Clydebank Swan Takes Flight

28 Apr 2008

steven.raeburn@carnyx.com

A bridge canopy designed by RMJM costing £495,000 was lifted into place across the Forth & Clyde Canal within Clydebank town centre on 22 April.

The design aims to emulate a swan in flight, and was designed by RMJM who won a competition entered by more than 60 architects from around the world to create a landmark structure as part of the town’s regeneration.

The canopy, which was funded by the Scottish Government, Clydebank Re-built and URBAN II European funding, covers the Sylvania Way pedestrian bridge and replaces the 25 year old metal-latticed frame crossing.

RMJM teamed up with international multi disciplinary engineering consultancy Buro Happold to devise the structure and select materials that were both sustainable and maintenance free. Both the tensile fabric used for the canopy and the steel used for its supports are recyclable or reusable.

The canopy spans 40 metres, cantilevering 20 metres on either side of the central supports. Each wing is supported by steel arms springing from four steel legs spread either side of the bridge.

The canopy will be complete and ready for use in May 2008.

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