The Millennium Bridge has always struck me as a vivid representation of the barest bones of architecture: a steel skeletal suspension, forging a connection between North and South London. Of course, the Thames boasts many bridges, much older and more elaborate than the Millennium Bridge. But perhaps one of the more prominent charms of this minimalist icon is the manner in which it has been so beautifully book-ended by two noticeably contrasting structures- The Tate Modern Art Gallery, and St Paul's Cathedral. This beautiful example of urban juxtaposition creates positions the bridge as a link in history. A conduit between radical and progressive movements and the remnants of antiquity.
Plans for the bridge first came about when the Financial Times held an international competition to design a new footbridge that would cross the Thames between Southwark and Black Friars bridges. Once constructed, it would be the first central London pedestrian crossing to grace the river in over a century. Excitement was already brewing about the approaching Millennium, and the initial timescale was put in place so that the bridge would be completed and opened in time for the year 2000.
Foster and Partners/ Sir Anthony Caro/ Ove Aru and Partners won the competition with a proposal for a complex structure which boasted a 4 meter wide aluminum deck lined with stainless steel balustrades, supported by cables on each side. The anticipated cutting edge design would bless the bridge with a profile six times shallower than the conventional suspension bridge. The bridge cables were specifically designed to dip below the deck at midspan enabling a clear view across the cityscape without any obvious obstructions.
Promising work began on the bridge in the spring of 1999, after archaeological excavations had been made on both banks of the Thames uncovering remains of structures dating back to the Middle Ages. Piling began in May 1999, with the central sections finally joining in April 2000.
By the time the bridge was completed, anticipation had grown so much about the project that an estimated 100,000 people crossed it on its grand opening in June 2000. Unfortunately for the designers and engineers, their work was far from over. After the opening it was noticed that the bridge had an unusual amount of movement to it, and as a consequence, was given the less-than-flattering nick-name of "The Wobbly Bridge."
After two days of pedestrians reporting feelings of seasickness, humiliated officials closed down the bridge whilst the press reveled in yet another Millennium-fueled failure (as if the dome hadn't been enough for them!).
After rigorous testing, including the recruitment of volunteer pedestrian armies to continuously walk back and forth over the bridge, sufficient alterations were made to remedy the wobbling. This process took two years, but was rewarded by the enthusiasm of both Londoners and tourists alike, who were almost desperate to walk the length of the new bridge.
The success of the bridge is compounded by the publicity it has since received for providing visitors with one of the most moving and beautiful views across the river that London has to offer. People may not remember this bridge as a mark of the millennium but those who take a stroll along it will without doubt remember the unobstructed view of some of the most stunning architecture London has to offer.
