A minimalistic architectural drawing showing components of a structure with a person for scale, detailed with lines and shadows, architecture by MOXON Architects.
Bremerhaven

A sustainable opening bridge for Bremerhaven.

Bremerhaven

Bremerhaven, Germany

2025

Client   The City of Bremerhaven
This project is a single-leaf bascule bridge designed to connect the new Werftquartier with the city center in Bremerhaven, Germany. The bridge will be a vital link for buses, pedestrians, and cyclists, making it fundamental to the development’s future city transit.
Series of construction diagram sketches for a pool cover mechanism, detailing movement steps and architectural design by MOXON Architects.

The bridge's design is both a visual statement and a practical solution. The blade thin deck rises to a central span that sits 3 meters above the water level, allowing small boats, kayaks, and other recreational vessels to pass underneath without the bridge needing to open. This saves energy and minimises disruption to both land and water traffic. The bridge's slim profile also preserves key views of the harbor and city center, enhancing the urban landscape rather than obstructing it.

Architectural drawing of a modern boat with tall, curved sails, displayed in front, side, and top views; architecture by MOXON Architects.

When it does need to open, the movable bridge segment is compact, covering only about one-third of the total crossing. This allows the area to be cleared of people quickly, ensuring that the bridge's opening and closing cycles can be seamlessly integrated into a tight 10-minute bus schedule. This efficient design, with a small opening angle of 75°, makes it the quickest, most reliable, and most cost-effective solution compared to other bridge types such as double bascules or vertical lifts.

/2

The bridge is composed of three spans, with the western span being the opening leaf. It tapers elegantly and visually extends from the new development towards the mainland. This design choice not only fits the overall geometry but also strategically places the mechanical elements to minimize their visual impact and ensure smooth navigation for vessels, and when opened creates a strong visual statement, becoming a symbolic "drawbridge."

A bridge crossing a street with trees and planters on both sides, architectural drawing in background, architecture by MOXON Architects.
Partners
Consultant
Buro Happold
Consultant
Eadon

Related projects

Aerial view of a modern bridge spanning water, with a single truck driving across. The bridge has sleek white supports and barriers, and the scene is softly lit, likely during dawn or dusk.

SPAR Bridge
Dublin

Modern concrete bridge over a small stream in a residential area with trees and houses, architecture by MOXON Architects.

Baiersbronn Bridge
Baden-Württemberg

Mochengladbach DAY 03

Mönchengladbach
Mönchengladbach

Projects Studio News
Email
Instagram
LinkedIn
Privacy notice  •  Terms of use  •  Site credits
©2025  •  All rights reserved  •  Design by Modern Activity