CCA | Bernardo Quinzaños has developed a masterplan for La Paz, Baja California Sur, in Mexico, aimed at transforming El Cajoncito, a seasonal stormwater channel, into integrated public infrastructure. The proposal reconfigures the site as a continuous public corridor, enhancing urban connectivity, mobility, and flood resilience. Key interventions include a new sports complex, a pedestrian and cycling path, and a vehicular bridge.

The existing dry riverbed currently acts as a major physical barrier between two urban districts, extending over approximately eight kilometers. During the rainy season, this area becomes impassable due to flooding. The new plan introduces infrastructure that both mitigates these hydrological challenges and improves day-to-day circulation for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles. The project connects La Paz’s waterfront malecón to peripheral neighborhoods through green infrastructure, improving accessibility and contributing to long-term urban resilience. The proposed bridge is engineered to maintain structural stability during extreme weather and seismic events, integrating flood-control measures into its drainage design. Alongside it, a dedicated pedestrian and cycling path supports non-motorized transport and includes shaded rest areas and public transit stops. Approximately 40% of the masterplan has been implemented to date, with the cycling path partially constructed and the sports complex fully completed.

all images by Jaime Navarro

Community input shaped the design of Masterplan La Paz

Located within the El Cajoncito zone, the new Sports Complex responds to a need for athletic infrastructure in La Paz. Developed through community engagement, the facility provides accessible amenities for various sports and recreational activities. It features baseball and softball fields, soccer pitches, basketball and tennis courts, a skate park, and tracks for running and cycling. The design by CCA | Bernardo Quinzaños architectural practice includes four modular baseball pavilions, allowing for standardized construction and clear user orientation via color coding. Each field accommodates different age groups and skill levels, from youth to adult users, and supports athletic progression. Supporting infrastructure includes shaded seating and integrated furniture designed to address local climatic conditions and enhance user comfort.

A key component of the complex is a multipurpose building consisting of two gabled volumes on a shared steel frame. The open structure incorporates passive ventilation strategies and provides flexible indoor-outdoor space for physical and cultural activities. The ground level includes a shaded double-height gathering area, while internal spaces host administrative functions, music classrooms, a café, and a library. The building supports simultaneous programming and community events. The project decentralizes public services traditionally concentrated along the city’s waterfront, bringing recreational and cultural infrastructure to underserved areas. It offers accessible programming for youth and adults during non-working hours, contributing to community well-being and public engagement.

masterplan La Paz reimagines El Cajoncito as a linear public corridor

the dry riverbed is transformed into resilient green infrastructure

a new sports complex anchors the regeneration strategy

the masterplan addresses seasonal flooding with integrated infrastructure

shaded seating areas address local climatic conditions

open-air structures use passive ventilation for climate responsiveness

pedestrian and cycling paths improve non-motorized mobility

color-coded fields assist with wayfinding across the complex

the bridge and paths reduce travel distances for residents

the sports complex includes baseball, soccer, tennis, and basketball facilities

modular baseball pavilions support standardized construction and use

a decentralized approach brings new amenities to underserved districts

project info:

name: Masterplan and Sports Complex La Paz
architect: CCA | Bernardo Quinzaños | @cca.mx

area: 22,727 sqm

location: La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico

lead architect: Bernardo Quinzaños 

design team: Santiago Vélez, Begoña Manzano, Andrés Suárez, Carlos Molina, Cristian Nieves, Miguel Izaguirre, Sara de la Cabada, André Torres, Abigaíl Zavaleta, Víctor Zúñiga, Pablo Ruiz, Scarlett Díaz

client: SEDATU, Municipality of La Paz

builder: HABA, Alan Haro

photographer: Jaime Navarro | @jaimenavarrophotography

video: Jaime Navarro Studio, Ricardo Esquivel, Fernanda Ventura

model photographer: Arturo Arrieta, Centro de Colaboración Arquitectónica (CCA)

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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Located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trogir, Croatia, the Bridge over Foša is a contemporary pedestrian structure that connects the city’s historic core with Fortin Park across the sea channel. Designed by Prostorne Taktike, the bridge serves both infrastructural and social functions while responding to the site’s maritime and urban context.

