Stage 1 Brief
This brief was issued to all Stage 1 competitors.
A pdf version of the Brief can be downloaded here.
INTRODUCTION
This is a competition to find a team of brilliant and inventive engineers and architects that is capable of designing and delivering a technically rigorous and beautiful pedestrian and cycle bridge spanning the River Thames between Nine Elms and Pimlico.
THE VISION
This is a competition to find a team of brilliant and inventive engineers and architects that is capable of designing and delivering a technically rigorous and beautiful pedestrian and cycle bridge spanning the River Thames between Nine Elms and Pimlico.
THE VISION
This bridge has the potential to become one of the most expressive and visible landmarks in London, heralding the changes that are taking place south of the river and making vital connections to the north shore.
In its early years it will be a symbolic reminder to the rest of London that the newly created district around Nine Elms has awakened – and is well worth a visit. As time goes by, it will become a much loved and much used Thames crossing: an integral part of London’s ever growing infrastructure.
As with many river crossings, this bridge will link two very different parts of the city, each with its own distinct urban character. The north shore has a well established urban grain that includes the classic London townscape of Pimlico terraced houses; Dolphin Square, the 1930’s apartment block dubbed by Pevsner as ‘the largest self-contained block of flats in Europe’; and the 1950’s Churchill Gardens Estate designed by Powell and Moya, parts of which are now Grade II listed.
In its early years it will be a symbolic reminder to the rest of London that the newly created district around Nine Elms has awakened – and is well worth a visit. As time goes by, it will become a much loved and much used Thames crossing: an integral part of London’s ever growing infrastructure.
As with many river crossings, this bridge will link two very different parts of the city, each with its own distinct urban character. The north shore has a well established urban grain that includes the classic London townscape of Pimlico terraced houses; Dolphin Square, the 1930’s apartment block dubbed by Pevsner as ‘the largest self-contained block of flats in Europe’; and the 1950’s Churchill Gardens Estate designed by Powell and Moya, parts of which are now Grade II listed.
Images : Dolphin Square ; St George's Square, Pimlico ; Churchill Gardens
By contrast, the south shore will be almost entirely newly built, with a focus of vibrant bars and restaurants along the river. There is the new US Embassy, designed by Kieran Timberlake and due to be completed in 2017. Embassy Gardens, a high rise residential scheme masterplanned by Farrells with buildings by AHMM and FCBS and, further west, the mixed use scheme Riverlight, designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour are both under construction.
In addition, the main Battersea Power Station development, masterplanned by Viñoly, will become a cosmopolitan, 24-hour creative district with homes, office space, retail and leisure facilities as well as a riverside park.
In addition, the main Battersea Power Station development, masterplanned by Viñoly, will become a cosmopolitan, 24-hour creative district with homes, office space, retail and leisure facilities as well as a riverside park.
Images : Embassy Gardens (Image credit: Ballymore Group) ; Riverlight (Image credit: St James' Group) ; US Embassy (Image credit: Kieran Timberlake)
The Nine Elms to Pimlico Bridge needs to be delivered to the highest quality standards: it must be inspiring, elegant and functional in its design and perfect in its execution.
The conundrum of creating a bridge that can be readily used by cyclists and pedestrians alike, that also provides adequate headroom for river traffic, is at the heart of the challenge and because the engineering and construction challenges inherent in the brief will require innovation and exceptional talent, the Jury Panel will be aided by a Technical Panel, which will assess the functionality and buildability aspects of each design.
How the bridge looks from afar, as it bestrides the Thames, what if feels like to cross and how it touches land on either shore - and the places that it creates around each landing point - will be critical to its success.
The successful design will need to offer distinctive quality while meeting stringent technical and construction criteria and, of course, the needs of those using the bridge. The key issues in Stage 1 of the competition are that the bridge should:
The concept of a pedestrian and cycle bridge in this location was first identified in the Cross River Partnership Vauxhall Battersea Development Framework (2003) as a way to improve cross-river connectivity, and again in 2009 in a transport study completed to inform the Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea Opportunity Area Planning Framework (VNEB OAPF).
