Could you Design the New Thames Bridge?

If you think the answer is yes, then this blog will be right up your alley.

London is planning a second pedestrian bridge near the Battersea Power Station development. This may all seem normal at first. A new bridge is to be erected in London, why does that affect me and why should I be interested? Good question. The London Borough of Wandsworth launched an international design competition last week to propose a structure which will span the River Thames between Nine Elms on the south bank and Pimlico on the north bank.

Are you an up-and-coming architect, or an ambitious engineer? Do you have the belief and ideas to become an international phenomenon? If so, this is the perfect opportunity to spring board your career in design. Not a bad way to start is it?

The brief is for a pedestrian and cycle crossing, and is part of a wider £1 billion infrastructure plan for the Nine Elms district. A tube station for the Battersea Power Station redevelopment is also part of the plan, which includes projects by architects Foster + Partners, Frank Gehry and BIG.

The bridge is expected to cost around £40 million and carry in the region of 9,000 pedestrians and 9,000 cyclists daily.

Open to architects and engineers, entrants to the first round of the two stage competition will be asked to tackle five vigorous design challenges. This is understandable given that it’s going to cost £40 million and be seen by millions of visitors every year.

The jury includes architect Graham Stirk of London firm Rogers Stirk Harbour, engineer Henry Bardsley, head of urban design at Transport for London (TFL) Robin Buckle, Design Council trustee Pam Alexander and Wandsworth Council leader Ravi Govindia.

"This bridge needs to be designed to the highest quality standards, it must be inspiring, elegant and functional" said Govindia. "The conundrum of creating a bridge that can be readily used by cyclists and pedestrians alike, that also provides adequate headroom for river traffic, is at the heart of the challenge."

"The design must also win the hearts and minds of Londoners, particularly the people living in the local area" he added.

I think I must have covered everything to get the so called 'juices flowing' for anyone who is interested.

However, full entry details are available CLICK HERE.

One last parting word, as I walk into the social stratosphere to tell everyone about this. If you have read this article and entered we would love to know how it goes. You never know, the person to win the competition may have entered from Office Reality’s blog post. WE LIVE AND HOPE.

GOOD LUCK!!!