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:
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.
Final Design :
Bridge (CLOSED)
Bridge (OPEN)
Realistic Front View
Structural Frame Work:
3-D Slide Show:
3-D Mechanism View:
Animations:
2-D TRANSFORMATION PROCESS
