Two people on an angular modern balcony with a mesh railing, part of a contemporary building with geometric shapes, architecture by MOXON Architects.
Franklinsteg

A slender, sweeping crossing threading seamlessly through Franklin Mitte

Franklinsteg

Mannheim, Germany

2025

The Birkenauer Straße Bridge is a key connection in Mannheim’s Franklin Mitte development, linking the tree‑lined Mitte/Festwiese Park to the new Columbus Park. Spanning over pedestrian and cycle routes, Birkenauer Straße, tram line 5, and then passing directly through the narrow opening of the landmark M‑building, the bridge must maintain a single 63‑metre span before touching down in the park to the north.
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To meet these constraints, the structure is placed beneath the deck, allowing the bridge to pass cleanly through the M‑building without vertical elements competing with its expressive architecture. As the deck rises to clear the tram line, the structure transitions into an open truss, reducing visual mass and creating an animated, lightweight underside for residents and visitors moving beneath it.

Modern building with a curved walkway elevated above the ground, surrounded by autumn trees with colorful foliage, architecture by MOXON Architects.
A detailed elevation of a bridge with trees underneath, showcasing a modern, curved design by MOXON Architects.

The bridge’s plan and elevation are shaped entirely by context: it passes straight through the M‑building, then gently curves to align with the axis of Columbus Park. Matching curves appear in the approach spans to the north and in the winding southern path, creating a unified, intuitive route that feels natural despite the site’s complexity.

A scenic view of a pedestrian bridge over railway tracks surrounded by colorful autumn trees and a park, architecture by MOXON Architects.
A minimalistic architectural drawing of a bridge with a tree beside it, featuring people on the bridge, with architecture by MOXON Architects.
A sketch of a modern bridge with a distinctive angular design and railing, featuring two people and a bicycle, architecture by MOXON Architects.
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Above this hardworking structure, the deck reads as a simple, uncluttered ribbon. A 4.5‑metre‑wide mixed‑use surface is edged by a transparent mesh parapet and subtle integrated lighting, ensuring clear views, a sense of openness, and a comfortable connection between urban and parkland settings. The result is a graceful, continuous link that stitches the masterplan together.

A modern illuminated pedestrian bridge at night, winding above trees and connecting buildings, architecture by MOXON Architects.
Partner
Consultant
Buro Happold

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