Dave McBridge

Dave McBridge (born David Sacco-Perkins; December 21, 1928) is an architect and artist from Bishop's Stortford, UK. He is best known for his first major work 'Old McBridge' and two further structures which have stood on the same site, titled 'Temporary McBridge' and 'New McBridge'.

Old McBridge

'Old McBridge' was in place until late 2007, and served as a work of art in it's own right, a cultural landmark yet also a fully functioning, practical means of providing access for members of the public wishing to traverse the river Stort. Some critics have described 'Old McBridge' as being 'bridge-like.

Temporary McBridge

In late 2007 'Dave McBridge' was dismantled to make way for a new exhibit titled 'Temporary McBridge'. This structure was more lightweight than the previous installation, making use of the traditional iron and steel along with mesh and wood. Similar in shape to the previous installation, 'Temporary McBridge has also been likened to a bridge in both form, design and functionality.

New McBridge

In 2008 'Temporary McBridge' made way for another new project, the third in the self titled series. This project would be known as 'New McBridge' and marked a new direction for McBridge's designs. A much larger and more ornate structure, 'New McBridge' makes greater use of the available space and utilises a greater range of materials. Problems however arose during the construction period, such as the removal of plant life from the surrounding area, and for delays in preparing the exhibit for public viewing and usage.

Critics largely favour 'New McBridge' over it's predecessors, some describing the installation as being "like a bridge with disabled and cyclist access. Comparisons to a bridge are once again notable, probably due to the structure's bridge-like appearance and it's enviable position straddling a river, the usual location for a bridge.

Awards
The Old McBridge has twice been nominated for the prestigious international bridge conference Arthur G. Hayden medal for "most bridge-like" in 1954 and 1987 hosted by the ESWP.

In the short period that the Temporary McBridge was erect it managed to attract the spotlight of "Roads and Bridges" magazine for three consecutive weeks. One reader commented "traversing it's platform can be compared to navigating a teflon coated superficies during a seismic storm", whilst another simply described the experience as "invigorating".

Controversy
Despite the general praise directed towards the architect, his works have often been marred by controversy. Most famously just after the original McBridge had been demolished, a mob of hardcore environmentalists, set fire to a local pub, "The Bridge House" , believing it to be the residence of Dave McBridge himself, leaving the building beyond repair. It is thought the arson attack was incited by the unauthorized destruction of a patch of rare fescue known locally as "stash grass".

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