A sustainable opening bridge for Bremerhaven.
Bremerhaven
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.
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.
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."