Hammersmith Bridge
A SHARED CRISIS POINT
How much longer will politics and bureaucracy hold London hostage while Hammersmith Bridge remains a crumbling symbol of inaction?
Marking the 5th anniversary of the Hammersmith Bridge closure, Sybarite, in collaboration with engineers Buro Happold, responds with a call to action in their reframed solution.
Hammersmith Bridge has become a symbol of stagnation due to political and financial delays, leaving residents and visitors disrupted. We propose a design that reimagines the historic structure while respecting its past.
A RESPECTFUL REFRAMING
The plan includes two elliptical ribbons, supported by geometric buttresses, which surround the Grade II Listed bridge. The new elements, crafted in mirror-polished stainless steel, appear to vanish into the surroundings, focusing attention on the original suspension bridge. This modern addition will provide dedicated lanes for buses and general traffic, improving flow and fostering growth in both communities.
A RETURN TO NATURE
Through resolving the suspension bridge as a footbridge, we wish to create a haven of planting, functional yet verdantly wild, encouraging people to cycle and meander their way through nature as they move from one borough to the next, encouraging a natural, inclusive environment for all.
A SYMBIOTIC JUXTAPOSITION
The lightweight design, seamlessly mirrors the existing bridge’s elevation while adding a sleek, contrasting dimension. The stainless-steel arc reflects sunlight by day and is illuminated at night, creating a dynamic and symbiotic visual experience. The new design celebrates both the past and future, with elements that honour the nineteenth-century heritage while showcasing innovative engineering.
HERALDIC ORIGINS
Our proposal celebrates old and new modes of transport—from sailing below to walking above, driving around, and cycling through—creating a lasting connection to the past whilst embodying a symbol of infrastructural regeneration throughout wider society.
A FITTING RESOLUTION
Will we let Hammersmith Bridge decay into a monument of failure, or will we seize this moment to redefine London’s future?
Bridges as indelible icons on our landscape have always had a significant place in London, standing as visionary moments in engineering and architecture. This project represents a pivotal moment for both infrastructure and urban renewal. Through the creation of this new landmark in London, we in-turn call for a vital investment in both our history and our future.