The bridge’s form follows an asymmetric hyperbolic paraboloid geometry, resulting in a slender steel shell structure with variable cross-sections. This shape minimizes visual obstruction, preserving views of the city’s heritage landmarks. Its highest point acts as an unobtrusive threshold, maintaining the visual integrity of the old town.

all images by Darko Škrobonja

Prostorne taktike draws from Trogir’s shipbuilding heritage

For the bridge’s structure, the design team at Prostorne taktike draws from Trogir’s shipbuilding heritage. The internal caisson system, made from flat steel plates, echoes the double-bottom construction method commonly used in shipbuilding. Prefabricated as a single unit in a nearby shipyard, the entire bridge was transported by barge and installed onto pre-prepared abutments within one day. This off-site fabrication approach reduced disruption in the dense urban area while showcasing local industrial expertise.

Material selection and finishes were guided by considerations of durability and contextual relevance. The exterior is coated with a three-component system containing metal powder, allowing the surface to gradually develop a rust-like patina similar to Corten steel. This finish offers both aesthetic consistency and long-term protection.

the Bridge over Foša connects Trogir’s historic core with Fortin Park

Bridge over Foša integrates Seating, Movement, and Views

The pedestrian experience was carefully considered in the design. A staircase follows the bridge’s gentlest gradient, with tread materials selected to ensure safety and comfort. A combination of rubber and fine stone aggregate provides a stable walking surface in the stair zones, while softer rubber is used elsewhere for added comfort. On the north side, informal seating zones are integrated into the steeper sections, encouraging use beyond circulation. Facing Fortin Park, the bridge incorporates perforated steel panels fitted with a net. This intervention creates spaces for sitting and gathering, while visually connecting the upper and lower areas of the site. The perforation reduces visual weight and enhances the spatial relationship between the bridge and its surroundings.

The design and execution of the Bridge over Foša prioritize structural efficiency, environmental responsibility, and urban sensitivity. The use of locally sourced and recycled materials, combined with efficient fabrication and installation methods, helps reduce the project’s ecological impact. As a result, the bridge integrates contemporary engineering with historical awareness, contributing a new layer to Trogir’s evolving urban landscape.

the structure follows an asymmetric hyperbolic paraboloid geometry

its slender steel shell preserves views of Trogir’s heritage landmarks

the material choice balances durability and contextual sensitivity

rubber and stone aggregate provide stable, slip-resistant walking surfaces

softer rubber zones enhance pedestrian comfort on non-stair areas

the exterior finish includes a metal powder coating that develops a rust-like patina over time

a pedestrian staircase follows the gentlest slope of the bridge’s curved form

the bridge incorporates perforated steel panels fitted with a net

the design incorporates recycled and locally sourced materials

steeper sections serve as stairs and informal seating zones for rest and gathering

the perforation reduces visual weight and improves spatial connection across levels

the bridge contributes to Trogir’s evolving urban landscape

Bridge over Foša creates places for sitting and interaction near Fortin Park

project info:

name: Bridge over Foša
architect: Prostorne taktike | @prostorne_taktike

design team: Luka Cvitan, M.Arch., Antonia Cvitan Vuletić, M.Arch.

structural engineer: Orlandini Projekt d.o.o.

location: Trogir, Croatia

photographer: Darko Škrobonja

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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Hovering above the coastline of Zhuhai, China, the Hengqin CRCC Plaza by Aedas reimagines urban connectivity through architecture. Designed by Aedas global design principal Dr. Andy Wen, the mixed-use complex unites four sculptural towers via a striking golden sky bridge that loops through the skyline like a ribbon of light. Integrating office, retail, and leisure spaces within 200,700 square meters, the development acts as a contemporary landmark for the Hengqin district, an area fast becoming a high-efficiency service hub linking Zhuhai and Macau.

At the heart of the design is the concept of Loop, Communication, and Integration, a triad expressed through the curving bridge that stitches together vertical towers with stepped sky gardens, rooftop terraces, and panoramic viewing points. Floating above the city like a futuristic artery, the bridge creates a walkable urban corridor in the sky. From a panoramic elevator to immersive skywalks, the journey through the building is envisioned as a spatial narrative of discovery, circulation, and elevation.

hovering above the coastline of Zhuhai, China | image by Catoptogram

golden wave-like facade fronts Hengqin CRCC Plaza

The design by the international architecture practice Aedas draws from the regional cultural and natural context. With its golden, wave-like facade, the project echoes the nearby sea, while operable glass curtain walls, cloud-like podiums, and landscaped terraces ensure breathability and sustainability in Zhuhai’s humid coastal climate. The massing also responds to the future development of Hengqin’s Central Business District, with a porous retail podium forming a continuous commercial loop on the ground level. Anchor stores at corners, vertical green systems, and framed plazas enhance urban legibility while inviting foot traffic into the retail flow.

