The Jarrold Footbridge, Norwich, UK

The Jarrold Footbridge in Norwich, UK opened to the public in January 2012, linking the new St James Place development to the historic city centre. As well as providing a crossing, the bridge invites visitors to linger, enjoy the river environment and make the most of distant views of the magnificent cathedral. This case study describes how the form of the bridge evolved from the unique characteristics of the site and the engineering logic, which substantiates this subtle structure. It describes the structural principles, which enabled the architectural concept for a bridge that gently floats across the water with little apparent support. This paper relates the whole design and construction process; how parametric three-dimensional modelling was used to trace the most efficient path through interwoven sustainable transport routes and the natural features of the site. It describes the structural optimisation process and the reality of translating the sweeping curves of the geometry into steel and timber. Finally, this paper explains the use of software in design and the positive implications for collaborative working in construction.