It was a requirement that the bridge could open to provide access to the inlet so that boats could be moored.  As with all Heatherwick designs they weren't satisfied with having the bridge move aside or fracture and lift.  This bridge uses a series of hydraulic rams to cause the bridge to gently curl up its eight segments until it comes to rest on one side of the inlet in the form of a circle.  The bridge was constructed by Littlehampton Welding and transported to Paddington by boat.