![[bath/header-2.jpg]](http://www.ultraprt.com/uploads/images/bath/header-2.jpg "[bath/header-2.jpg]")
- Designers: Jochen Rabe, Nuno Moura, Henrietta Ridgeon, Ian Wise, Tony Kerr
- Company/Institution: ARUP
- Location: Bristol, UK
The full entry can be downloaded via the following link:
- ARUP (36mb)
Sample text and images from the entry are given below.
Infrastructure Design
The central loop proposed in the competition brief has been developed and tweaked to suit the Bath landscape, to minimize disruption to existing structures, and to improve pedestrian access. It is recognised that Bath presents significant challenges in terms of protected views, conservation landscape, narrow streets and world heritage status. We understand that the design competition is in response to this challenge, to test the issues of introducing a PRT route into an historic city and therefore the loop does not need to demonstrably be part of a future network.
This presentation then sets out a vision for the guideway design and its incorporation into two stations, Pulteney Station, and Green Park. guidelines on the type of structure proposed were developed based on number of principles. The structure would have to wind itself through a wide and varied landscape up and down hills, around corners, above ground, below ground or at ground. it needs to hold its own against the old and historic buildings of bath whilst not clashing or jarring. it also needs to have a changeable identity which adjusts to suit the different areas it passes through. it should be light weight, made from simple and easy to maintain materials, and structurally efficient.
We were equally inspired by the design potential of contemporary lightweight mesh technology and the old victorian railway bridges that can be spotted in various locations around bath. Whilst complementing the georgian architecture our design provides a unique identity reinforcing the bath brand.
Sample images
Vehicle Design
The vehicle design is based on the standard ULTra vehicle with the following amendments:
- The vehicle itself should be reflective, reflecting the beauty of bath’s wonderful architecture back on to itself.
- The front and the rear of the vehicle as well as the sides should house the largest windows possible to provide panoramic views of bath.
- Tourist information should be provided through visual and audio means using interactive screens and audio guides. these can point out historical landmarks and provide background information about bath.
- Comfortable seats with seat belts that rotate 360 degrees should be provided to enable passengers to face in any direction during transportation.
"Presentation streets ahead of all other entries: far more thought and work has gone into this than any other design."
"Very good appreciation of immediate and future needs. Elegant design of trackway... Design [of the station] flows seamlessly from that of trackway."
"A bold, eye-catching design, but this is Bath and an underground track might be more acceptable."
"The Pulteney Bridge station was a good design, in an area that is a bit neglected."
"Well worked out scheme which combines a sensitivity to Bath's historic environment with a contemporary design approach."
"Good track design, like the lattice effect. Style is interesting and innovative. Lattice work and colour suggestions that reflect Victorian style is good idea."
"Integration of market is good."
"If the track must be above ground then the ARUP design is probably the best. It makes a strong statement but in a relatively unobtrusive way."