A Form-Based Study: Integrating the Manhattan Bridge into the Urban Fabric

ABSTRACT Physical, functional and socio-cultural boundaries can emerge in cities over the course of time, and which can be strengthened or weakened by external forces. Since these boundaries affect the integrity of city circulation in a negative manner, correct design should be introduced to reduce their effect. In this study, such qualities as mutualism, porosity, permeability and connectivity have been considered as design principles for integration, the subject of which is The Manhattan Bridge. The networks between the meshworks are weak in the area where the Manhattan Bridge meets ground level, but continuity can be provided by strengthening connections between these existing nodes (meshworks). Creating interfaces (or apparatus) and strengthening the existing functions would reduce the physical boundary effect created by the bridge. Accordingly, in the study, during the creation of this apparatus via the synthesis of tectonic and organic infrastructures, the polygon modeling techniques were used within the Maya software and projects were modeled by means of a morphodynamical approach. Thus, the form-finding process began by addressing an urban problem and was based on a theoretical infrastructure.