WilkinsonEyre continues revitalization of copenhagen’s harbor with foot and cycle bridge

the curved profile of the design is only broken when the two swinging sections open for marine traffic.

philip stevens August 19, 2019 3 min

WilkinsonEyre has continued the revitalization of copenhagen’s harbor with the completion of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge. the 160-meter (525 ft) opening bridge, named ‘lille langebro’, is located next to BLOX — a cultural complex designed by OMA, which is home to the danish architecture center, cafés, a playground, and other public spaces. the crossing also connects the vista down vester voldgade from the city hall to the harbor and on to christianshavn on the langebrogade quaysides.

wilkinsoneyre lille langebro bridge
image © rasmus hjortshøj (also main image)

according to WilkinsonEyre, three key ideas characterize the design; firstly the bridge follows a curve in plan which aligns with and evokes the great arc of ramparts and moat of christianshavn. secondly, the structure is arranged as two wings on the sides of the bridge defining a very acute edge dividing light from shade. this edge dips below the decks at the abutments and soars up above the deck at mid-span creating a further elegant line.

wilkinsoneyre lille langebro bridge
image © rasmus hjortshøj / realdania by & byg

thirdly, and unexpectedly, the curved profile of the bridge is only broken when the two swinging sections open for marine traffic. as a consequence, the structure is higher at midspan to allow for the required 5.4 meter (17.7 ft) clearance for boats.

WilkinsonEyre continues revitalization of copenhagen's harbor with foot and cycle bridge - 1
image © rasmus hjortshøj

developed in collaboration with engineering firm BuroHappold, the design for the opening mechanisms is discretely concealed in the piers and opening structure allowing the flowing line of the bridge to run uninterrupted from end-to-end. split into five spans, with two 28m (92ft) parts either side of the 48m (157ft) main section, the bridge has a minimum clear width of 7m (23ft), offering a 3m (10ft) wide zone for pedestrians and a 4m (13ft) wide zone for cyclists.

WilkinsonEyre continues revitalization of copenhagen's harbor with foot and cycle bridge - 2
image © rasmus hjortshøj

the primary steelwork is painted in a uniform off-white, drawing attention to its curved form and the changing play of light and shadow on the water. in contrast, the pier arms and support structure are painted in a dark grey to minimize the visual impact on the river, further enhancing the principal curved line of the bridge across the water. the design also incorporates lighting within the bridge’s handrail.

WilkinsonEyre continues revitalization of copenhagen's harbor with foot and cycle bridge - 3
image © rasmus hjortshøj / realdania by & byg

WilkinsonEyre continues revitalization of copenhagen's harbor with foot and cycle bridge - 4
image © rasmus hjortshøj

WilkinsonEyre continues revitalization of copenhagen's harbor with foot and cycle bridge - 5
image © rasmus hjortshøj

WilkinsonEyre continues revitalization of copenhagen's harbor with foot and cycle bridge - 6
image © rasmus hjortshøj / realdania by & byg

video courtesy of BuroHappold

wilkinsoneyre lille langebro bridge copenhagen harbour denmark designboom

project info:

name: lille langebro
location: copenhagen, denmark
architects: WilkinsonEyre
client: realdania by & byg
structural engineer: BuroHappold
geotechnical engineer: NIRAS
M&E engineer: eadon consulting
landscape architect: urban agency
lighting consultant: speirs and major