Technically, the project is a feat of both vision and engineering. Sliding bearings embedded beneath the sky bridge counteract coastal wind loads, while alternating gold and silver aluminum panels reflect sunlight, creating a constantly shifting presence throughout the day. ‘Zhuhai Hengqin CRCC Plaza integrates nature, technology and people, creating a diverse urban environment.’ Dr. Andy Wen shares. ‘Rooted in cultural context, our design reimagines the spirit of place through poetic architecture, offering a new landmark that bridges the present and future between Zhuhai and Macau.’ 

golden sky bridges create a futuristic gateway | image by Catoptogram

a diverse urban living room | image courtesy of Aedas

at the heart of the design is the concept of loop, communication, and integration | image by Catoptogram

a walkable urban corridor in the sky | image by MTY

with its golden, wave-like facade, the project echoes the nearby sea

integrating office, retail, and leisure spaces | image by Catoptogram

the development acts as a contemporary landmark for the Hengqin district | image courtesy of Aedas

multi-layered space enhances circulation and vibrancy | image by Catoptogram

a continuous commercial loop | image by Marcus Oleniuk

a new landmark for the city | image by Marcus Oleniuk

project info:

name: Zhuhai Hengqin CRCC Plaza

architect: Aedas | @aedas_architects

location: Zhuhai, China

client: China Railway Construction Corporation

gross floor area: 200,700 square meters

design director: Dr. Andy Wen

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The Nancy Pauw Bridge, designed by StructureCraft, fulfills a century-old vision for Banff, Canada, by connecting Central Park to the Banff Recreation Grounds. Spanning 80 meters, this innovative timber arch bridge provides striking views of the Rocky Mountains and a graceful crossing over the Bow River. During its first summer, it welcomed over 300,000 users, showcasing ambitious design and construction.

Banff’s newest pedestrian bridge connects key social infrastructure while serving as a destination itself. Like its sister bridge downstream, the Nancy Pauw Bridge features an 80m clear span, constructed using stepped Glulam girders and weathering steel haunches. This slender yet robust structure harmonizes with its surroundings, offering uninterrupted views while maintaining environmental integrity. The bridge represents the realization of a 108-year-old plan initially envisioned in 1914. Thanks to a private donation from the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation, this long-held dream became a reality on September 6, 2022, with hundreds attending its grand opening.

all images courtesy of StructureCraft

StructureCraft’s Engineering Blends Precision and Sustainability

The Bow River’s glacier-fed waters and its sensitive ecosystem posed unique design challenges for StructureCraft’s engineers. To address these, they implemented a clear span design to protect the river, incorporated minimal slopes and ramps for accessibility, ensured adequate flood clearance and wildlife passage, and crafted a form that seamlessly blends with the Rocky Mountain landscape. The resulting structure is a shallow arch with a rise-to-span ratio of 1:20, a feat previously unattempted with timber. Achieving this required extensive non-linear soil-structure analysis to accommodate the arch’s significant lateral thrust, stiffened supports at the ends to prevent snap-through buckling, and large-diameter piles with thick pile caps to stabilize the foundation in dense sedimentary soils. Balancing technical precision with natural beauty, the design features slender Glulam beams and weathering steel haunches, ensuring both structural stability and visual harmony.

the Nancy Pauw Bridge spans 80 meters, offering a graceful timber arch across the Bow River in Banff

To minimize environmental impact, the bridge sections were prefabricated and assembled offsite into two sections. Glulam beams were fabricated, coated, and transported to the site, where two 40-meter-long bridge halves, each weighing 32,000 kg, were assembled onshore. These sections were erected simultaneously and joined with a central thrust hinge, which was later secured with straps. Strict tolerances ensured structural integrity, with deflections during construction proving smaller than anticipated. The efficient installation process allowed the bridge to open ahead of schedule and under budget. The Nancy Pauw Bridge’s slender design (span-to-depth ratio >65) and sustainable materials showcase engineering excellence while blending effortlessly into Banff’s natural beauty.

