Kotuitui Whitinga Bridge

Harris Butt Architecture in association with GHK Piling and Richardson Stevens Consulting submitted their entry along with four other consultant groups for the Waiarohia Stream Footbridge Competition and was selected. The competition required a design solution for an opening footbridge across the Waiarohia Stream. This winning entry completes a new cycle and walking loop that joins the Town Basin Marina to the new Lower Hatea River Crossing. The bridge allows users to cross the stream safely whilst granting passage for the occasional boats going up and down the stream. The simple form of the bridge is a derivative of ideas based around movement, journey, water, light, food gathering and cultivation, with connection to the historic and current occupation of the site. All establishing and reinforcing “a sense of place.” The bridge in its most simple form is seen as a metaphorical link. It creates an opportunity for all who see and use the bridge to make personal connections and interpretations.