Archinect
Ney & Partners

Ney & Partners

Brussels, BE

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Footbridge in Esch-sur-Alzette

This footbridge in the city of Esch-sur-Alzette forms a direct link between the heart of the city and Parc du Galgenberg.

The site conditions for the bridge are complex. Over a distance of over 100m a height difference of 21m needs to be dealt with. At the same time several overhead wires and high tension cables need to be avoided. The security zones surrounding the different networks, the limited accessibility of the park and the quasi uninterruptability of the railway service form stringent boundary conditions. The bridge is one of the most important projects for the city of Esch-sur-Alzette, as it will create change to both urbanistic and social level. Before completion there was no easy way to access the Parc du Galgenberg, although it is located near the city center. It is obvious that the bridge plays an important role in the revalorization of both the city and the train station neighborhood. The design purity is evident in the reduction of materials and elements. The entire bridge is conceived as a homogeneous steel skin. The exterior of this skin is painted pale gray, emphasizing the subtle curving of the project. The interior is painted in iron oxide red, referring to the Minette region's characteristic red soil. This red "path" indicates the transition from city center to green recreational area, and vice versa.

Winner 'Steel Construction Award 2011' in the category D 'Civil Engineering' ‘Building of the Year 2010’ in the category ‘Public Facilities’ on ArchDaily.com - Highly commended for the Footbridge Awards 2011 'Aesthetics long-span'

 
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Status: Built
Location: Esch-sur-Alzette, LU
Firm Role: Design and study of a footbridge with Metaform Atelier d'Architecture
Additional Credits: Design&build with Metaform (architects), CDC (general contractor) and Aelterman (steel construction).