slender Glulam girders and weathering steel haunches create the diaphragm to resist lateral movements

crafted to harmonize with the Rocky Mountains, the bridge’s design emphasizes environmental integrity

a central thrust hinge connects the two bridge halves, secured with straps for long-term stability

more than a crossing, the Nancy Pauw Bridge is a blend of technical precision and natural harmony

minimal slopes and ramps ensure accessibility for all users while preserving the natural landscape

stiffened supports and large-diameter piles stabilize the bridge’s foundation in dense sedimentary soils

the bridge’s slender profile achieves a remarkable span-to-depth ratio of over 65

the bridge subtly lights up at night contrasting the Rocky Mountain backdrop

sustainable materials and efficient prefabrication highlight the bridge’s eco-conscious construction

a 108-year-old vision realized, the bridge connects Banff’s Central Park to the Recreation Grounds

the bridge was installed in a single day using skilled carpenters and two massive Mammoet cranes

project info:

name: Nancy Pauw Bridge

structural engineer, design-build contractor: StructureCraft | @structurecraft_

clearspan: 80 m

location: Banff, AB, Canada

client: Town of Banff

landscape architect: groundcubed

geotechnical design: Thurber Engineering Ltd.

environmental design: Avens Consulting Inc.

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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In a unique landscape shaped by decades of mining, BuroLandschap has designed a floating pontoon bridge that provides cyclists and pedestrians with an extraordinary crossing experience. Adapting to fluctuating water levels, the bridge brings users remarkably close to the water’s surface, offering dynamic, varied views.

Located on the border between Dilsen-Stokkem and Maasmechelen in Belgium, the bridge traverses a pond formed by gravel extraction, nestled between the remnants of mine spoils (terrils) from the 20th-century coal mining era. While the extraction of raw materials has long ceased, the mining history continues to define the area’s unique topography. Since the early 21st century, this transformed landscape has become a hub for relaxation and recreation, with cyclists and walkers at its heart.

all images by Pieter Rabijns

water bridge allows Cycling between Terrils

Studio BuroLandschap integrates the pontoon bridge into the landscape and physically connects the two mining spoils. Inspired by natural forms and the Fibonacci sequence (Golden Ratio), the bridge takes on a curved, organic shape rather than a straight connection across the water. This design choice slows the pace of cyclists and walkers, encouraging them to pause and enjoy a sequence of spectacular views, integrating the structure into its surroundings.

Spanning an impressive 400 meters, the bridge stands as the longest floating bicycle bridge in Belgium and a unique landmark. Its 30 hinged modular elements allow it to flexibly adapt to changing water levels, rising or falling by up to 130 centimeters. This combination of engineering and design creates a symbiotic relationship between the landscape, nature, and the site’s mining heritage.

located on the border of Dilsen-Stokkem and Maasmechelen, the bridge crosses a gravel-extraction pond

the bridge’s curved design is inspired by natural forms and the Fibonacci sequence

the floating pontoon bridge brings cyclists and walkers closer to nature’s surface

designed by BuroLandschap, the bridge adapts to the pond’s fluctuating water levels

unlike a straight path, the organic shape encourages visitors to slow down and take in the views

at 400 meters, it is Belgium’s longest floating bicycle bridge and a remarkable landmark

the bridge features 30 hinged modular elements, allowing it to move with changing water levels

rising or falling up to 130 centimeters, the bridge adapts to the environment effortlessly

BuroLandschap’s design connects the two mining spoils, celebrating Limburg’s heritage

this floating bridge transforms a once-industrial site into a serene space for exploration and connection

project info:

name: Cycling between Terrils
architect: BuroLandschap | @burolandschap

location: Limburg, Belgium

engineer: Tractebel

contractor: HYE

client: LRM, Province of Limburg

photographer: Pieter Rabijns | @pieterrabijns

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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In September 2025, Paris will mark forty years since Christo and Jeanne-Claude activated the Pont Neuf with The Pont Neuf Wrapped, a landmark installation that elevated the bridge from an infrastructural icon to an ephemeral work of art. The project, executed in 1985, wrapped the city’s oldest bridge in 41,800 square meters of fabric, secured by thirteen kilometers of rope and twelve tons of steel cables. This vision took a decade of planning and negotiations before it came to life.

