The 50m-long corten steel footbridge, by Gagarin Studio with DP Squared, is low maintenance and recyclable with an eye-catching sculptural form
Yorkshire RIBA Regional Award 2022
Contract value: Confidential
GIA: 165m2
Straddling the River Aire, the 50m Leeds Footbridge connects two residential areas in the city’s low-energy Climate Innovation District, and also carries pipework for the district heating network.
Wholly constructed from corten steel, it is low maintenance, recyclable and will subtly adjust in colour and patina with age. Its eye-catching sculptural form is composed from 16 different laser-cut balustrade profiles, arranged to suggest concertina folds – a highly effective device creating a sense of movement and interest from all angles.
Detailing is handled with aplomb. Structural ribs under the deck are exposed, and coordinate with the chamfered deck edge and the enveloping balustrade to make an honest structure which is equally satisfying when viewed from the towpath beneath or from the riverbank.
RIBA Regional Award 2022
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