrete.
Each of the three building piers has a different theme that informs the type of activities organised in its community centre rooms.
Structural section, showing details of the vault and floor slab construction.
Access to the water level is provided by stairs, allowing the public to come in contact with the River Thames and explore the growing algae farm strung between the piers.
A view of the flexible working spaces. The quiet working niches are created at the intersections of the vaults.