Investigating the Potential of Bridging as a Strategy for Handling Barriers : Project site: Bodenvägen, Luleå

Sammanfattning: The aim of this thesis is to clarify which potential a bridging structure has for handling the consequences created by a physical barrier. The following questions are posed: -Is bridging a suitable strategy for handling a physical barrier? -In what aspects do barriers counteract the development of a qualitative urban environment? -What potential does bridging have as a strategy for addressing these aspects? By studying literature, reference projects and the project site, a framework is set up for handling barriers in general and for the requirements of the specific project site. A design suggestion is made with the objective to address these needs. It uses a combination of the strategies presented in order to adress the consequences of the barrier: decreased intensity, connectivity and lack of pedestrian invitation. The thesis does not recommend bridging as a general solution, as it is complex and requires thorough analyses. However, the thesis argues that the strategy of bridging should not be rejected immidiately, since it has a potential of place-making. The strategy can provide for qualitative public space while offering a direct passage across a barrier.