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PROJECT I:FORM & FUNCTI   N

Pedestrian Bridge (Arch)

Program:

The main objective of this project was to show how the form of a structure can be influenced by its function. In our case it was to develop upon an existing bridge prototype in order to allow boats to pass through. The opening mechanism for a portion of the bridge pedestrian was determined based off the movements of three complex household item which would eventually determine the final transformation of the bridge. Care was also taken in keeping some of the key existing features of the bridge, such as the framing patterns and shape so it would not lose its unique expression.  

Prototypes:

The three bridge examples that I choose to develop on were the Fourth bridge (cantilever type), the Big Four Bridge (truss) and the Chaotianmen Bridge (arch). 

The Fourth Bridge

The Big Four Bridge

The Chaotianmen Bridge

Line Diagrams:

Cantilever 

Truss

Arch

Moveable Items:

The three items that I drew inspiration from with regards to the type of movement I wanted to incorporate into my bridge design were a wine bottle opener (a control rack and pinion mechanism), a can opener (a manually rotatable drive wheel consist of two pinion gears), and a adjustable compass (hinge with a control mechanism).

Can Opener

Wine Bottle Opener

Adjustable Compass

Line Diagrams:

Rotatable Pinion Gears

Rack And Pinion

Control Hinge Mechanism

Conceptual Table:

Conceptual Table

Preliminary Designs:

By using both the arch and truss bridge prototype, I was able to come up with two preliminary design concept that imitates the movement mechanism of the three items chosen. The first design concept stems from the idea of transforming linear motion into rotatory with the aid of steel cables to pull  a portion of the bridge open on a hinge mechanism as with the adjustable compass. The second design uses a similar mechanism but features a 90 degree fixed pivoted shaft connected to the road bed which slides open and close on a horizontal track system. The counterweight connected to the rack and pinion mechanism will provide the motion. Both designs in my opinion were a success but the arch bridge had more potential with regards to a transformative process.

Prelim. Design 1

Prelim. Design 1

Prelim Design 2

Prelim Design 2

Final Design

Final Design

Final Design :

Bridge (CLOSED)

Bridge (OPEN)

Realistic Front View

Structural Frame Work:

The Chaotianmen Bridge

The Chaotianmen Bridge

This is an actual picture of the bridge that was transformed

The New And Improved Bridge

The New And Improved Bridge

Its unique features being maintained throughout the transformative process

Framing Work of the Bridge

Framing Work of the Bridge

There is an consistent Diamond Pattern throughout the structure

Identical Frame Work.

Identical Frame Work.

3-D Slide Show:

Isometric View

Isometric View

TOP VIEW

TOP VIEW

Back View

Back View

Cable Supports

Cable Supports

Form Follows Function

Form Follows Function

Close Up 3-D Shot of Movement

Close Up 3-D Shot of Movement

3-D Mechanism View:

Full View of Exterior Frame Work)

Full View of Exterior Frame Work)

Exterior Frame Work

Exterior Frame Work

3D Mechanism full view

3D Mechanism full view

3-D Shot Of Movement

3-D Shot Of Movement

Top View Of Mechanism

Top View Of Mechanism

Another 3-D View

Another 3-D View

3-D Close Up View of Mechanism

3-D Close Up View of Mechanism

 Animations:

2-D TRANSFORMATION PROCESS

3-D MOVEMENT ANIMATION

Ending Quote

"An object should be judged by whether it has an form consistent with its use"-Bruno Munari

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