Check out this extremely cool interpretation of a drawbridge as envisioned by the Heatherwick Studio, a firm in central London.  It is an intriguing blend of whimsy, engineering, art, and function.  When extended, it creates a pedestrian link across an urban canal; when “drawn” it takes on a sculptural quality – you can tell it’s meant to perform a function but it appears unlikely that it can actually span the gap of the canal.  You can watch a video of the bridge in motion here.

While you’re at it, check out some of their other conceptual and realized projects, from furniture to architecture.