Bridge Design - Design Criteria and Detailed Design Process

Design Criteria:

1. **Uniqueness**

   – Design a bridge that stands out globally.

   – Create a landmark that embodies the pride of Japan and Osaka.

2. **Universal Accessibility**

   – Ensure the bridge allows wheelchair access.

   – Design the bridge wide enough for wheelchairs to pass each other comfortably.

   – Provide entrance points from both ends of the bridge.

3. **Aesthetic and Technical Complexity**

   – Develop an attractive design that is technically advanced and complex.

   – Make the bridge visually striking and photogenic, particularly from the Dam.

   – Ensure the bridge is unique and difficult to replicate.

4. **Visitor Appeal**

   – Create a bridge that attracts visitors from across the country and around the world.

   – Offer a fun, interesting, visually appealing, and exciting experience.

   – Design for a wide demographic, including children and grandparents.

5. **Movement and Excitement**

   – Design the bridge to move or sway slightly with a cyclical motion rather than a shaking movement.

   – Ensure the bridge’s height and motion create an exciting or slightly scary experience for about 10% of the general public.

   – Make people walking on the bridge visible from any point along the bridge and from both ends.

 – Allow people on the bridge an unobstructed view 360 degrees 

6. **Structural Strength**

   – Ensure the bridge is strong enough to withstand typhoons and earthquakes.

4. **Visitor Appeal**

   – Create a bridge that attracts visitors from across the country and around the world.

   – Offer a fun, interesting, visually appealing, and exciting experience.

   – Design for a wide demographic, including children and grandparents.

5. **Movement and Excitement**

   – Design the bridge to move or sway slightly with a cyclical motion rather than a shaking movement.

   – Ensure the bridge’s height and motion create an exciting or slightly scary experience for about 10% of the general public.

   – Make people walking on the bridge visible from any point along the bridge and from both ends.

 – Allow people on the bridge an unobstructed view 360 degrees 

6. **Structural Strength**

   – Ensure the bridge is strong enough to withstand typhoons and earthquakes.

Detailed Design Process:

1. **Conceptual Design**

   – **Brainstorming**: discussed designs with engineers of the longest bridges in Europe. Assembled a team of architects, engineers, and designers to brainstorm initial ideas that meet the criteria.

   – **Sketching and Modeling**: Develop sketches and 3D computer models and physical models to visualize the bridge’s form, considering aesthetics, accessibility, and structural requirements.

   – **Feasibility Study**: Conduct preliminary analyses to assess the feasibility of the proposed designs, focusing on technical and financial aspects.

2. **Engineering and Technical Analysis**

   – **Structural Analysis**: Use advanced simulation software to model the bridge’s response to loads, including pedestrian traffic, wind, and seismic activity.

 – built a Motecarlo model to simulate maximum possible winds over 1,000 years in the path of the bridge, using historical wind data and typhoon analysis. 

   – **Materials Selection**: Choose materials that offer the necessary strength and durability while contributing to the bridge’s visual appeal.

   – **Accessibility Features**: Incorporate universal design principles, ensuring ramps and pathways are integrated seamlessly for wheelchair access.

3. **Detailed Design and Specifications**

   – **Dimensioning**: Finalize the bridge dimensions, ensuring it is wide enough for wheelchairs to pass each other and accommodating entrances from both ends.

   – **Movement Design**: Design the bridge’s suspension system to allow for controlled, cyclical movement, enhancing the excitement factor.

   – **Visibility Considerations**: Ensure clear visibility along the bridge and from both ends, considering safety and aesthetic aspects.

4. **Aesthetic and Photogenic Elements**

   – **Visual Appeal**: Integrate design elements that make the bridge photogenic and visually striking from the Dam and surrounding areas.

   – **Lighting and Finishes**: Select lighting schemes and finishes that enhance the bridge’s appearance day and night. Designed for night lighting to be added.

5. **Safety and Resilience**

   – **Seismic Design**: Incorporate advanced engineering techniques to ensure the bridge can withstand earthquakes.

   – **Wind Resistance**: Design the structure to remain stable and safe during typhoons, incorporating aerodynamic features and robust anchoring.

6. **Community and Stakeholder Engagement**

   – **Public Consultation**: Engage with local communities, landowners, and stakeholders to gather feedback and ensure they were aware of the progress and the design features. 

   – **Regulatory Approvals**: Work with regulatory bodies to secure necessary approvals and ensure compliance with all safety and construction standards.

7. **Construction Planning**

   – **Project Management**: Develop a detailed project plan, including timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.

   – **Construction Techniques**: Choose construction methods that ensure precision, safety, and efficiency.

By following this meticulous design process, we ensure that Japan’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge not only meets but exceeds expectations, becoming a landmark that offers safety, excitement, and universal accessibility.

Osaka Gravitate and Goda bridge stands as a marvel of modern engineering, being the longest two-way suspension pedestrian bridge in Japan and the fifth longest in the world. Spanning 420m, this iconic bridge offers not just a passage but an experience, with stunning views of the Aigawa dam and a variety of activities for visitors. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Gravitate Osaka has something for everyone.