Design Concept

The design concept, titled "Coming Home" and "Longing to Return," focuses on the emotional journey of the user. A fluid S-curve guides movement and views toward the eastern cut-out of the "M" building, framing the "HOME" letters, before gently curving toward Franklin Hill. The experience is reinforced through a typographic narrative: the path begins with a "WELCOME" floor inlay, and at the southern exit, a mirror installation mounted on a mast ending in an @ symbol reflects the HOME towers, accompanied by a "COME BACK" message to create an "@ HOME" homecoming experience. The color palette combines the earthy brown of Corten steel, providing a robust military-historical reference, with natural timber handrails, achieving a harmonious integration of materiality and atmosphere.

Site plan

Structure and Engineering

The bridge is a functional and elegant U-structure derived from structural logic:

• Variable U-Section: The depth of the steel structure varies along the span—deepening over supports and thinning at mid-span—to optimize material use and emphasize the flowing line.
• Stiffness through Geometry: The curved path naturally increases the structural rigidity, especially over the main span.
• Topographical Transition: The bridge connects "hill to hill," landing on modeled plateaus that serve as flexible spaces for events or leisure.

Details

Cross section

Construction sequence

Sustainability (Regeneration/Resilience)

The project follows a resource-saving, low-maintenance philosophy:

• Weathering Steel: Corten steel forms a protective patina, removing the need for additional coatings or heavy maintenance.
• Sustainable Timber: Sourced from certified stocks, timber lamellas in the railing provide warmth, haptic quality, and a rhythmic "veil" that allows for natural ventilation.
• Eco-friendly Decking: A cork-composite surface is used for its slip resistance and low noise. It is fully recyclable and contains recycled content.
• Intelligent Lighting: LED lights are integrated into the railing with presence sensors, ensuring light is only active during use to protect the nocturnal environment.

Elevation

Urban Integration and Spatial Experience

The bridge acts as a natural extension of the surrounding greenery. Its northern curve is carefully designed to sweep around existing trees, allowing users to experience the canopy at eye level while protecting the root systems. Beyond the main ramps, which maintain a maximum gradient of 4%, a spiral staircase near the M-building and a wide stairwell at Birkenauer Straße provide direct local connections, ensuring multi-modal access. The southern landing incorporates seating and gentle hills, transforming what could be a simple crossing into a high-quality public space that invites social interaction and lingering.