Pedestrian Bridge in Zapallar, Chile by Enrique Browne

Located in the traditional resort town of Zapallar, on the eastern side of the Route F 30 – E which connects various villages near the Pacific, a social housing project was developed for local families in the area. New houses and the town are set on small hills on different sides of the road.

Besides in its crossing point the route is elevated and curved, complicating the visibility of the pedestrians. This was very dangerous, especially for students and housekeepers that travel between both sides during the day and at night. For this reason, we were asked to design a footbridge that avoided the problem. The bridge would also serve to transfer water pipes, electricity, etc. from one side to another.

The interior elements are in compression or in tension, and the shear in the support is taken by the assembly of structural elements that arrive to this.The “frames” were elevated to maintain the metallic railings, the drainpipes with Led lights and, also, the metallic netting, avoiding eventual stone throwing toward vehicles. All the materials were untidy in their natural color.

Architects: Enrique Browne y Asociados Arquitectos
Collaborators: Rodrigo Rojas, Davor Pavlovic, Baltazar Sánchez y Tomás Swett
Structural Engineering: Alfonso Larraín
Photographs: Enrique Browne