In the first session in the programme, the Urban Pioneers took part in a workshop with Gifford engineers, learning about fundamental engineering principles and building a 1:10 model of a bridge from balsa wood, thread and tape. The Pioneers opted for an arched suspension design, which was then tested with clay weights.
As part of The Architecture Foundation's summer education programme, Urban Pioneers: Between the Bridges, Alex, Ciarra, Tony, Vanessa and George will be exploring the changing architecture between Tower and Blackfriars bridges with Gifford engineers, Space Syntax, Bankside Open Spaces Trust, illustrator David Sparshott, filmmaker Barney Sutton, and dallaspierce+quintero architects, winners of The AF's recent Amelia Street public realm competition.