In 2012, the proposal was adopted as a key part of the VNEB OAPF. The incumbent Mayor of London also made a manifesto pledge to: ‘examine whether there is demand for a new pedestrian river crossing, potentially between Vauxhall and Chelsea bridges as part of the Vauxhall Nine Elms development at Battersea, financed out of private funds.’
The OAPF envisages the delivery of a high density mixed use development comprising 16,000 new homes and up to 25,000 jobs. Development will be phased over a number of years, with construction underway and completion due in the early 2030s. The bridge is identified within the OAPF as one of a number of transport schemes necessary to support this high level of growth, alongside such schemes as an extension of the Northern line to Battersea with two new Tube stations, enhanced bus services, improvements to National Rail stations, passenger piers at Vauxhall and Battersea Power Station, pedestrian and cycle walkways, and Barclays Cycle Hire docking stations.
The conundrum of creating a bridge that can be readily used by cyclists and pedestrians alike, that also provides adequate headroom for river traffic, is at the heart of the challenge and because the engineering and construction challenges inherent in the brief will require innovation and exceptional talent, the Jury Panel will be aided by a Technical Panel, which will assess the functionality and buildability aspects of each design.
How the bridge looks from afar, as it bestrides the Thames, what if feels like to cross and how it touches land on either shore - and the places that it creates around each landing point - will be critical to its success.
The successful design will need to offer distinctive quality while meeting stringent technical and construction criteria and, of course, the needs of those using the bridge. The key issues in Stage 1 of the competition are that the bridge should:
- Be innovative and memorable and challenging previous interpretations of bridge design.
- Be of an appropriate design
- Provide a distinctive gateway: for people using the bridge as well as for river traffic passing under it.
- Create a structure that will come to characterise and signify this part of London, while creating a sympathetic link between two very different parts of the city.
- Provide a safe and attractive link for pedestrians and cyclists crossing the river, encouraging movement between the two banks of the river.
- Comply with the Disability Discrimination Act; ensuring it is accessible to all.
- Minimise the loss of open space and positively enhance the public realm where it lands on either shore.
- Seek to minimise the impact on the environment.
- Seek to minimise impact on those living close to the bridge.
- Provide a sense of openness with clear sight lines and natural surveillance for bridge users.
- Safeguard navigation and pedestrian / cyclist access, and maintain the access requirements of the PLA to maintain and manage the water space and associated structures, including the use of vehicles and floating plant.
- Embrace current developments and practice in sustainable development, energy efficiency and material recycling.
- Provide for a long-term sustainable future and require simple and cost effective solutions for building maintenance and support.
- Be open to phased construction.
- Enable river trade and river access during construction.
The concept of a pedestrian and cycle bridge in this location was first identified in the Cross River Partnership Vauxhall Battersea Development Framework (2003) as a way to improve cross-river connectivity, and again in 2009 in a transport study completed to inform the Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea Opportunity Area Planning Framework (VNEB OAPF).
In 2012, the proposal was adopted as a key part of the VNEB OAPF. The incumbent Mayor of London also made a manifesto pledge to: ‘examine whether there is demand for a new pedestrian river crossing, potentially between Vauxhall and Chelsea bridges as part of the Vauxhall Nine Elms development at Battersea, financed out of private funds.’
The OAPF envisages the delivery of a high density mixed use development comprising 16,000 new homes and up to 25,000 jobs. Development will be phased over a number of years, with construction underway and completion due in the early 2030s. The bridge is identified within the OAPF as one of a number of transport schemes necessary to support this high level of growth, alongside such schemes as an extension of the Northern line to Battersea with two new Tube stations, enhanced bus services, improvements to National Rail stations, passenger piers at Vauxhall and Battersea Power Station, pedestrian and cycle walkways, and Barclays Cycle Hire docking stations.
The bridge therefore represents one of a package of measures to support the redevelopment of the Opportunity Area and enable a significant increase in population and employment to be realised.
The primary objective of a new bridge is to improve connectivity to and from the VNEB Opportunity Area, improving access to jobs, homes, leisure opportunities and transport links in this part of the Central Activities Zone. It will improve access by foot and cycle for residents living north of the river to the jobs and leisure opportunities generated in the Opportunity Area.
