The Challenge The Sylvania Way Bridge spans the Forth & Clyde canal within Clydebank town centre. The existing 25 year old metal latticework canopy was frequently criticised for being ‘unsightly’ . 60 architects were challenged to design an iconic tensile fabric structure – the winning design by RMJM became known as the Swan and was realised by Fabric Architecture. The challenge was to create an engineered tensile fabric structure spanning 40m that was both beautiful and sustainable. In addition to the large span, rainwater management and a drainage system needed to be incorporated for all weather protection. Due to the size of the structure, the fabric canopy was assembled onto its frame off site and then lifted in place by a 120 tonne crane. The Solution Architect Neil McLean explains th

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