»Vida Vingar« is a proposal for the replacement of the Pyttebron bridge over Rönne River in Ängelholm, designed by Jakobsson Pusterla AB, Ponting Bridges and Paul Eriksson. The proposal creates a new landmark with qualities beyond its basic function: by providing experience during passage and pause as well as a connection with surrounding nature.The bridge is designed as a low double-arch bridge. The structure is just slightly higher than the existing Pyttebron bridge. This way, the new bridge enriches the surroundings without domination. The concept follows the ambition to avoid massive foundations directly at the riverbank but instead widens, opens up the space at the water level, enabling pedestrians and cyclists to pass through freely.
The pedestrian and cyclist lanes on the bridge are not parallel to the straight road lanes, but sway aside a bit to form horizontal arches on both sides of the bridge. This gives the bridge it’s distinguish shape of a boat hull viewed from a bird’s eye perspective. The curve urges cyclists to slow down and invites people to ease and look towards the surroundings. On the inside, between the road- and pedestrian traffic lanes, we created a space (urban furniture) that can be used to stop and enjoy the sun and looks towards the river and nature. At the same time this space for pedestrian and cyclists provides an offset, a certain protection from road traffic.
The curvature of the pedestrian and cyclist lanes also enables two longitudinal openings in the bridge deck. These openings transmit daylight through the bridge deck to the waterfront beneath and enlighten the space below the bridge for the passing pedestrians and cyclists.
The arches and the beams are made of corten steel, the concrete road deck completes the composite superstructure, while the pavement of the pedestrian and cycling paths are made of wood. The majority of relatively massive concrete arch foundations on both sides are underground. Visible concrete parts could advantageously be clad with recycled boulders from the existing Pyttebron, with respect to the heritage of the existing bridge and to the nature with direct recycling of materials on site.
Overall, the design does not lead to a radical reshaping of the nearby surroundings, but rather represents a gentle transformation, where more people come into contact with different parts of the city and its natural and technical elements in a simpler way.
Although our proposal wasn't a winner, this project required a lot of work, coordination and know-how from all engineers and architects involved and it brought us great joy and exceptional experience. Thanks to all team members Olivier, Paul, Rok, Viktor, Marco and Jan for a great job.
Project details:
New bridge over Rönne in Ängelholm
