Golda-Meir-Steg

The laser-cut perforated steel balustrade patterning algorithmically follows the required structural performance throughout the bridge’s length. The side panels are initially 90% solid at each abutment, to carry high shear stresses; towards the centre the panels opening up with greater perforation where the structural forces have moved into the deck and handrails. At each abutment, the superstructure lands on elastomeric bearings and terminates on vertical ‘pendulum’ rods, which allows the bridge to dynamically lengthen under pedestrian loading and thermal expansion. Three tuned-mass dampers, within the central span’s apex, absorb any vibration and maintain the slender bridge’s stillness and stability.

The laser-cut pattern is generated using a historic circular railing pattern. By scaling and overlapping the circles, a course of different densities is created, which with its degree of perforation trace the course of the stress in the construction. This visualizes the static forces of the structure, and celebrates the crossing of the canal for locals who find themselves in the middle of the bridge in an increasingly delicate and open relationship to the landscape and water. From a distance, the superimposition of the fine pattern creates a moiré effect.