Melbourne Daily Photo

Hello, I created this blog because Melbourne is my city and I want people to see what a beautiful place it is. So come with me on a journey of discovery as we traverse the dining precincts, the culture, the laneways and hidden gems that make Melbourne marvellous.




Waltzing Australia

Sunday 26 September 2010

Webb Bridge

Webb Bridge
This spectacular bridge is a showmanship of technical design and elegance. Connecting Southbank Promenade to Docklands and panning 110 metres across the Yarra River, it is user friendly - wheelchair access is provided - pedestrians and cyclists use this bridge every day. Designed by Melbourne artist Robert Owen with Architects Denton Corker Marshall, the design is an analogy of Koorie fishing traps, drums, baskets and the gestural flow of the river below.

On the bridge
Ever seen a snake's skin once it has been shed? Well this is what this bridege reminds me of - the delicate and intricate curves all connecting in one beautiful pattern.
Webb Dock Rail Bridge was the original bridge and this pedestrian/cycle bridge over the Yarra river, as part of a public art project re-uses the remaining sections. The bridge comprises two distinct sections: the 145m long existing structure and a new curved 80m long ramped link.

Metallic Arches
The hoops vary in width from 5 – 8.7m and in height from 4 – 8.9m high. They are constructed from steel sections 15 x 150mm, occurring at varying centres along the bridge. These are interconnected by a series of steel straps 150mm wide. The steelwork was made in prefabricated sections and then assembled on a barge that was floated in at high tide. At the northern bank it starts as a series of plain hoops that grow further apart towards the middle of the span. As you approach the south bank, the hoops regain their intensity and evolve into a filigree cocoon.

A Spaceship? No, it's the bridge!
Webb Bridge appears as a delineated structure, a sensuous volume, light and linear. Space is seen as atmospheric, dynamic and transitional.

Bridge with a View
You can truly appreciate the surrounding views and activities along the river. Here I was facing east - you can see part of Spencer Street Bridge with its cream uprights and red. And of course the Eureka Tower which stands out like a beacon.

Click here to view all participants of Sunday Bridges
Click here to view all participants of Scenic Sunday


Today's Quote:
I am seeking for the bridge which leans from the visible to the invisible through reality ~ Max Beckmann

(I am out all day today but will visit all the other lovely bridges tonight, Have a good day everyone.)

27 comments:

Luis Gomez said...

Very interesting. Great bridge!

Dianne said...

Lovely pics ~ I don't usually like modern architecture but I love the look of this bridge, and the fact that it's user friendly is a bonus.
~Dianne~

Anonymous said...

How very impressive a bridge. Must feel strangly nice to walk inside.

Please have a good Sunday.

daily athens

Lesley said...

This is perhaps the most fascinating bridge I've seen posted here! A work of wonder, truly.

Boom Nisanart said...

I love this bridge : )

VioletSky said...

I want to go back to Melbourne to see this! and walk through it, several times.

EG CameraGirl said...

Wonderful example of Aussie creativity!

joco said...

And there was me thinking it was our provider :-)

First time use of the word 'awesome'. Really applicable here: fantastic bridge and equally fantastic captures. That is some camera you have, dealing with all those facets. I'll come back for a closer look when your IP is out of the red :-)

Qwave À la carte said...

W E L L Spotted
Men Made Marvel
Contemporary Design
Me Heart :)

Gemma Wiseman said...

Fascinating detail of this very creative bridge!

cat said...

Wow what a cool bridge. Great photos of it. Love what you've done with the first photo.

joo said...

Marvellous bridge! I've never seen anything like this!
Have a beautiful Sunday:)

Cezar and Léia said...

Fantastic bridge, very modern, it's impressive and it reminds me in some way the Millennium Bridge in London!
Hugs
Léia

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

It is very futuristic bridge. i thought you had posted a B & W photo.

Yes, my photo was at the Desert Road. Where you there. Also very cold.

Francisca said...

Very, very well done... Stunning shots of a fascinating bridge! (Hope your internet travails are over soon.)

Lowell said...

I've never seen anything like this, BFG! Fantastic! Your photos are wonderful, too, and really show off the bridge well. I love when cities do these creative things. It seems that doesn't happen so often in the U.S.

Re your question about the Reunion Center. It is a large multi-purpose building which serves as a sort of "nerve center" for our community here at Stone Creek. In includes offices, a library with stone fireplace, billiards room, several crafts room, kitchen and a large assembly hall with stage for theatrical productions. It is adjacent to our spa and pools.

Small City Scenes said...

Oh my, what an amazing bridge. Very strange looking and yet...........I am speechless!!
Not quite speechless--I would love to see this bridge. Thanks for showing it. MB

eileeninmd said...

Wonderful photo, and what a cool looking bridge. I love the design!

Pat said...

This is just spectacular! And unbelievable! Great photos!

Unknown said...

a very interesting footbridge. the design is quite unique. love your shots.

Cildemer said...

Wow! Wow! Wow!
Love that bridge and the photos are superb!

***
Thanks for sharing*
Have a nice Sunday*******

Elisa said...

It looks great. I love it
Greetings from Argentina
Elisa

genie said...

Boy, am I happy I persevered and found the right blog with your bridge. I have never in my 71 years seen metal bent and formed into a structure such as this. Surely it needs to go into the Guinness Book of Records. It puts my little mountain swinging bridge to shame. Thanks for sharing the great photos.

Genie

VP said...

This is absolutely great! One of the most original bridges I have ever seen!

brattcat said...

Perfect quote for this series on an amazing bridge.

arabesque said...

just fantastic! the bridge looks imposing, very structured and innovative. ^0^

Linnea said...

That's amazing! I love it. I always think it's so refreshing when designers think outside of the box! Thanks for stopping by at mine!

Melbourne Daily Photo

Hello, I created this blog because Melbourne is my city and I want people to see what a beautiful place it is. So come with me on a journey of discovery as we traverse the dining precincts, the culture, the laneways and hidden gems that make Melbourne marvellous.