The Thames footbridge at Bloomers Hole is much more than a utilitarian connection or anonymouse crossing. It is a place of separation and connection, county boundaries and footpaths...a place of contemplation and enjoyment.

These paradoxes are symbolised by a bridge constructed of two cantilevers reaching from opposite sides that just 'meet'...the point of transition being a simple step. One cantilever grows out of the earth in reinforced concrete, its surface sandblasted to resemble natural stone forming a gentle ramp with a profile to match the structural task. The other cantilever is lightweight, a tapering steel box section onto which large oak slabs are bolted to form a staircase. The concrete cantilever tapers in plan to allow a long oak bench, its raised position addressing the view south of the water meadows and the setting sun.

The centreline of the bridge is twisted and the approaches turned to form a serpentine plan reflecting the river beneath, its meanderings through the water meadows.

Bloomers Hole, Oxford.

Competition entry, 1998.