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The Helix Bridge

Marina Bay, Singapore

The Helix Bridge at Singapore’s Marina Bay was inspired by the geometric arrangement of a DNA strand, resulting in a walkway that is enclosed by opposing double-helix structures of stainless steel.

Spanning the Singapore River from the city’s central business district and bayfront area, the 280-metre-long twisting bridge allows pedestrians to walk its curved deck from one side of the river to the other.

The Helix Bridge wanted to be a more delicate and lightweight alternative to the vehicular bridge that was also part of the project. The pedestrian bridge is curved in plan to distance foot-traffic from cars, while also enabling pedestrians to connect from one bridge to another in the middle.

The bridge connects with attractions including the Marina Bay Sands complex and the National Performing Arts Centre. You can also gain sweeping views of other landmarks and the bay on the four viewing platforms that cantilever out from the bridge.

Ribbons of LED lights illuminate the bridge by night, emphasising the two twisting helix tubes. Canopies made of fritted glass and perforated steel mesh offer shade from the tropical sun.

The bridge is 285-metres long, made up of three 65-metre spans and two 45-metre end spans.

The economy of material facilitated prompted the Singapore Urban Development Authority to have the bridge fabricated in duplex stainless steel. This decision ensured members were crafted in minimal dimensions with tubes only 273mm in diameter.

The delicate tracery of the bridge’s double spiral has created a foil to the massive buildings that flank the Marina Bay Shoreline. The bridge acts as both a crossing and a place of relief, with many residents and visitors coming to simply stroll and enjoy the Helix Bridge experience.

Awards

Transport Architecture Award, World Architecture Festival Barcelona 2010

Technical Information

City
Marina Bay, Singapore
Year
2010
In Association With
Architects 61 Pte Ltd and Arup
Client
Urban Redevelopment Authority, Singapore Government
Status
Completed, 2004-2010
Key Consultants
Tierra Design, Davis Langdon Seah
Builder
Sato Kogyo (S) Pte Ltd
Cost
$82,900,000
Site Area
300m long
Photography
Christopher Frederick Jones, Angus Martin