New Plymouth's Te Rewa Rewa pedestrian and cycle bridge provides a spectacular illustration of the capacity of engineering to combine utility with fine art. The tied arch bridge with a clear span of almost 70 metres is part of the extension of the city's award-winning coastal walkway. Spanning the Waiwakairo River, its iconic form represents the sacred relationship between the land, sea and wind with the Ngati Tawhirikura tribe.

Characteristics of Technological Outcomes

• Socio-cultural considerations: fitness for purpose in its broadest sense

Technological Products

• Material selection in relation to performance specifications

Technological Skills and Knowledge

• Understanding basic concepts relating to bridge structures
• Human factors in design

Discussion starters (Years 11-13)

• Outline how the design elements appear to have been prioritised in the development of the bridge and justify this prioritisation in terms of the evaluation of the fitness for purpose of the structure – in its broadest sense.
• Explain the choice of materials used in relation to the performance requirements.
• Explain the following terminology in relation to the design, construction and installation of the bridge:
• Design considerations;
• Strengthening functions; and
• Finishing.

PowerPoint presentation

• New Plymouth coastal walkway project

YouTube videos

• Moving the bridge into position
  
• The bridge finally open for business
  

Articles

• Bridging gap with courtesy (6 July 2010)
• Walkway vandals risk lives driving on footbridge (14 July 2010)

Websites

• en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridge