An award-winning design of a habitable timber bridge incorporating a pool and café is currently being showcased at the Luminocity exhibition on the UNSW Kensington campus in Sydney.

Architecture graduate Alexander Galego’s inspired design, 'Tidal' is just one of more than 100 designs showcasing the work of UNSW Built Environment students, graduates and alumni at the annual Luminocity exhibition. Luminocity is designed to showcase the works of students and alumni from all program areas in the faculty.

Galego’s design, which was developed during a studio led by UNSW Professor of Practice Glenn Murcutt, was recognised with an Australian Institute of Architecture (AIA) student design award. The habitable bridge is a reinterpretation of the existing footbridge at South West Rocks in NSW. AIA judges commended the project for demonstrating “an understanding of architecture that is greater than the sum of its parts”.

Galego explained that he camped at the site to better understand the history and landscape of the area. Seeking to maintain the social aspect of the original bridge where fishermen, dog walkers and swimmers meet to socialise each day, he included a buoyant sea pool, a café and change rooms in his design.

The recent Architecture graduate, who is currently completing a one-year graduate program at Lend Lease said his UNSW degree prepared him ‘100 percent’ for working in an architectural firm. According to Galego, the Architecture program is structured around working in a studio environment, providing the opportunity to put theory into practice.

Faculty Dean Professor Alec Tzannes commented that UNSW graduates were equipped to go on and work anywhere in the world and will shape the cities of tomorrow.

Other exhibited works at the Luminocity exhibition include designs from former Industrial Design alumni such as a self-teaching digital guitar and an eco-friendly weeding device.

Prospective students will have the opportunity to speak with students and lecturers, take part in hands-on projects and explore different career paths.

The Luminocity Exhibition of student and alumni works is being held from 24 August to 2 October 2015 at the Gallery, Ground Floor, West Wing, Red Centre Building, Kensington Campus.

Images: Alexander Galego