Further objectives of the scheme are:
The primary objective of a new bridge is to improve connectivity to and from the VNEB Opportunity Area, improving access to jobs, homes, leisure opportunities and transport links in this part of the Central Activities Zone. It will improve access by foot and cycle for residents living north of the river to the jobs and leisure opportunities generated in the Opportunity Area.
Further objectives of the scheme are:
- Promoting a shift from motorised modes of transport to walking and cycling, by reducing journey times and providing a new link
- Underpinning growth and regeneration by providing increased transport capacity and an ‘image boost’ which instils confidence that the area is developing in a progressive manner
- Providing a better journey experience to many pedestrians and cyclists who currently have to use either Chelsea or Vauxhall bridge (shared with motorised traffic)
- Making a positive contribution to the urban realm in the area by encouraging local area movement and legible, high quality public spaces
LOCATION OF THE BRIDGE
Several options for the location of the bridge are currently being considered and the final location will not be agreed until Stage 2 of the competition. So, at this stage, competitors are being asked to think about five universal challenges that will need to be addressed, regardless of location.
For information, competitors are asked to refer to the TfL feasibility report, which summarises the key planning and environmental issues as well as the engineering requirements and the outline business case for the bridge; it also identifies a number of location options, giving the pros and cons of each.
At Stage 2 of the competition, the shortlisted competitors will be asked to develop their design ideas for the actual site; it is likely that either Option 1 or Option 2 from the TfL will be selected.
Several options for the location of the bridge are currently being considered and the final location will not be agreed until Stage 2 of the competition. So, at this stage, competitors are being asked to think about five universal challenges that will need to be addressed, regardless of location.
For information, competitors are asked to refer to the TfL feasibility report, which summarises the key planning and environmental issues as well as the engineering requirements and the outline business case for the bridge; it also identifies a number of location options, giving the pros and cons of each.
At Stage 2 of the competition, the shortlisted competitors will be asked to develop their design ideas for the actual site; it is likely that either Option 1 or Option 2 from the TfL will be selected.
STAGE 1 DESIGN CHALLENGES
All competitors that pass the Stage 1A resilience criteria will be given access to the detailed sections of the TfL Feasibility Report. This report outlines the key planning and environmental issues as well as the engineering requirements and the outline business case for the bridge.
Competitors are asked to submit their responses to the following five challenges on two A2 boards as follows:
Board 1: Challenges 1, 2, 3 and 4
Board 2: Challenge 5
CHALLENGE 1: INTEGRATING CYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC
Given its importance in the overall transport strategy for this part of London, this bridge will be used by commuters as well as by those with more casual or recreational needs. As a result, it will need to cater for those who are simply passing through as quickly as possible and those who will want to linger and enjoy the experience.
At times, the bridge is likely to be busy with fast flowing cycle traffic and the design must ensure that pedestrians can use the bridge comfortably, while ensuring that cycle traffic can flow unimpeded. At other times, there will be little traffic and both cyclists and pedestrians must feel that crossing the bridge is a safe experience.
Competitors are asked to explain how they would approach this challenge and ensure that this bridge is a pleasure to use – for everyone.
CHALLENGE 2: HEIGHT ACROSS THE RIVER AND THE INHERENT ACCESS ISSUES
To ensure that river traffic is unimpeded and that the Port of London Authority (PLA) requirements are met, the bridge design must allow at least 150m horizontal clearances between piers. In addition, the bridge must span at a minimum height of 10.96m Above Ordinance Datum (13.4m above Chart Datum) to enable larger vessels to pass under it. Please refer to the river charts attached.
All competitors that pass the Stage 1A resilience criteria will be given access to the detailed sections of the TfL Feasibility Report. This report outlines the key planning and environmental issues as well as the engineering requirements and the outline business case for the bridge.
Competitors are asked to submit their responses to the following five challenges on two A2 boards as follows:
Board 1: Challenges 1, 2, 3 and 4
Board 2: Challenge 5
CHALLENGE 1: INTEGRATING CYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC
Given its importance in the overall transport strategy for this part of London, this bridge will be used by commuters as well as by those with more casual or recreational needs. As a result, it will need to cater for those who are simply passing through as quickly as possible and those who will want to linger and enjoy the experience.
