Project 1 | Portfolio

Project 1: Form and Function

Architectural Design II — ARC 257

This project explores the relationship between form and function through the design of a movable bridge. The objective was to create a bridge that accommodates both pedestrian and water traffic, including a required 30' × 40' opening, while maintaining structural stability and visual appeal. By studying different bridge types and everyday mechanical movements, I explored how structural design and motion could work together. Through sketches, research, and AutoCAD modeling, these ideas were developed into a functional and creative bridge design.

Span Prototypes

Name: Forth Bridge
Type: Cantilever Bridge
Location: South Queensferry, United Kingdom

Name: Hell Gate Bridge
Type: Arch Bridge
Location: New York, United States

Name: Robert Moses Causeway
Type: Arch Bridge
Location: New York, United States

This phase of the project focuses on studying everyday objects and the mechanical movements they use to function. Three different mechanisms were analyzed to understand how their parts interact to create motion. Through sketches and movement diagrams, I explored how these mechanical principles could be adapted and incorporated into a movable bridge design.

Movement Analogies

Eye Lash Curler

Umbrella (Inner Mechanism)

Car Jack

Preliminary 3×3 Prototype Table

This phase combines three bridge structures with three mechanical movements to explore nine design concepts. Preliminary sketches were used to evaluate each combination and identify the strongest concept for further development.