Hadrian’s Bridge

Location: Carlisle
Competition

The design is inspired by the pastoral and historic context to create a landmark ‘millennium’ bridge at the frontier between Celtic and Roman Britain. 

Hadrian’s bridge is conceived as a meandering elevated walk and cycle ride through ‘flexible’ geodesic structure. The bridge structure is threaded through the existing bankside woodland, minimising impact to the woodland and flood plain and their habitats. The sinuous form of the bridge alludes to the geological shifting path of the river beneath and in contrast with the linear form and alignment of Hadrian’s fortified wall. The new crossing offers a scenic journey through woodland canopy across the River Eden. 

Hadrian’s Bridge is formed of two lengths which pass at the midpoint of the river crossing. This transition point, symbolic of the historic frontier, is a viewing/ resting point and potential location for an interpretation area. This area is articulated externally by overlapping metal plates attached to the structure (evocative of Roman Legion armour) with display information etched onto the inside of the panels. The rest point is strategically located to optimise the delightful river views north towards Scotland and south towards the site of Hadrian’s Wall Bridge crossing.