Themes

Bridges as part of their surroundings

Today slow traffic bridges can no longer be reduced to purely structural aspects. When designing a (foot)bridge, we must ask ourselves what criteria we can use to determine where and how it begins and ends. How are the functional and spatial relationships to the environment? Where, and in what form are the entrances to the bridge (intersections, ramps, stairs)? What is the connection between the bridge and the surrounding landscape / cityscape?

The cohabitation of different traffic users

Bridges that serve different purposes are interesting. There are many ways in which such connections can be made. Be it multi-purpose bridges that are planned as such from the outset, or later additions to existing structures with all the consequences that this entails. A real challenge with an interdisciplinary character, among engineers together with other professions as transport planners, urbanists, architects, artists and so on.

New visions of sustainable design

How will footbridges develop in the future? Of course, we think about sustainability, and how new materials, new techniques for manufacturing, transport or assembly will change our habits. But what is happening in our minds at the same time? Can we think differently than we did in the past, do our ever-changing tools help us (or can they hinder us)?

Rehabilitating, reusing and transforming existing structures

Rehabilitating, reusing and transforming instead of replacing is at the same time a question of sustainability and the preservation of our cultural heritage. What can engineers or architects contribute to this topic? How is the relationship with monument conservationists and environmentalists? How far can we go to transform existing structures without destroying their character? Can rules and methods be established in this area?

Bridges at remote places

Bridges at remote places, whether in a non-industrialized country or high in the alps, or even in a densely populated city, are special challenges that require creative skills from their designers. As in ancient times, the construction process becomes a crucial factor in the development of the design. Both the transport options and the capacities of the lifting equipment at the building site are decisive. Equally important, however, are questions of a possibly reduced load-bearing-capacity, less ambitious uses and differentiated attitudes to risks.

When theory becomes form

Theory is the working tool of the modern engineer. In history, theory often arose only after the realization of structures, to assess their safety or to prepare measures for their repair (think of St. Peter’s dome in the 18th century). Basic concepts of bridges often rely on old structural types. But when did theory led to new forms?