Swing Bridge Completed in Crystal Palace Park

Image by James Balston.

The Crystal Palace Dinosaurs were built in the 1850s on the grounds of Crystal Palace Park. As the first ever life-­sized reconstructions of extinct animals they are a unique symbol of the local area. The only access to these sculptures on Dinosaur Island is our newly completed 8 metre Swing Bridge. To control access, the bridge has two positions: resting in the middle of the weir and swinging 90 degrees to connect the banks when staff need to maintain the dinosaur sculptures on the island. When not in use, the bridge, which is supported on a single central column, is designed to be a sculptural artwork floating in water.

Using biomimetic principles in its geometry, the bridge is ultra-lightweight, super-economical, and touches the land lightly. The design was inspired by the undulating form of a bony fish, and its aesthetic complements and also highlights its natural surroundings.

The project was instigated by the long-standing commitment and insightfulness of the Friends of Crystal Place Dinosaurs, who raised funds from the GLA and crowdfunding, and who also maintain the sculptures. The bridge was a collaboration with structural engineering by Arup, and built by local fabricator Cake Industries.

Crystal Palace Park is open to the public. You can find out more here.