Moxon Architects and Arup create a new canal crossing in north London
A slender and structurally efficient footbridge spanning the Regent’s Canal, designed by Moxon Architects and engineer Arup, forms a new crossing for cyclists and pedestrians within London’s King’s Cross development. It connects green spaces on either side of the Canal – Camley Street Natural Park on the west bank, and the new Gasholder Gardens park a little distance away on the east – and improves access to and through the district for residents of neighbouring Somers Town.
The entire 38m span of the bridge is constructed from 15mm-thick mild steel plate with external stiffener ribs, also in mild steel, that are skewed relative to the bridge centre-line, to align with the canal below. “In keeping with the great Victorian design in the surrounding vicinity, the bridge is robust, with detailed craftsmanship and a careful selection of materials for a minimalist finish”, says the architect.
At each end the structure tapers to a depth of just 400mm, but its steel parapet rises towards the centre to give a curved profile that precisely matches its bending moment, so that the bridge makes a visual demonstration of the action of forces within it.
The curved parapet is topped by a perfectly straight stainless steel handrail that incorporates recessed LED lighting and cabling. “The railing materials were especially considered as they form the key physical connection between the bridge and the user”, says the architect. Approaching from the west, a sweeping ramp leads up to the crossing, edged with a balustrade of planed hardwood.
As well as making an elegant and unobtrusive addition to its richly varied location, the structure of the bridge satisfied a number of specific challenges relating to the use and enjoyment of the waterway. Locating the structural depth above deck level maximised the air draught below the bridge, ensuring that any canal boats waiting to use St Pancras Locks can be seen, and views to the St Pancras Lock and Cottage are kept as open as possible.
“The ambition for this bridge has been to achieve ‘extreme simplicity’ in terms of form and material use”, says Moxon Architects’ managing director Ben Addy. “It is a considered and beautiful addition to the location, but even more than this we have developed a design that is as emphatically and enjoyably practical as its Victorian neighbours.”
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