Casino bridge

Design Concept

The architectural vision focuses on "listening to the landscape" to create a non-monumental yet impactful urban intervention. The central Kurpromenade features elevated walkways with seating islands under a canopy of newly planted linden trees. At the Kirchvorplatz, an arched staircase and seating areas create a communal space that visually connects the Martin-Luther-Kirche to the Kurgartenbrücke. The design uses a consistent material palette of "Ahr-Red" accents and sand-colored tones to reflect the local identity and the Genius Loci of the Ahr valley.

Site plan

Elevation

Structure and Engineering

The structural strategy prioritizes flow-optimized, resilient engineering to prevent the accumulation of debris during high-water events.

• Integral Bridge Design: Both the Kurgartenbrücke and Casinobrücke are designed as sleek, integral-span concrete structures without joints or bearings to ensure long-term durability.
• Streamlined Profiles: The bridge cross-sections are streamlined to minimize the impact area against flood currents, maintaining a high clearance for water and floating debris.
• Flood Walls: Protective walls are integrated into the landscape, doubling as the foundations for riverside terraces and cafes (Ahrterrassen) to maintain direct access to the water.

Detail

Sustainability (Regeneration/Resilience) Environmental responsibility is at the core of the reconstruction, utilizing advanced materials to reduce the project's carbon footprint.

• Low-Carbon Materials: The project utilizes CO2-reduced concrete technologies and resource-efficient construction methods to minimize environmental impact.
• Ecological Enhancement: The Casinovorplatz is transformed from a purely paved square into an ecologically enriched zone featuring native plantings and permeable surfaces.
• Smart Lighting: Energy-efficient LED lighting is integrated directly into the handrails, providing a glare-free "carpet of light" that respects local insect populations and biodiversity.

Urban Integration and Spatial Experience

The project transforms the riverbank into a cultural and recreational catalyst for the city. The Ahrterrassen offer direct interaction with the river, providing spaces for dining and relaxation within the flood protection infrastructure. By widening the promenades and creating a lime tree avenue, the design prioritizes pedestrian-friendly movement. The spatial experience is defined by the seamless transition from the dense urban fabric of the city center to the open, green expanse of the river, restoring the historical promenade culture of the spa town.

Kurgarten bridge