Ramiro Zubeldia Architects

INSPIRATION:

As part of the services of a new building, Rambla Balte, a walkway accessing the beach was built.
The commission requested joining two locations, (A) Rambla Balte and (B) El Mar.
The project was developed based on knowledge of existing topography, and by treating the work like an “equation,” variables being available resources, the required effort to transport certain materials, and the best design for users of the bridge.

CONTEXT:

The footbridge is located in Punta del Este, one of the most difficult access points to Playa Brava. With a distance of 200m between the Rambla and the ocean, the site has topography that makes it difficult to build on the beach.
There is first a line of dunes, averaging 7.5m deep, located along a ravine. There is also a 60m ditch and another string of 3m dunes following. This dynamic ground prevents the possibility of pedestrian access. Even though residents have seaside homes, they still had to resort to using their cars or walking along the 400m ravine to access the beach.
The commission, in short, was intended to resolve the separation of the Rambla and the ocean in the most natural and fluid way possible.

INVESTIGATION:

The connection of Rambla Batlle and the Mar was made possible by breaking the bridge into three separate segments divided by landings. Each connection utilizes a different design solution, due to changing topography.
In this way the project explores the ways of traveling over this tumultuous beach.

MATERIALS:

The footbridge is made of Angelim wood, has columns and railings made of treated Eucalyptus, and galvanized anchors. The walkway was built with a natural finish that will change texture and color with the passage of time so that it requires less maintenance.

SYSTEM:

The project rethinks the traditional construction system of footbridges in that area, generating a new language based on the organization of the structural elements.
A system of continuous zigzag lines were designed that structurally brace the whole bridge and give the project independent identity.

LINKS:

The catwalk also signifies a connection between the urban and the natural. The sequence of travel on the bridge follows a broken linear structure.

• Point (A) / La Rambla Batlle
Starting plane that allows you to discover the access ladder that hides among the bushes of the place.
 Segment (A-B) / The Ladder
“A staircase is designed to connect different spaces located at different heights.”
The ladder, a natural solution to a steep incline is located in the lowest section of the largest dune and is 6.5m high. The staircase creates a feeling of uncertainty at the start of the bridge because it doesn´t have views of the entire route.
• Point (B) / El Rellano
Upon arriving at the first landing, the user has an understanding of the place and development of the entire walkway.
 Segment (B-C) / The Ramp
“A ramp is an architectural element that functions by partially bypassing two different planes, so that they have only a relative difference in altitude in that space.”
The dune descends at a mild slope into a thicket. The ramp tilts with a slope, comfortable for pedestrians and eliminating a barrier from the dunes, and creating a platform with views of the vegetation.
• Point (C) / El Mirador
Upon reaching the next flat point of the bridge, a panoramic view opens up to the Peninsula of Punta del Este. A break in the route invites users to stop and contemplate.
 Segment (C-D) / The bridge
"A bridge is a construction, usually artificial, that allows people to save a geographical feature or any other physical obstacle."
The topography presents a small valley between the dunes. The bridge becomes the best way to save the 5m of unevenness and is perpendicular to the sea, so that the horizon line is also the end of the bridge.
• Point (D) / The Sea
After crossing the bridge, a plane leaves the user on a small dune so they can walk directly to the sea.