‘I wanted to transform it, to turn it from an architectural object, an object of inspiration for artists, to an art object itself,’ Christo explained at the time. ‘I wanted it to become a sculpture for the first time, but an ephemeral one.’

The wrapping remained on the bridge for two weeks, during which three million visitors engaged with the installation. True to Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s philosophy, the project invited the public‘s individual interpretation, embracing the transient nature of art. In time for the anniversary in September, French artist JR will bring his own large-scale activation to the historic bridge.

Christo and Jeanne-Claude, The Pont Neuf Wrapped, Paris, 1975-85, photo by Wolfgang Volz © 1985 Christo and Jeanne-Claude Foundation

jr’s homage to christo and jeanne-claude

To commemorate this anniversary, contemporary artist JR will reimagine the Pont Neuf with Projet Pont Neuf, a large-scale installation inspired by Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s groundbreaking work. Collaborating with the team at the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Foundation, JR’s vision will transform the iconic bridge into a stone-like cave for two weeks in September 2025.

Drawing inspiration from the quarries that provided Paris with its historic stones, JR’s design juxtaposes the city’s refined elegance with raw, untamed textures. The installation will serve as a reflection on Paris’ evolving relationship with nature and architecture.

‘I’m very inspired by the artistic vision of Christo and Jeanne-Claude, and I share their idea that the mission of art is to make the public think,’ JR notes. ‘The debate that a monumental project in the public space can provoke is of equal value to its artistic realization. Art is a transformation, and a way of renewing the way we look at the world around us.’

JR, Projet Pont-Neuf (collage préparatoire), Collage 2024, paper cutout on paper, photo courtesy Atelier JR © 2024 JR

paris Continues its Legacy of Public Art

The project has received enthusiastic support from Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who recalls her own experience with The Pont Neuf Wrapped. ‘In 1985, I was fascinated by Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s wrapping of the Pont Neuf… It was an unforgettable moment of poetry and beauty,’ the mayor says. ‘What a wonderful idea to revive this artistic gesture thanks to JR’s universe and immense talent!‘

JR and his team, supported by the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Foundation, are working with local officials to carefully plan the installation, ensuring that it resonates with the city and its residents. As with its predecessor, Projet Pont Neuf will be privately funded.

JR, Projet Pont-Neuf, Edition 2024, limited edition of 50 numbered and signed copies, photo courtesy Atelier JR © 2024 JR

Reflecting on the enduring impact of Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s work, Vladimir Yavachev, Christo’s nephew and director of projects for the late artists, highlights the evolution of public art in Paris. ‘It’s really beautiful to see how much Paris has increased its commitment to public art in the past 40 years,’ Yavachev says. ‘Knowing JR’s dedication to public art, he’s an ideal artist for this tribute to Christo and Jeanne-Claude.’

Scheduled for September 2025, Projet Pont Neuf will invite Parisians and visitors alike to engage with the city’s beloved bridge in a completely new way, celebrating the timeless dialogue between art, architecture, and the urban landscape.

Christo and Jeanne-Claude at The Pont Neuf Wrapped, Paris, 1985, photo by Wolfgang Volz © 1985 Christo and Jeanne-Claude Foundation

The Pont Neuf Wrapped (Project for Paris), Collage 1984, pencil, wax crayon, enamel paint, photograph by Wolfgang Volz, and masking tape, private collection, photo: Archive © 1984 Christo and Jeanne-Claude Foundation

Christo and Jeanne-Claude, The Pont Neuf Wrapped, Paris, 1975-85, photo by Wolfgang Volz © 1985 Christo and Jeanne-Claude Foundation

Christo and Jeanne-Claude, The Pont Neuf Wrapped, Paris, 1975-85, photo by Wolfgang Volz © 1985 Christo and Jeanne-Claude Foundation

Christo and Jeanne-Claude, The Pont Neuf Wrapped, Paris, 1975-85, photo by Wolfgang Volz © 1985 Christo and Jeanne-Claude Foundation

project info:

name: Projet Pont Neuf

artist: JR | @jr

artist (Pont Neuf wrapped): Christo & Jeanne-Claude | @christojeanneclaude

location: Paris, France

opening: expected September 2025

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unarchitecte’s Edenland Pedestrian Bridge enhances connectivity between the community clusters and green spaces of LuxeIsland and Edenland in Luxelakes, China. The design concept opts for simplicity, employing pure geometric forms to create a minimalistic form that contrasts with the more elaborate, winding pedestrian bridges in the area. The central architectural motif is a triangular pyramid, which drives both the form and structural integrity.

