Auckland, New Zealand
The Old Māngere Bridge replacement project, led by Pete Bossley of Bossley Architects in collaboration with Isthmus landscape architects, replaces a century-old bridge linking the Onehunga and Māngere suburbs, near Oakland, New Zealand.
The project has recently been awarded a 2023 International Architecture Award by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture, Design, and Urban Studies.
Originally a traditional meeting and crossing point for Māori near a strategic portage, the former road bridge became a social facility for walking, cycling, fishing, and gathering, in the 1980s.
In addition to working in partnership with Mana Whenua, public consultation, including open days, and children’s workshops yielded 700 items of feedback identifying critical ambitions for the bridge.
These impacted significantly the final design.
The new bridge is higher than the original, allowing small boats to pass beneath and it incorporates an existing boat ramp at the southern end.
The additional height allows connection to be re-established between the upper and lower harbor, visually and for small waterborne crafts such as waka ama and recreational boats.
This connection has been difficult since the completion of the concrete Old Māngere Bridge in 1915.
For Mana Whenua (the indigenous Māori) the arch span allows improved access to the hugely significant historic portage connection to the Waitematā Harbour.
The structure curves in plan and elevation.
The alignment frames views of significant volcanic cones which have symbolic and heritage values, especially for Māori.
The inclination allows for a comfortable pedestrian approach.
At two points the deck is widened with cantilevered bays which provide areas for fishing and gathering.
Fishing rod holders are incorporated into the balustrades along much of the bridge.
A 60-meter central span, with a 250-meter overall length, is supported by cables from a single steel arch inclined from the outer edge of the curve.
The arch provides symbolic shelter from the nearby freeway and a backdrop to the stunning harbor views.
The hollow-girder approaches are carried on elegant raking concrete piers.
Artworks by local artists signify the historical importance of Māori, including impressed designs on the concrete deck fascia panels.
The balustrades are painted in a rhythm of colors that represent the scales of the native kahawai fish to create a link with the surrounding environment.
Remnants of the cherished old bridge form are identified at one end for memory and celebration.
Ngā Hau Māngere has exceeded expectations and was instantly adopted for recreation by local communities, becoming a source of pride.
Safe connection is re-established across the Manukau Harbour and the landscape, culture, and history are engaged, offering a profound sense of place that is relevant to the local experience.
The arch transitions the scale shift between the large nearby vehicular bridge, and the human scale on the shared path thereby reducing the dominance of the road bridge and providing a more balanced urban landscape.
The arch occupies the mid-ground for views from the east and provides a visual steppingstone from more distant viewpoints to the north and south.
The experience of crossing and spending time on the bridge allows people to encounter the full drama of the vast harbor space.
Much more than just a bridge, it has become a magnet that is rebuilding and sustaining community connections.
Project: Ngā Hau Māngere -Old Māngere Bridge Replacement Project
Architects: Bossley Architects Ltd
Lead Architect: Pete Bossley
Engineers: Aurecon
Lead Engineer: John McNeil
Landscape Architects: Isthmus
Project Artists: Mathew von Sturmer, Johnson Witehira, Sunnah Thompson
General Contractor: McConnell Dowell
Client: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency
Photographers: Mark Scowen Photography, Bossley Architects, and John McNeil
