By Santiago Calatrava linking Salford with Manchester
See the full set of my photo's on this bridge on flickr
(click for larger image)
Trinity Bridge was one of the early sparks towards regeneration along the River Irwell - it bridges the border between Manchester and Salford and was built by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava in 1995.
To me, Bridges are key indicators of a particular age in terms of stylistic intent. They are the backbone of architectural evolution of style, both influencing and reflecting the style and intent of the day - much the same as chair design has been used by architects to influence, display and develop ideas of form and style.
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Here is a photograph showing a vibrant use of contemporary archtecture in Sporenburg Amsterdam, Holland. It has enlivened and regenerated a whole swathe of industrial islets just out of the centre of Amsterdam. Here a solution has been found through the use of exciting and rooted architecture a way forward with a place which had lost its soul.
Talking of souls I am cheered to see a similar project taking shape in London, but this project takes things one step further. It was Stephen Gardiner's article in Monday 17 July Times which alerted me to it.
The project is St Paul's Church, Onslow Square, South Kensington, London. The church is to have a contemporary extension designed by no other than Norman Foster. It is to house a family life centre, theology college, bookshop, cafe and lecture theatre. Not only is this project revealing in the obvious changes in floor plan to reflect the changing liturgy and needs of the church in the C21st; but also, it is remarkable that this brand spanking shiny new C21st space is being added to a Grade II listed building.
The 'spirit' behind Historic Buiding Legislation has moved on a pace over the last 5 years. Previously it was extremely difficult (but not impossible) to have your own century represented on a historic building (especially a church) - even though most of our churches are an organic hotch potch of most centuries.
Now with contemporary design and new materials and a developing conservation philosophy we are witnessing a new era of regeneration where architects such as Norman Foster can help re-invent an enliven our most cherished of structures.
This is one of my favourite photos taken at Victoria Bridge Manchester UK. Once again it has a pictorial feel. Taken with a 300mm zoom lens it and cropped tightly to emphasise the woman (I kept her just off thirds) and a sense of encroachment of the urban environment.
