Bridge of “Windows” to Ariel Sharon Park competition, in collaboration with an architect Noam Shoked
Concept:
The “Bridge of Windows” defines the entrance to the Ariel Sharon Park as a pedestrian walk-way and light vehicle transport, as well
as a “Viewing Machine”.
The project conceptualizes the entrance to the Park with a series of wood “Windows”, arranged along the bridge, framing the
landscape in many variable and informative ways.
While opening different windows to various Park Scenes, it enables discovery of beautiful & different views to the visitors. The view
while walking along the bridge is “Segmented & Intrigued”. The bridge is made up of 3 walk-through segments & 2 viewing Landings
for resting, viewing, guiding & descending to the Wadi. The special and specific views from the “Landings”, create a windows to the
nearby landscape, the Wadi, Hiriya Park mountain, as well as to more distant views.
The walking experience is changed and developed by the different wooden frames, supporting “Sail” membrane shading elements,
and a transparent X-tended stainless-steel mesh balustrade. The whole is a changing experience of volumes & spaces, as one
proceeds along the bridge. Viewed from a distance, it will create the image of a”Caterpillar Window Bridge” in motion.
Structure:
The bridge is for pedestrians, bicycles & park maintenance carts. The structure consists of a main pentagonal steel beam, supporting
triangulated steel wings on each side, @ 3.2 m c/c. The laminated wood “windows” frames (300mm/100mm section) are set in steel
“sandals”‘ and support the handrail, which includes concealed LED lighting, requiring only 450 W for illuminating the whole bridge.
The frames are color-stained for harmony with nature, supporting a Polymer shading membrane. P.V panels are optional for
illuminating the bridge. The walkway is surfaced with IPEA wood decking. Reused and Recycled materials will be used for frames,
floor decking, roof cover etc., as far as possible.
