City to Sea Bridge, Pedestrian and bicycle bridge in Wellington, New Zealand.
The City to Sea Bridge connects Civic Square with Wellington's waterfront at Whairepo Lagoon through a wedge-shaped structure of concrete and timber. The structure provides dedicated lanes for cyclists and pedestrians, linking to walking paths along the water.
The Wellington Civic Trust launched a design competition in 1983 to create a link between the city and harbor. The bridge opened in 1993 and realized that connection between the two areas.
The structure displays sculptures by Matt Pine and carvings by Paratene Matchitt showing whales and seagulls, bringing Māori cultural elements into its design. Visitors can observe these visual stories as they walk between the city and the sea.
The bridge is straightforward to cross on foot or by bike, with clear paths for both forms of travel. It is best visited during the day when light shows the forms well and the walkways are safe.
The design shifts from angular forms on the city side to flowing organic curves at the sea side, featuring pouwhenua structures with navigation patterns. This subtle language of forms mirrors the transition between built and natural spaces.
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