Moller Architects | Design and Technical Delivery Team

Following my involvement in the design of the main Ormiston Road cable-stayed bridge, I went on to work alongside Beca on the design of a smaller, more discreet crossing further along Ormiston Road.

For this bridge, the design drew on the familiar language of older New Zealand bridges, particularly their solid balustrades and repetitive cut-out patterns. Rather than reproduce these details literally, I translated the idea into a continuous solid concrete upstand, with the traditional cut-out pattern expressed as an imprint within its surface.

Running through this repeated pattern was a continuous ivy motif, bringing a softer, organic quality to the concrete. It was intended as a small commentary on the growth of Flat Bush itself, with the climbing vegetation suggesting the gradual establishment and flourishing of a new community.

Where the main bridge made a more pronounced architectural statement, the East Bridge was deliberately restrained. Its character came through the detailing, material and reference to familiar New Zealand infrastructure, offering a contemporary interpretation of something deeply recognisable.

I was particularly pleased, following construction, to see the ivy leaf motif reappear on other infrastructure projects around Auckland. It was satisfying to see a small design idea travel beyond its original setting, taking on a life of its own.