Pedestrian Bridges Kopupaka Reserve
2023
While bridges physically connect people and communities, this design also expresses Te Ao Māori connectedness between all living and non-living things. Its flared balustrade suggests you to pause in the centre, lean over and acknowledge the life of the wetland that you are passing over.
Local Iwi Te Kawerau ā Maki were experts in guiding the form of bridge towards something that responds to the stories and spirituality of place, and blessed the bridges with 2 guardians in the form of tōtara pou. Kia ora.
Struktiva Structural and Civil Engineering provided a simple timber pole driven structural design that minimised impact on the wetland during construction, and expertly integrated the balustrade structure.
Urban solutions brought the team together, opened the conversation to ideas and managed the project.
HEB construction patiently built the bridges on time during the wettest summer on record.
Photography by David St George
What we did
Iwi consultation
Concept Design
Tender documentation