Dezeen Magazine

Living bridge by Wilkinson Eyre Architects

Here are a few photographs of the Living bridge in Limerick, Republic of Ireland, by London-based architects Wilkinson Eyre.

Crossing the river Shannon in five spans, the deck width fluctuates along the length of the bridge to allow for resting places or public art displays.

The bridge was completed in November last year.

Here's some more information from Wilkinson Eyre:

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Living Bridge

This bridge is a small component of the University of Limerick’s ambitious plans for expansion to the north of the River Shannon, yet assumes a strategic importance that transcends its physical presence.

The design grows from the site, an organic response to a natural environment. A curvaceous deck sweeps across the Shannon and its embankments in five spans between strategically located support locations. The impression is both of a single crossing but also of a series of bridges jumping from pier to pier, like stepping-stones.

This span arrangement is a pragmatic response to the founding opportunities within the river, placing piers on the riverbanks, wooded islands and pool edges.The deck width ‘pulses’ along its length, offering wider platforms to be used as resting places or spaces for public art.

Location: Limerick, Republic of Ireland

Client: University of Limerick
Architect: Wilkinson Eyre Architects
Structural Engineer: Arup, Dublin
Project Value: 12m Euros
Completed: November 2007