The City Bridge | Gottlieb Paludan Architects

Gottlieb Paludan Architects has created a new foot and cycle bridge across the railway in Odense using simple and effective architectural tools. The bridge improves the connection between the city and harbour area for the cyclists and pedestrians of Odense, at the same time creating a striking landmark that will stand the test of time.

The bridge link is a dynamic extension of the existing urban space of Odense – an inviting, sweeping movement from north to south. The shape accommodates the natural traffic patterns of the area, ensuring clear and attractive functionality for all who will be using it daily on their way to work, school or leisure activities.

Along the way, there is a number of spaces, a variety of views and impressions, and all in all, the components come together into one cohesive and spectacular addition to the urban space of Odense. The squares to the north and south of the bridge are designed to fulfil two main purposes – partly to house the practical functions stipulated in the brief, and partly to create a visual and emotional connection between the new bridge and Odense.

The project has strived to create a bridge with extraordinary qualities in terms of design and the experience it engenders for its users, integrating art, lighting and construction. Gottlieb Paludan Architects developed the project in cooperation with ES Consult, NIRAS, Bartenbach Lichtlabor and artist Anita Jørgensen.

The bridge has received an Award of Merit from the European Convention for Constructional Steelwork (ECCS) for its outstanding and creative use of steel.