The Cog (Canal Swing Bridge Control Building)

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Description

Design Team -

Jacob Simpson
Emma Mackay
Stewart Adam
Karen Horne
Connor Horton

Project Overview -

Scheduled for completion in 2019, the new West Link project is intended to provide a more reliable traffic management system than the existing one bridge arrangement.

The scheme shall incorporate a two swing-bridge system, allowing constant movement of canal and road traffic. Due to the nature of the bridge designs, a control building shall be required, to manage bridge operations safely and efficiently. The current design proposal for this building is uninspiring, being solely functional, not relating to the history or surroundings of the site.

Our team was tasked with generating an unconventional design option, with the aspiration of the building becoming a landmark feature on the approach to Inverness.

From this, we collectively produced a developed concept, which worked both in form and function. Inspired by the rich history of the Caledonian Canal and existing swing bridge, cog-shaped fixtures around the exterior of the building were used, creating the illusion of movement between floors. The buildings main feature compliments a cantilever directly overlooking the canal, providing an excellent observation platform for bridge controllers.

All views of the building have been designed in such a way, to achieve an appropriate level of impact, not to impose on the landscape, but compliment it. The features of the building provide a reminiscing environment for canal goers, with interactive elements secured to the structure, such as a canal shaped seating unit, along with a reflection pool.

The broad scope of project brief allowed our team to incorporate a small café into the building, with a separate entrance for bridge control staff. This allowed the opportunity for the building to have a public function, as well as generate income for the council.

The site masterplan was an integral part of the design phase, ensuring the area could be admired and easily accessible. This was achieved through a mixture of green space fixtures and changing landscape heights at key points.