At times, the bridge is likely to be busy with fast flowing cycle traffic and the design must ensure that pedestrians can use the bridge comfortably, while ensuring that cycle traffic can flow unimpeded. At other times, there will be little traffic and both cyclists and pedestrians must feel that crossing the bridge is a safe experience.
Competitors are asked to explain how they would approach this challenge and ensure that this bridge is a pleasure to use – for everyone.
CHALLENGE 2: HEIGHT ACROSS THE RIVER AND THE INHERENT ACCESS ISSUES
To ensure that river traffic is unimpeded and that the Port of London Authority (PLA) requirements are met, the bridge design must allow at least 150m horizontal clearances between piers. In addition, the bridge must span at a minimum height of 10.96m Above Ordinance Datum (13.4m above Chart Datum) to enable larger vessels to pass under it. Please refer to the river charts attached.
Competitors are asked to consider how best to create a landmark structure that meets these dimensional constraints, combining elegance and structural integrity with the efficient use of materials.
Given these dimensional constraints, access onto and off the bridge is a key design challenge, especially for cyclists. Competitors are asked to explain how they would address this, bearing in mind that the bridge is seen to be an important addition to transport provision as well as being for recreational use.
CHALLENGE 3: PHASED CONSTRUCTION TO ENSURE THAT RIVER TRAFFIC CAN CONTINUE
The Thames is a working river and cannot be closed for long periods. The construction of the bridge will need to take this into account, so, competitors are asked to consider how their design might minimise disruption.
CHALLENGE 4: PLACE MAKING ACROSS THE BRIDGE AND AT ITS LANDING POINTS
The exact location of this bridge is still under review and will not be made available until Stage 2 of this competition. However, one of the aspirations for the bridge is that it will not only be a wonderful addition to London’s infrastructure but also minimise the loss of open space and positively enhance the public realm on both sides of the river.
Competitors are asked to explain how they would expect to develop a sense of place for those approaching, crossing and leaving the bridge.
CHALLENGE 5: CREATING A CONTEXTUAL LANDMARK DESIGN
Competitors are asked to submit an A2 board with a SINGLE IMAGE illustrating what their bridge will look like as it spans the river. Bearing in mind the vision for the bridge described above, the aim must be to create a fitting landmark for this part of London, which is both sensitive to the different urban characteristics of each shoreline and elegant in its own right. This image will be included in a public exhibition and will therefore be used to communicate with the Jury and the wider community.
The competition will be used to raise local awareness of the bridge and engage both the hearts and minds of those living to the north and south of the proposed crossing. During both Stage 1 and Stage 2, there will be opportunity for the local community to engage in the process through the Residents’ Review Panel and the competition website as well as public exhibitions which will be held on both the north and the south shores.
BUDGET FOR THE BRIDGE
The bridge is expected to have a construction cost in the region of £40m; a design that is appreciably over this budget would need a compelling story to justify additional expenditure.
£26m has already been budgeted for the bridge. This competition is expected to generate huge interest locally and in the media and this will be used as a catalyst to raise the final tranche of funding that is required to enable the project to become a reality.
PROGRAMME FOR THE BRIDGE
It is the intention and ambition of Wandsworth Council that the winner of this competition will be appointed, by the Council, to design and deliver the bridge at a time in the future. However, in line with the construction programme for the Nine Elms development, construction is unlikely to commence before 2018, allowing time for fundraising, community engagement and technical and logistics appraisals.
The bridge is expected to have a construction cost in the region of £40m; a design that is appreciably over this budget would need a compelling story to justify additional expenditure.
£26m has already been budgeted for the bridge. This competition is expected to generate huge interest locally and in the media and this will be used as a catalyst to raise the final tranche of funding that is required to enable the project to become a reality.
PROGRAMME FOR THE BRIDGE
It is the intention and ambition of Wandsworth Council that the winner of this competition will be appointed, by the Council, to design and deliver the bridge at a time in the future. However, in line with the construction programme for the Nine Elms development, construction is unlikely to commence before 2018, allowing time for fundraising, community engagement and technical and logistics appraisals.