Architects: Enrique Browne y Asociados Arquitectos
Location: Zapallar, Chile
Collaborators: Rodrigo Rojas, Davor Pavlovic, Baltazar Sánchez y Tomás Swett
Project year: 2006-2008
Structural Engineering: Alfonso Larraín
Photographs: Enrique Browne
Architect homepage: www.ebrowne.cl
This cool designed pedestrial bridge / footbridge was designed by Enrique Browne y Asociados Arquitectos. The function is to connect the group of social housing that was built for local families in the traditional resort town of Zapallar, in the Central Coast of Chile. The bridge is also being use to serve and transfer water pipes, electricity, etc. from one side to another.
The “frames” were elevated to maintain the metallic railings, the drainpipes with Led lights and, also, the metallic netting, avoiding eventual stone throwing toward vehicles. All the materials were untidy in their natural color.
By external motives to the architect the bridge was displaced some 50mts. from its original location in the zenith of the elevation of the road. Also, the ramps and pedestrian access roads were not carried out according to the plans of architecture.
Anyway the bridge offers different interpretations. It can be seen as an inverted boat of the bay, like a beauty queen tiara, or as arch of access to the town, etc.
