Based on the idea of resuse, the competition winning proposal for the Econtainer Bridge by Yoav Messer Architects will be the gateway to Arial Sharon park and will connect Lod road (route 461 which leads from east Tel Aviv to Bnei Atarot village) straight to Hiriya mountain in the center of the park. The 160-meter long bridge will be used by pedestrians, bicycle riders, and special vehicles that will function as shuttles to transport the public from the parking areas into the park itself. More images and architects’ description after the break.
The Ariel Sharon Park is planned as a nature and rich urban center with emphasis on the ecology. Inspired by the mountain that is being rehabilitated these days. from an urban rubbish dump into a flourishing park, so are old steel containers that are no longer being used. (There are more than 800,000 containers emitted from the maritime transport every year) these can undergo a transformation and be shaped into a bridge that will provide a foundation for movement, observation and display – A conglomeration of waste to a lifeline.
The advantages of building containers:
1. Re-using existing shelf products – a sustainable building. 2. Over 70% of the construction work done at the factory. (off site) 3. Fast construction and work process. 4. Easy construction. 5. Availability. 6. Efficient transportation. 7. A range of volumetric options, allow for various connection options. 8. Raw material which is adaptable to create tailor made structures for the human scale.
Sustainability:
Skeleton: the bridge is based entirely on the principle of REUSE-ing old containers. They are the infrastructure for the construction. The planning will be coordinated with a structural consultant.
Finishing Materials: the bridge walls (display walls) most of the roof (for shade) and a wooden substrate path will be based on the same principal of REUSE-ing old containers.
Shading: the roofs are the original roofs of the containers – REUSE. In addition to this, there will be louvers at suitable angles for ideal shading. On these louvers there will be Photovoltaic Solar Cells which will provide ‘clean’ electricity to illuminate the bridge and its surroundings.
Construction method: in addition, according to the “green” requirements, the bulk of work adapting the old container to the new design and operations will be done at the factory (off site) this is to minimize the damage to the natural site.
Functionality:
Movement: the bridge was planned in conjunction with structural and traffic consultants, this allows for movement of lightweight vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. It allows for a free flow of traffic on all areas and lanes of the bridge.
View: All along the bridge there are various options for views in all directions, including towards the sky itself (through the louvers) and the ground (through the treading mesh). In addition, there are two balconies placed with seating areas for individuals or groups on the bridge level and an additional viewing promenade on the roof. The bridge is not only a place to pass through, but also a destination.
Observation: the bridge is visible from various locations such as highway 4 and an aerial view (main route leading to the airport) the graphic design of all elevations demonstrate an ecological message to near and distant audiences.
Display: along the bridge, various display panels have been incorporated, for changing exhibitions on environmental issues.
Culture & education: “Architecture is an educational tool” (Jean-Jacques Rousseau) starting from education on recycling, consuming and re-used materials through creating spaces for assemblies and events. The bridge constitutes as a cultural and educational platform.
Flexibility to change:
Modular units: the repetitive use of the container as a constructive and functional unit allows for total flexibility. The containers have a variety of dimensions in widths and lengths. we have developed connection and local strengthening details thus it is possible to provide an array of technical solutions as required.
Architectural excellence and inspiration:
Win Win: Whether for economic, education and design, the use of containers is gaining momentum all over the world. With this said, building a bridge with its primary element being containers, sets precedent in our opinion. The bridge illustrates a rare connection between construction efficiency, economic savings, and sustainability which goes hand in hand with a modern up to date graceful design language. The bridge puts the man and his relationship with the environment in the center; this is the essence of architecture.
Relationship to the surroundings:
REUSE: like mountain which is being rehabilitated and getting a new life, so have the old containers received a conglomeration of waste to a lifeline.
Framing: The Bridge allows for framed views and emphasis on “picture views”.
Openings: The Bridge allows for unobstructed views, both from the main bridge axis, balconies which place the man as part of the view and as part of the roof promenade. Touching Ground: Taking advantage of the construction of the container allows for the usage of only four columns for every 160 meter.
Architects: Yoav Messer Architects Location: Ariel Sharon Park, Israel Associate Architect: Iftah Hayner Design Team: Iftah Hayner – Architect in charge; Hager Admi Structural Engineers: Dani Vainer, Jacob & Yuval Achbert Graphic Design: Bluhm & Tal Client: Ariel Sharon Park Size: 160-meter length Status: Currently in the stage of detailed design towards building execution
