"The Ham needs something rather more special: the proposed new Alma Bridge is functional but undistinctive"

Proposals for a new bridge over the River Sid have been published:
Futures Forum: Design of new Alma Bridge released

These were on view yesterday:
Futures Forum: Beach Management Plan: on BBC Spotlight tonight and at Kennaway House Thursday 19th April

Not everyone has been impressed:
Futures Forum: The 'monstrous inappropriateness' of the new Alma Bridge design >>> >>> 'The position cries out for delicate curves not flint like hard slabs.'

Here is further comment from a correspondent:

The proposed new Alma Bridge is a functional but undistinctive design.

It certainly lacks elegance and its box shape buttresses may impact brutally on the natural setting.

The problem lies with the reach height and incline of the ramps which are restricted to 12deg max.

It appears the engineers have succeeded in providing disabled access but at a cost of aesthetic delight.

I suppose an easy solution would be to round-off the corners and make the profiles of the landings more organic.

A curved deck with steel supports would be less imposing - see Castleford and Derry bridges attached.

 Castleford Bridge | Benedetti Architects | Archinect

SSDA Award: Peace Bridge, Derry-Londonderry | newsteelconstruction.com

The views from the bridge could have been very exciting.

The Ham needs something rather more special.

There are in fact lots of very exciting designs out there:
Pedestrian Bridges and Footbridges with Amazing Design Photos | Architectural Digest
Engineering Timelines - Gateshead Millennium Bridge

Vancouver Pedestrian Land Bridge

Living green bridge keeps wildlife safe from a busy highway | Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building

Jarrold Bridge, Norwich - Steelconstruction.info
SSDA Commendation: Jarrold Bridge, Norwich | newsteelconstruction.com

Pedestrian Bridge in Zapallar / Enrique Browne | ArchDaily
Bridge in Zapallar - Data, Photos & Plans - WikiArquitectura

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