Aerial view of two people walking on a wide, patterned pathway with diagonal lines. The path is lit by soft, warm lighting, and the surrounding area is a smooth, neutral surface. Shadows fall across the scene, enhancing the abstract design.

River Spree Bridge

Berlin, Germany

2017

Foot & Cycle

Developed in conjunction with COWI and specialist manufacturer Premier Composite Technologies this concept proposal for an advanced composite footbridge was prepared for the Footbridge 2017 conference in Berlin.

Two people standing on opposite sides of a blurred and reflective surface, with a blue sky and faint trees in the background, creating a serene and abstract visual effect.

Two people walking on a long, narrow bridge with reflective surfaces, surrounded by water. The bridge is bathed in warm, soft lighting, creating elongated shadows. The scene has a peaceful and serene ambiance.

Running through the centre of Berlin, the River Spree forms part of a network of canal like waterways with a regulated water depth, permitting large objects to be maneuvered through the city. Given the lightweight and cellular nature of an FRP structure, it is possible to consider the bridge deck as a floatation chamber – avoiding the need for a barge to carry the bridge into position on the waterway.

A minimalistic bridge structure with two people walking on it, featuring a simple railing and a support pole, architecture by MOXON Architects.

Two people standing on a futuristic platform with angled supports, with reflection below, architecture by MOXON Architects.

Five open books are aligned in a row. Each book displays minimalist sketches: a bow and arrow, a sword, a quill, a notebook with glasses and a mustache, and a pair of scissors. The background is white.

Outriggers would be used to stabilise the floating system in a similar way to traditional canoes. Once installed these outriggers would also be used as permanent floating supports for the bridge deck, minimising the main span length.