Millennium Bridge, Gateshead

The Millennium Bridge on the River Tyne between Gateshead and Newcastle has a span of 105 m. Mainly used for foot traffic, the bridge can also be raised for river traffic when necessary. The two heavy wedge-shaped concrete platforms on both banks each have lightweight transparent glass access pavilions using glass fins as support for the walls and roof. The conical glass constructions of FINS + BEAMS have a length of 20 meter and are divided into ten sections. The particular characteristic of this project is the support structure which is constructed of glass columns and beams and apart from the stainless steel point fixings, is completely made of glass. A sliding door forms the entrance at the larger end. The Pavilions are of tempered safety glass and laminated safety glass whereby the additional screen-printing provides the roof glazing with some protection from overheating inside.
(Photos: Greame Peacock / ECKELT Archive)