Poole's Twin Sails Bridge picks up commendation in prestigious awards (From Thisisdorset)
When news happens send us your pictures, video and views. Text BE to 80360 or contact us by email
Poole's Twin Sails Bridge picks up commendation in prestigious awards
9:00am Saturday 10th November 2012 in News
SUNNY DAYS: Poole residents took the opportunity of walking on the new Twin Sails bridge during the community weekend after it first opened
POOLE’S £21.6million Twin Sails Bridge has picked up a commendation in the prestigious international Institute of Structural Engineers Awards.
The town’s bridge, opened in April, was entered in the highway or railway bridge structures category by structural designer Ramboll.
The Compiegne Bridge in France won the category and awards in other groups went to the London 2012 Olympic Stadium, the 413m tall Al Hamra Firdous Tower in Kuwait City and the redevelopment of Kings Cross Station.
Among a shortlist of four bridges, the town’s second harbour crossing was commended for the originality used by the structural engineers to create a vivid landmark.
Ramboll worked with architect Wilkinson Eyre and mechanical engineer Bennett Associates to develop the concept of the steel bascule road bridge and other work included the design of approach roads and marine works.
Cllr Elaine Atkinson, leader of Borough of Poole said: “I am delighted that the Twin Sails Bridge has been recognised amongst such an impressive field showcasing excellence in structural engineering.
“Once again this demonstrates how the Twin Sails Bridge is helping to raise Poole’s profile on the international stage.”
The judges’ comment said: “The judges were impressed by the original design of the opening leaves of the central span.
“The gap between these leaves was skilfully measured and cut to create two triangular sections.
“The resulting impression of two passing yacht sails when lifted, demonstrates why the bridge achieved its status as a dramatic landmark.”
Ramboll also had two wins in the awards with the Jarrold Bridge in Norwich and the 512-bedroom Tunbridge Wells Hospital.
Comments(16)
uvox44
says...
9:37am Sat 10 Nov 12
Time_Traveller
says...
9:56am Sat 10 Nov 12
We need a bridge that WORKS although I suppose this one does *from time to time* .......
Old Colonial
says...
9:57am Sat 10 Nov 12
upyourpipe
says...
10:00am Sat 10 Nov 12
.
Its done that alright, along with the surf reef & Imax, its made the south coast of England look a laughing stock.
Vic.Meldrew
says...
10:05am Sat 10 Nov 12
Frank28
says...
10:29am Sat 10 Nov 12
sofa_king_right
says...
10:46am Sat 10 Nov 12
Frank28 wrote:if the design isn't reliable then it shouldn't recieve any award!
Obviously the award is associated with the design of the structure - and reliability doesn't come in to it.
also it doesn't look like sails as shown in all the fanciful literature, it can't raise that high, so it looks far more like a big pyramid than the sails of a yacht
style over substance, yet again.
Reader Echo
says...
11:02am Sat 10 Nov 12
penhale
says...
11:10am Sat 10 Nov 12
Frank28 wrote:Oh well that's ok then, so the reef shouldn't get any awards then, although I could think of a suitable award for it..
Obviously the award is associated with the design of the structure - and reliability doesn't come in to it.
portia6
says...
11:17am Sat 10 Nov 12
again, stormy waters once again!
slymo cherrie
says...
1:05pm Sat 10 Nov 12
the old bridge deserves a 'Bridge Knighthood'.
Turtlebay
says...
1:51pm Sat 10 Nov 12
Turtlebay
says...
1:52pm Sat 10 Nov 12
freedom for pokesdown
says...
4:16pm Sat 10 Nov 12
and Bournemouth Council "council of the year"?
- tell me, where do you buy these awards and how much do they cost?
tbpoole
says...
7:58am Tue 13 Nov 12
upyourpipe wrote:Move up North then, I'm sure you will enjoy it much more and we won't have to listen to your whinges.
“Once again this demonstrates how the Twin Sails Bridge is helping to raise Poole’s profile on the international stage.”
.
Its done that alright, along with the surf reef & Imax, its made the south coast of England look a laughing stock.
Was Charlie says...
9:30am Sat 10 Nov 12
............
I'd hate to see something that wasn't "showcasing excellence in structural engineering" seeing as it's broken down on so many occasions.
........
It got an award for being "pretty".