The IABSE Awards 2012 - International Association for Bridge and ...

Outstanding Paper Award - Technical ReportThe Outstanding Paper Award (OPA) is remitted each year to the author(s)of a paper published in the preceding year’s issues of the IABSE JournalStructural Engineering International (SEI), encouraging and rewarding contributionsof the highest quality. Starting with the 2011 Outstanding PaperAward, it is presented in the categories ‘Technical Report’ and ‘Scientific Paper’.The OPA Committee, was chaired by Martina Schnellenbach-Held, Germany.IABSE presents the Outstanding Paper Award in the category ‘Techincal Report’ toPeter. Ch. Mulqueen, New Zealand for his paper:“Creating the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, New Zealand”published in Structural Engineering International (SEI) 4/2011 (Nov.)This paper dissects the thought processes of thebridge designer as an example to demonstrate howstructural bridge elements can be contextualised toa bridge setting. This is in order for the bridge to beseen as a symbol with deep meaning to its local community,more than a purely functional brid form ofnature that can be readily associated with the site.Making connections and relationships between thestructural elements and the history associated withthe site is creative linkage at its best. While there isnothing truly original about the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, Peter Ch. Mulqueenthe strong links between the structure and nature possibly break new ground i nbridge aesthetics. The end product is a perfectly functional bridge with no loadingor vibration issues, which despite its modest size, magically enchants as a sculpturalform in changing light. The Rewa Rewa Bridge bridge at the edge of the world inTaranaki, New Zealand, has become a potent symbol for the community in whichit is located.Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, NZ5