Text by Susanne Stacher  / Architektur aktuell /  April 2009

In contrast the bridge in ‘La Défense’, a district of Paris dominated by high-rise buildings, swings like a delicate dinosaur’s tail around the circular tower of the Societé Générale across to its extension, a tower by Christian de Portzamparc. In addition to this linking urban function Feichtinger wanted to create a belvedere with a view of Nanterre in the distance and of the cemetery behind La Défense that forms a green oasis in these densely developed surroundings.

In contrast of the smooth facades of the high-rise buildings the bridge is deliberately articulated and reveals its structure. Every detail is thought-out down to the lighting that is integrated between the uprights of the handrail. Just three slender piers carry the bridge, the first has a stabilising function, whereas the other two serve as bearing points and take up the 60-metre span. Large vertebrae function as masts and are connected and stayed by cables. Their dimensions reduce towards the middle, reflecting the reduction in the flow of forces. prevents the vertebrae from rotating and permits the one-sided structure that is placed along the outer radius.

Project completed : 2008

Total lenght : 88 m / clear span : 48 m

Cost : 2.8 M Euros