The bridge adopts a tensegrity structure, with triangular steel frames acting as towers at each end. The entire system is devoid of any redundant decorative rods, and the white symmetrical geometric frame fully demonstrates the bridge’s autonomy. On the technical level, factors including external loads, temperature effects, prestress, and pedestrian comfort are accurately quantified.

all images by Arch-Exist

unarchitecte crafts minimalist structure of cables and rods

The pyramids serve as anchor points, grounded on the shores, and are supported by a network of gripping cables. Beijing-based unarchitecte connects the cables of the upper vertices to the water-facing end generating prestress, suspending two of the pyramids above the water. The deck, which spans 50 meters, is anchored to both shores by sliding supports, allowing the structure to appear light and stable. The two ends of the bridge deck are fixed to both shores by sliding supports, and the structure formed by the four triangular pyramids supports an 80-meter-long glass pedestrian bridge. Collectively, they create a stable structural system while achieving a sense of visual lightness.

To enhance geometric purity and structural efficiency, the corners of the pyramids are customized with trifurcated cast steel components, with rods inserted into their branches. The intersecting bottom rods of the two upright triangular pyramids meet at the center of the bridge deck, where the shape evolves accordingly into a rhombus and forms a standing platform.

unarchitecte completes Edenland Pedestrian Bridge

Horizontal and vertical tuned mass dampers are installed in hidden locations to optimize the cross-sectional dimensions of the structural rods while ensuring safety. ‘In addition to providing the basic function of passage, the Edenland Pedestrian Bridge in Luxelakes allows visitors to appreciate the beauty of geometric structure. It is another expression of natural order, echoing with human intellect. The suspended geometric forms handle complicated matters with ease, bringing strollers to sense a touch of genius between the green island, the water, and the sky,’ notes the team at unarchitecte.

enhancing connectivity between the community clusters and green spaces of LuxeIsland and Edenland in Luxelakes

the design concept opts for simplicity, employing pure geometric forms

a triangular pyramid is the central architectural motif, which drives both the form and structural integrity

the autonomy of mechanics

the entire system is devoid of any redundant decorative rods

triangular pyramid-shaped steel frames act as towers at each end

the structure contrasts with the more elaborate, winding pedestrian bridges in the area

a white symmetrical geometric frame fully demonstrates the bridge’s autonomy

the deck, which spans 50 meters, is anchored to both shores by sliding supports

the passage becomes illuminated at night

an interplay of light and geometry

Edenland Pedestrian Bridge stretches in Chengdu, China

project info:

name: Edenland Pedestrian Bridge in Luxelakes
architect: unarchitecte

lead architect: Zhang Hetian

design team: Fan Yonggang, Zhang Jinxian, Zhang Rumo, Sun Jihua

structural consultant: iStructure

lighting consultant: Thinda

construction: Sichuan Telis Engineering and Design Co., LTD

planning: Wang Pengcheng, Bai Yang 

client: Wide Horizon Group

location: Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China 

gross built area: 200 square meters

photographer: Arch-Exist | @archexist

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: ravail khan | designboom

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Danica O. Kus, a Slovenian-born architectural photographer, has captured new images of Santiago Calatrava‘s Peace Bridge, completed in in Calgary, Canada in 2012. The project a single-span helical footbridge, a type of suspension bridge where the walkway spirals around a central mast. In line with the renowned architect’s larger body of work, this design takes shape with a sculptural, futuristic form, which appears to twist and turn as it traverses the Bow River. The use of a helical form also offers practical benefits, as it allows for a more gradual incline and decline, making the bridge easier for pedestrians and cyclists to navigate. See designboom’s previous coverage here!

images © Danica O. Kus

calatrava’s twisting layers of rosy steel

With the construction of the Peace Bridge, architect Santiago Calatrava curates a dialogue of steel and glass. The white steel ribs of the bridge provide both structural support and a distinctive aesthetic. The glass panels along the walkway offer expansive views of the river and the city skyline. This combination of materials creates a sense of lightness and transparency, allowing the bridge to harmonize playfully with its urban context. More than just a sculptural landmark, the Peace Bridge serves an important role in Calgary’s urban fabric. It connects the downtown core with Prince’s Island Park, a popular recreational area. The bridge’s presence has also spurred development in the surrounding area, creating a vibrant new hub for the city.

