Project Description:

The Aare Bridge combines medieval masonry arch bridges with modern day concrete construction, offering a contemporary interpretation of traditional aesthetics. It connects the fortified city with the natural shoreline. The angled wing walls, outward-tilting bridge walls and elliptical openings create a slender and elegant design.

Judges Comments

This multi-span reinforced concrete arch bridge uses a rough board finished surface to give an appearance resembling traditional masonry arches, reflecting the historical significance of ancient Roman and medieval crossings in the area. The bridge is a replacement of an earlier crossing, and the design makes use of the existing piers in the water, maintain the same span arrangement. The complex geometry of the arches and the skewed alignment, together with the introduction of oval openings in the piers led to significant challenges in the detailing.

Structural Designer

WMM lngenieure AG (Joint Venture «INGE Pont Neuf»)

Location

Aarau, Swtizerland