Leeds Footbridge by Gagarin Studio / DP Squared, Yorkshire Architecture Photos
Leeds Footbridge News
5 May 2022
Leeds Footbridge, Climate Innovation District, over the River Aire, Yorkshire, northern England, UK
This is one of four projects have been awarded Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Yorkshire Awards.
Design: Gagarin Studio with DP Squared
photos © Andrew Wall
Leeds Footbridge by Gagarin Studio / DP Squared News
Jury Report
Straddling the River Aire, east of Leeds City centre, the Leeds Footbridge is an eye-catching sculptural form with a distinct purpose.
Having established the first phase on site of the ‘Climate Innovation District’, a new build zone of low energy housing and workspace to the north of the river, the client wanted to open up and connect this first phase to subsequent phases to the south of the river.
The need for the footbridge was twofold. To establish this pedestrian connectivity for residents and visitors, hence expanding the public realm through the overall masterplan, but also as a transfer structure for the district heating network and other services spanning the river.
Using Corten steel as the single construction material has allowed a maintenance free structure which is also fully recyclable and one that will subtly adjust in colour and patina with age.
The use of 16 standard laser cut balustrade profiles to form a repetitive rhythm along its length, is highly effective, creating movement and interest from all angles.
A pedestrian footbridge bridge is a very much a three-dimensional object, which needs to be carefully detailed, particularly when it passes over an existing towpath, allowing views directly to its underside. The Architects and Engineers have handled this with aplomb, exposing the structural ribs of the deck soffit which in turn co-ordinate with the chamfered deck edge and the enveloping balustrade. The result is an honest and pleasing structure which is as satisfying when viewed from beneath as it is from the riverbank.
The clients, aspirations of creating a new sustainable and low energy district of the city, is now being realised, with homes and workspace occupied and more under construction. The Leeds footbridge is an integral part of this vision. Through its imaginative design and quality of fabrication, the team have not only re-enforced this vision but dramatically enhanced it.
RIBA region: Yorkshire
Architect practice: Gagarin Studio with DP Squared
Date of completion: Oct 2019
Date of occupation: Oct 2019
Client company name: Citu Group Developments Ltd
Project city/town: Leeds
Contract value: Confidential
Gross internal area: 165.00 m²
Net internal area: 165.00 m²
Cost per m²: Confidential
Contractor company name: Beaver Bridges
Consultant
Structural Engineers: DP Squared
Awards
• RIBA Regional Award
• Regional Award Short List
2022 RIBA Yorkshire Award Winners
2022 RIBA Yorkshire Award Winners
Leeds Footbridge design by Gagarin Studio / DP Squared – 2022 RIBA Yorkshire Awards Winner images / information received from the RIBA
Location: Yorkshire, northern England, UK
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Comments / photos for the Leeds Footbridge design by Gagarin Studio / DP Squared, Yorkshire – a 2022 RIBA Yorkshire Awards Winner page welcome