The recent photographs captured by architectural photographer Danica O. Kus offer a fresh perspective on Calatrava’s Peace Bridge, illustrate the enduring artistry of the Spanish-Swiss architect’s work. Kus’s lens captures the twisting layers of the bridge’s structure and marriage of glass and rose-colored steel, all backdropped by the Calgary cityscape. The Peace Bridge is a sculptural example of how architecture can elevate a city’s infrastructure into a work of art.

architectural photographer Danica O. Kus captured new images of the Peace Bridge

Santiago Calatrava’s Peace Bridge is a helical footbridge that spans the Bow River in Calgary

the unique design features a twisting spiral and white steel ribs

a combination of steel and glass creates a sense of lightness and transparency

the helical form allows for a gradual incline and decline, making it accessible to pedestrians and cyclists

the Peace Bridge connects Calgary’s downtown core with Prince’s Island Park

since its completion, the project has spurred development in the surrounding area

project info:

project title: Peace Bridge

architecture: Santiago Calatrava | @calatravaofficial

location: Calgary, Canada

completion: 2012

photography: © Danica O. Kus | @danica_o_kus_photography

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The Negrelli Footbridge in Zürich, designed by ARGE Negrelli and 10:8 Architekten GmbH, connects city districts 4 and 5 while offering unobstructed views of the dense railway network and the surrounding urban landscape. This industrial structure, despite its cold character, brings a sense of ‘industrial warmth’ to the area.

The footbridge serves as a crucial link between the developments at Zollstrasse and Europaallee, densifying Zürich’s city center along the railway tracks. Its design provides superordinate orientation within the urban fabric, allowing pedestrians to experience the crossing of the tracks as a brief pause amidst the city’s bustle.

all images by Skarka Studios

bridge’s exits stand as landmarks within Zürich’s urban fabric

ARGE Negrelli and the designers at 10:8 Architekten GmbH conceive the bridge’s exits as landmarks in the urban space. The lateral bridge brow seamlessly integrates into the spiral staircases’ curved cheek, stretching the fine bridge arch to city level and symbolically connecting both sides of the city. The gentle arch shape, culminating at the center, reinforces the footbridge’s presence amidst the flickering railway installations.

The sweeping curve geometry around the round lift tower liberates the bridge walkways from the cubic boundaries of adjacent buildings, maximizing open space on both sides. This design language, focused on movement, highlights the unique position of Max Vogt’s sculptural signal box building.

the Negrelli Footbridge in Zürich is designed by ARGE Negrelli and 10:8 Architekten GmbH

The parapet, providing continuous protection for pedestrians, features a dense metal mesh woven through supporting posts between upper and lower linear elements. This design gives the parapet a textile effect, while the fabric-like paneling of the lift towers transforms them into light, visible cylinders in the urban space.

connecting city districts 4 and 5, the footbridge offers unobstructed views of the railway network

despite its industrial character, the structure brings a sense of ‘industrial warmth’ to the area

serving as a crucial link, the footbridge connects the developments at Zollstrasse and Europaallee

the design densifies Zürich’s city center along the railway tracks

the bridge’s exits are conceived as landmarks in the urban space

the lateral bridge brow seamlessly integrates into the spiral staircases’ curved cheek

the footbridge design allows pedestrians a brief pause amidst the city’s bustle

stretching the fine bridge arch to city level symbolically connects both sides of the city

the gentle arch shape, culminating at the center, reinforces the footbridge’s presence

the parapet features a dense metal mesh, providing continuous protection for pedestrians

the design maximizes open space on both sides of the bridge

project info:

name: Negrelli Footbridge
architects: ARGE Negrelli
lead collaborating architects: 10:8 Architekten GmbH

design team: Andrea Zupan-Dover, Robert Schmude, Clemens Berresheim, Laura Bagdonaite, Lisa Märkl, Georg Rinderknecht, Katrin Schubiger, Jürg Senn

location: Zürich, Switzerland

photography: Skarka Studios | @skarkastudios

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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The Simone Veil Bridge, designed by OMA / Rem Koolhaas and Chris van Duij, has opened in Bordeaux, France. The newly-completed project unfolds as a platform stretched across the River Garonne in Bordeaux, spanning 549 meters in length and 44 meters wide. It provides a new public space for the city, abandoning any interest in style, form, and structural expression in favor of a commitment to performance and an interest in future use by the people of Bordeaux. Cars, modes of public transportation, and bicycles all have their own lanes, with the largest dedicated to foot traffic. The width of the bridge‘s platform is doubled to create 28 meters of neutral,  unprogrammed space for any cultural or commercial purpose, such as farmers’ markets, art fairs, bicycle rallies, car club meetings, and festivals for music or wine.

