British company Knight Architects together with structural engineers AKT II, completed Merchant Square Footbridge, Bridge in Paddington, London, which opens and closes in the form of traditional Japanese hand fan.
Composed of five fabricated steel beams which are raised and lowered with hydraulic jacks; this bridge has a dual role as a kinetic structure and fully functional pedestrian bridge which allows pedestrians to safely cross 20 meters over the Grand Union Canal.
3 meters wide, the deck is raised every Friday to let small ships to pass. The five elements-bridge beams that are attached to one side, opens in sequence, each at a different angle, forming an attractive range. The bridge balustrades are formed from twin rows of inclined stainless steel rods, overlapping to form a robust yet filigree and highly transparent structure. Railing of the bridge is supplemented with embedded LED lights that illuminate the bridge at night.
This creates a kinetic sculpture whose silhouette is both legible and extraordinary and which is well suited to the position next to the canal.
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