Span the Gap Build
Build your section, connect it to the others and watch the car cross the finished span.
About
Span the Gap Build challenges every team to construct one section of a bridge to exact customer specifications, while dealing with limited resources, communication barriers and strict timelines.
Each team designs, decorates and brands its own section, and awards are given for the most creative engineering design, the best branding and the most efficient use of resources.
The final construction stage brings every section together, as each team’s work is installed as part of one huge, extended company bridge. Teams have to make sure their section meets the agreed standards so it connects perfectly with its neighbours.
The exciting grand finale sees a remote-controlled vehicle driven across the full length of the bridge, the moment of truth that shows whether every team has delivered on its promises.
Learning outcomes
Span the Gap Build is a challenging and engaging exercise in which every team is both a supplier and a customer. The end goal is fully collaborative, so success depends on ongoing customer relationship management and an understanding of the knock-on effects of communication.
With limited time and resources, teams need clever project management to succeed, deciding early how to use their materials and how to keep their neighbours informed.
This fun, hands-on event carries very powerful metaphors. It highlights how important cross-functional cooperation is to achieving big-picture goals, and how one weak link can affect everyone.
When the car makes it across, the whole group shares a real sense of achievement, and the lessons about specifications, communication and trust are easy to connect back to everyday work.
Program flow
-
Briefing
Teams receive the customer specifications, their limited resources and the rules on how they can communicate.
-
Design
Teams plan their bridge section and agree the key measurements with the teams on either side.
-
Build and brand
Teams construct, decorate and brand their section, making the most of every material against the clock.
-
Connect the span
All sections are installed together to form one huge company bridge across the room.
-
Grand finale
A remote-controlled vehicle crosses the full length of the bridge, followed by the awards.
What is included
Included
- Facilitation by experienced hosts
- Bridge building materials and tools
- Customer specification briefs
- Remote-controlled vehicle for the finale
- Awards for design, branding and resource use
Not included
- Venue rental
- Catering and refreshments
- Audio-visual equipment
- Transportation to and from the venue
- Printing of personalised materials
Frequently asked questions
How many people can take part?
Groups from 10 to 500 guests can take part, working in smaller teams.
How long does the program take?
A typical session runs for about 2 hours.
Do we need engineering skills?
No. Teams receive clear specifications and materials, and success depends on planning and communication rather than technical skill.
Can this be run indoors or outdoors?
Yes. It can be run indoors, outdoors or a combination of both, depending on your venue.
How do we know if the bridge works?
In the grand finale, a remote-controlled vehicle is driven across the full length of the finished bridge.
Cobot Coding Challenge
Build a working robot, code its moves and compete for the top technology prize.
Mission Machine Makers
Design a robot for the job, build it from scratch and put it to the test.
Wildlife Haven Builders
Earn your materials, build homes for wildlife and give them to your community.
Request a quote for Span the Gap Build
Tell us your group size, date and goals. We will reply with a tailored proposal.