image © Clement Guillaume | all courtesy OMA

OMA favors performance and use over aesthetics and form

Today, bridges are often narrowly evaluated in terms of their technical utility and function as tools for expanding the city and its periphery, largely driven by cars. The role of bridges as urban spaces in themselves has been lost and is in need of resurrection. The Simone Veil Bridge opposes the current obsession with these structures as triumphant feats of engineering or aesthetic statements and recovers their urban character as open spaces where events can happen. ‘This bridge is for the people, not for connoisseurs. Rather than concentrating on form, the project focuses on performance. Instead of spending its budget on structural gymnastics, it doubles the width with a public space to serve and connect the two adjoining communities that, so far, have not developed a strong identify,’ notes Rem Koolhaas, Partner at OMA.

image © Clement Guillaume

Its points of reference are bridges that are places not only for circulation but also for leisure and commercial activities—including Venice’s Rialto Bridge and incarnations of Galata Bridge across the Golden Horn in Istanbul in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Bringing together different forms of traffic and potential actions creates a contemporary boulevard that can exist in various configurations of intensity. The bridge contributes to a strongly optimistic expectation for the metropolitan life of Bordeaux.

image © Clement Guillaume

a fundamental continuity for the city’s territory

As Rem Koolhaas states, the Simone Veil Bridge seeks to create a linked identity for the areas on either side of the Garonne. It connects the development of Floirac on the right bank, where sculptural and functional objects are arranged to provide public amenities, with Bordeaux and Bègles on the left bank through green space that is subtly woven into the urban fabric, including the reuse of a former highway. Ultimately, the structure provides fundamental continuity for the city’s territory through connection and its performance as an urban platform in a landscape. This project was undertaken by Koolhaas and OMA partner Chris van Duijn, with key contributions from Gilles Guyot.

image courtesy Bordeaux Metropole

image courtesy Bordeaux Metropole

image © Clement Guillaume

image © Clement Guillaume

image courtesy Bordeaux Metropole

image © JB Menges, courtesy Bordeaux Metropole

project info:

name: Simone Veil Bridge

location: Bordeaux, Bègles and Floirac, France

architect: OMA | @oma.eu

client: Bordeaux Métropole

partners in charge: Rem Koolhaas Chris van Duijn

project architect: Gilles Guyot

design team: Clément Blanchet, Margarida Amial, Henry Bardsley, Denis Bondar, Kimiko Bonneau, Solène de Bouteiller, Alice Chen, Emily Crabb, Alban Denic, My-Linh Dinh, Paul Feeney, Camille Filbien, Marc-Achille Filhol, Stavros Gargaretas, Romina Grillo, Hanna Jankowska, Henri Kapynen, Min Hong Khor, Sang Woo Kim, Pierre-Jean Le Maitre, Pierre Levesque, Salma Maaroufi, Lawrence-Olivier Mahadoo, Pierre-Jean Le Maitre, Deborah Mateo, Edward Nicholson, Ana Otelea, Jerome Picard, Ana Reis, Maria Aller Rey, François Riollot, Claudio Saccucci, Irgen Salianji, Kristin Schaefer, Sai Shu, Helene Sicsic, Lukasz Skalec, Saul Smeding, Ida Stople, Jan Szymankiewicz, Xavier Travert, Nicola Vitale

engineers: WSP and Groupe EGIS

landscape designer: Michel Desvigne Paysagiste

lighting designer: Les éclaireurs

civil engineering, equipment, superstructures: Bouygues Travaux Publics Régions France, Pro-fond
steel structure: Baudin Châteauneuf
road and network: Colas, Aximum
green space: ID Verde, Brettes Paysagiste
lighting installation: SPIE City Networks

preliminary works: Dubreuilh, Etchart Construction, Menard

dimensions: 549m long and 44m wide

total area: 120,000 sqm of bridgeheads (including roads, underpass, public space, parks)

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