Design Concept

The architectural and landscape concept is an integral, functional, and simple integration approach that provides absolute clarity to facilitate mobility in complex terrain. The structure embodies a "relaxed, light, and harmonious connection" that is designed as a continuous ribbon, running slightly curved in elevation and straight in plan. The design is intended to heal the urban fabric by reconstructing the interrupted paths between the two slopes of the Stadtbachtal and is structured to allow for a linear extension.

Models

Different perspectives

Structure and Engineering

The structural design is pragmatic, focusing on simplicity, constructability, and efficiency.

•  System and spans: 71 m long deck with two asymmetric spans of 43 m and 25 m, using a trough girder system stiffened by concealed box girders; alignment perpendicular to road and rail lines minimizes spans and material use.
• Load path and feasibility: External steel lattice expresses the load paths; cantilever beams transfer loads to circular glazed lift towers, creating a column-free zone below. FEM analysis confirms deflections well within allowable limits.
•  Foundations: Soft soil conditions require D800 pile foundations installed with casing pipes to protect the groundwater zone.
• Aesthetics: Perforated lateral steel girders and finely detailed balustrades create a light, transparent appearance.

Cross sections

Sustainability (Regeneration/Resilience)

The project is designed to fulfill the demanding criteria of the SNBS-Infrastructure guidelines and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on circularity and material efficiency.

• Materials and LCA: Lightweight steel and thin paving layers minimize material use, with secondary steel from electric arc furnaces significantly reducing emissions.
• Life cycle: Designed for long service life, low maintenance, and full disassembly and recycling at end of use.
• Emissions and efficiency: An integrated ramp shortens the overall structure, reducing material, energy, and resource consumption.
• Urban greening and water: A planting strategy supports biodiversity, strengthens green connections, and responds to climate challenges.

Urban Integration and Spatial Experience

The bridge serves as a key element for social cohesion, reconnecting interrupted paths to unify the fragmented areas of Niederwangen. A gentle 2% incline ensures accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists, and people with reduced mobility, with lifts and stairs providing vertical connections at platform levels. The design improves access to the train station and the new center, while perforated side girders create a visual buffer from traffic below. The 3.5-meter-wide deck features integrated anti-glare LED lighting beneath the handrails, dynamically controlled by sensors and timers to ensure safety and energy efficiency.