Expert bridge designer Moxon has a new outing, this time in London’s landmark development, King’s Cross. The proposed new canal crossing, which will connect Camley Street and the future Gasholder Gardens, will be an ultra-thin steel structure that will carry pedestrians and cyclists over the Regent’s Canal. Working closely with engineers Arup, Moxon has designed an unsupported bridge that is a staggering 15mm thin.

The bridge, which blurs the line between architecture and structural engineering, it is an elegantly simple beam that has been shaped in response to structural demands, with minimum materials required. Early design explorations ruled out the option of a cable-stayed or suspension bridge, as these would have competed with, and potentially compromised the character of the surrounding heritage structures: St Pancras Lock and its associated Keepers Cottage, the gasholder triplet and new Gasholder Park, Coal Drops and the St Pancras Water Tower. In keeping with the Victorian design in the nearby vicinity, the bridge is robust and unadorned. Moxon decided that instead of an overly flamboyant structure, the new crossing should be as emphatically and enjoyably practical as its Victorian neighbours.

The bridge will form an important connection for people travelling to the west and Camden. It has been submitted for planning and if approved should complete in spring 2017.

www.moxonarchitects.com