Competition design for the new ˝Moldauhafenbrücke˝ bridge in Hamburg

Together with IGS Ingenieure (Weimar), KRP Architektur (Berlin) and Hanke + Partner Architekten (Berlin), we designed the ˝Moldauhafenbrücke˝ bridge over the navigable Moldauhafen Canal in the new district of Grasbrook in Hamburg. The bridge, primarily intended for pedestrians and cyclists, also includes traffic areas for occasional bus and freight traffic, for the needs of the future maritime museum supply.

The bridge is designed as a semi-integral steel frame structure with bearings and expansion joints only at the end supports. The structural spans amount 38.5 m + 58.0 m + 38.5 m, the total length of the superstructure is 137 m. The up to 25.4 m wide steel superstructure consists of two parallel box-shaped main girders (H = 1.45 m – 2.60 m), crossbeams, side cantilever girders and an orthotropic deck plate. In accordance with the architectural design, the orthotropic deck is, along the outer edges, evolved in a two-wave shape with a height deviation of 60 cm.

Inclined, vouted piers reduce the static length of the characteristic span and at the same time open the navigable profile beneath the bridge. The piers penetrate the superstructure and continue into the architecturally designed pylons of the bridge lighting.

The bridge forms a transparent harbour portal and creates a representative passage without excessive constructive features. On the arranged, designed and furnished urban areas the bridge offers unique views of the Hamburg’s harbour. Curved, wavy lines, in side view as in layout, create a gentle dynamic and guide the viewer's gaze along the bridge structure.

Even though our design was not the winning proposal, we are extremely proud of it, and grateful for a great collaboration with IGS Ingenieure, KRP Architektur and Hanke + Partner Architekten.

Project details: New ˝Moldauhafenbrücke˝ Bridge in Hamburg
Competition results: Die Moldauhafenbrücke