Bridge on-site rendering
Hollow glass unit system generated by 3D graphic statics
Steel support system
Single unit assembly
This ongoing bridge design project, slated for exhibition at the Corning Glass Museum in 2024, embodies a pioneering structural concept. Comprising hollow glass units assembled solely from flat glass elements, this innovative system leverages compression to bond the hollow glass units (HGUs), resulting in remarkable structural robustness while maintaining a lightweight quality.
The bridge design defies convention by forgoing a symmetrical form. Instead, it assumes a subtly twisted shape, imbuing it with a dynamic, lifelike character. This departure from traditional bridge symmetry not only serves an aesthetic purpose but also reinforces the bridge's resilience in accommodating incoming loads. Each HGU within the structure plays a vital role in distributing and dissipating these forces, ensuring that the load is evenly spread across HGUs throughout the bridge. This collective effort transforms the bridge into a harmonious and structurally sound assembly, defying the traditional notion of bridge design.
This project encapsulates the intersection of art and engineering, where glass, traditionally perceived as fragile, emerges as a robust and dynamic architectural medium. It challenges preconceived notions of structural design, inspiring a new perspective on what is possible in the world of architectural innovation.
* This project belongs to PSL; the author takes charge of the refinement phase under the guidance of Dr. Akbarzadeh
