Mönchengladbach

Mönchengladbach, Germany

2021

Infrastructure · Foot & Cycle

The proposed bridge over Hermann-Piecq-Anlage in Mönchengladbach creates an elegant and considered replacement of the Bettrather Strasse bridge as a pedestrian and cycle path, integrating both into the city’s urban park (east to west) as well as the transport network (north to south).

Architectural cross-sections of a bridge show structural details. The designs feature support columns, pathways, and green spaces with trees. The drawings highlight various perspectives and elevations against a backdrop of faint tree illustrations.

The load bearing combination of laminated timber beams and concrete deck skips across the three spans, above two monolithic concrete piers carefully positioned in relative to the existing axis of trees which run along the urban park perpendicular to the bridge spans.

In terms of civic aspirations, the proposed structure acts as a continuation of the ‘Bunter Garten’ with a planted top deck either side of a central cycle lane, outside of which the pedestrian paths curve upwards to a maximum of 1m above the flat cycle path. The dynamic cross-sectional form is reflected below deck where engineered wooden beams are arranged in an angled configuration with staggered edges designed to emphasize the flowing form when viewed longitudinally.

A series of architectural cross-section diagrams depicting a landscape design. The diagrams show a gradual transformation from left to right, incorporating trees, soil layers, water features, and structural elements such as steps and retaining walls.

A close-up view of a modern bridge with unique ribbed wooden and concrete support beams. The background shows grass-covered slopes under bright natural light.

Elevated pedestrian walkway with benches and lush landscaping. A person walks on a lower level, and another sits on an upper level. Trees and greenery surround the walkway, which crosses over a river. A car drives on the road below.

A detailed architectural site plan showing roads, buildings, and green spaces with trees. The layout includes two parallel roads intersected by a central area, surrounded by various structures and landscaped areas.

Separating the bridge’s twin functions allows careful consideration of pedestrians and cyclist experiences. Raising the slow-moving pedestrian paths allows for improved views along the civic garden to the east and west from benches integrated into the structure. This is also reflected in the sloped cut parapet profile, designed such that it appears more opaque in elevation and transparent from the user’s eye looking down the valley. Equally important, the cyclist route from north to south is lined with vegetation on both sides, and as such is experienced like a pleasant ride through the park.