Linz Bridge Cinema | Atelier Monolit

“Linz Bridge Cinema” is our proposal for an international architecture competition entitled Upcycle the Bridge. The concept won the 1st place on the crowdsourcing platform Jovoto.  The main concern of the competition was to find solutions for alternative use of an old bridge over the Danube, in Linz, Austria, while preserving its aesthetic values.  The 120 years bridge could no longer be suited for the needs of the city so we had to develop ideas which upcycle elements of the old bridge.

The old bridge is being refurbished to create an open air cinema revitalising the Danube waterfront in Hafengelände LINZ AG - The Linz port area is being brought back to life, connecting it to the Historic City Centre, through cultural and visual axes.

The Linz Bridge Cinema, together with the new harbor development and the old town, define a new cultural axis.The connecting feature of the bridge is now perceived on a new level. Even though it doesn’t link physical spaces anymore, the bridge still acts as a bond between old and new values, between the urban and the wild, art and nature. Although inverted, the original image of its dominant structure can be seen as a reflection in the Danube or in the water basins created underneath the bridge.

The bridge is being reused as a multifunctional ensemble. While the main function is that of an Outdoor Cinema, also bringing together a small amphitheater, an interactive mini-cinema, a "history-wall" and a waterfront coffee-house, symbolically named "Under the Bridge". Aside these functions, the rooftop defines itself as an observation deck, as well as natural space, a park where everyone can relax and enjoy the views, prone to draw in activity seekers during winter (ski, sledding).

The 3 central segments are being reused in a different manner to create a protective space.While the visual integrity of the Old Bridge is maintained on the outside, the whole structure is being reinforced and suspended over a concrete “box”-the cinema box and screen, creating a floating effect for the passer-by. The trusses that support the pedestrian walkway are being reused in two ways:as a cornice for the side facades, used for illuminating, and as a glass landing linked to the coffeehouse.