In a world with a rapidly increasing population, multi-layer cities are the future of urban development. In this project, I created a leveled bridge with identical layers that could be implemented into a region like Chongqing, China. From one side to the other, the levels of the city can remain independent over areas of road/water. In a gravity-defying spectacle, this bridge holds itself up with weight and friction alone.

This project was completed using one uniform maple-wood block. There was no glue involved. The only thing holding this bridge together is the friction between the blocks as well as very strategic placement of the center of mass. Counterweights were used to maintain proper center of mass throughout the building process. By using pillars in a line up the bridge, I was able to control the center of mass and ensure that all blocks on the structure can be helped stable. This bridge remains stable regardless of where weight is placed on the road across and without any support at each end (as shown in the image without a decorative building on the right side).

The bridge proved very challenging to construct due to my choice to not use any glue or connective material. The shape of each bridge layer proved as less of a choice and more as the necessary option. The weight pressing down on each block from the one above it and halfway back appeared to be the most stable organization of the blocks after extensive testing on smaller-scale bridge structures. The two pillars on each layer were placed deliberately left of the center to create a gravity-defying effect. Finally, the large weight on the top of the structure posing as a placeholder for a third layer to the bridge is used in this case as a weight to ensure proper pressure on each individual block reaching out along the path of the useable portion.

The epitome of perfection in architecture is when function and form collide in perfect unison. The intent of this piece was to do exactly that by creating a theoretical building shell that had not one, but two modes.

I began on a simple exterior of cut wooden dowels by creating the initial base. Then, I built the rotation point with an enormous structure attached to it. Knowing the weight on the base would need a counterbalance, I attached a string to the ground contact section to prevent tipping. After the shell was complete I added a spinal design made to create a smooth transition from one height to the next.

The structure seems impossible but remains stable in both of its forms. The fact that the structure appears to defy physical constraints inspires an awe that would be ever so prevalent if a real building were made like it. The smooth transition from one axis to the other allows for a beautifully smooth piece of transitional architecture.