dietmar feichtinger spans copenhagen canals with butterfly bridge

dietmar feichtinger spans copenhagen canals with butterfly bridge
image © christian lindgren
all images courtesy of dietmar feichtinger architectes

this lightweight foot and cycle bridge in copenhagen comprises three linear spans that meet above the water’s surface, two of which can be opened independently. completed by dietmar feichtinger architectes, ‘butterfly bridge’ takes its name from its form when the scheme’s two dynamic crossings are elevated.

the bridge comprises three linear spans
image © barbara feichtinger-felber

structurally, each bridge features a load-bearing steel deck with a central truss girder designed with a varying cross-section height, and supported by the hydraulic cylinders. the main structure of the steel bridge consists of a single-web, continuous T-beam, which extends over the entire bridge. the deck is composed of an orthogonal anisotropic plate construction, while the moveable superstructure is formed of two individual bridge flaps.

one of the crossings raised to allow boats to pass underneath
image © barbara feichtinger-felber

the entire onshore connection is realized as a light and removable design. consequently, in the event of a general overhaul of the existing walls, and an envisaged widening of the road, the onshore ramp can be easily removed and modified.

the control cabin, also designed by DFA, shown in the foreground
image © barbara feichtinger-felber

the project takes its name from its form when the dynamic crossings are raised
image © barbara feichtinger-felber

image © christian lindgren

the foot and cycle bridge shown at night
image © christian lindgren

1/7

project info:

project: foot and cyclebridges christianshavns kanal and trangraven
location: copenhagen, denmark
architect: dietmar feichtinger architectes
competition: ulrike gabriel, tom groser
project team leader planning: ulrike gabriel
team: guillaume buton
engineers: WTM engineers gmbh
aerodynamic studies: schippke