Gateshead Millennium Bridge

The Gateshead Millennium Bridge was designed by London-based firm Wilkinson Eyre Architects, and was awarded the 2002 RIBA Stirling Prize.  It crosses the River Tyne in north-east England, and has become an architectural landmark for the local regeneration (and a favorite subject for photographers.)

The elegant bridge is comprised of two parabolic curves – one forming the deck, and the other forming the bridge’s support.  Using an innovative rotational movement similar to that of a slowly opening eyelid, these pivot around their points to allow shipping to pass underneath.  The curvilinear deck extends crossing the river from 105 meters to around 120 meters, and provides enough height to allow the required clearance above the water.