Kurilpa Bridge in Brisbane, Australia, has been named best Transport project at the 2011 World Architecture Festival.
The bridge, designed by Cox Architecture, is the largest construction in the world to use "tensegrity" principles – a balance between compressive and tensile forces. Arup supplied the complex geometrical analysis required to produce a strong but lightweight structure, as well as engineering, modeling, geotechnics, lighting design and hydraulics.
The multi-mast, cable-stay structure allows cyclists and pedestrians to cross the Brisbane River between the city’s central business district and arts precinct. The bridge features viewing and rest areas, and solar photovoltaic panels provide power for the programmable LED lighting display.
Certainly the judges at the World Architecture Festival seem to agree. The bridge beat competition from a host of prestigious entries from across the globe that were all battling to impress an international panel of leading architects and industry figures, so the award marks an impressive result for everyone in the Kurilpa Bridge team.