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Pedestrian bascule bridge spanning Vegesack’s harbour
Urban integration and rejuvenation
Design of a location

The building of a pedestrian bascule bridge has provided Vegesack with an additional attraction. A maritime zone has been created at the centre of which can be found Bremen’s oldest harbour facilities. A new pedestrian bascule bridge has been constructed on exactly the same spot as a swing bridge which was torn down 40 years ago. The general public and experts alike have been extremely impressed by the bridge’s novel opening mechanism which, under commission of the Town Planning Authority Bremerhaven (STAVE), was developed by the DesignLabor Bremerhaven. The concept, a genuine technical innovation, could only be implemented through close co-operation with well-known experts from the field of bridge design and construction. Two competent firms of consulting engineers, both located in Berlin, were chosen as partners. The result was a futuristic bridge built on an historical site linking shipbuilding areas, museum facilities and a maritime recreational area. The bridge incorporates a structure rising steeply ov the harbour, and stands out as a landmark for miles. Bremen Vegesack now offers tourists a further attraction. And after hearing the enthusiastic comments in the pubs and restaurants surrounding Vegesack harbour, many tourists will extend their stay until after darkness to see the bridge illuminated at night.

The design of the bridge
The 42 metre span pedestrian bascule bridge swings in an elegant movement over the harbour. It consists of a cantilever section extending nine metres over the harbour basin, a pylon and a moveable section split in the middle. However, the key element of the bridge is a novel mechanism which operates the moveable section. The individual elements themselves consist of conventional proven components used in bridge construction. The hinged joints also utilise conventional standardised parts used in everyday crane design and construction. The kinetics apply the knee lever principle familiar to mechanical engineers, but new to bridge design and construction. The pylon is moved to open the bridge. A cable operated by a winch then lifts the centre section of the bridge, the section over the bank is lowered and acts as an integrated counter-balance. The use of this novel principle makes special counter weights redundant, thus resulting in considerable energy savings. Moreover, the undulating movement has the effect oimproving the leverage. The highest point of the curvature is at the opening point, whilst the lowest point can be found at the location of the pylon. The bridge’s functional principles have thus been incorporated in an aesthetic design, and the unusual asymmetry is derived from the innovative mechanical movement. The effect is to lend an aesthetic vitality to the bridge, and at the same time provide it with direction. Even in a closed position, the vigorous curvature of the bridge gives an impression of height, optically countering its drooping shape. Over the span of the bridge, the material used changes from concrete to steel and then once again to concrete, without spoiling the generous lines and spacious curvature. The special kinetics only require two joints. Thanks to the well-conceived design and excellent engineering, only a few piled foundations in the river bed were necessary to support the pylon. The elegance of the bridge can be observed from all angles. Lighting integrated in the maintenance couit provides illumination, enhancing further the attractive appearance of the bridge. The bridge remains visible after dark owing to a large number of small lights and pedestrians are able cross from one side of the harbour to the other in darkness on what seems to be an illuminated carpet.

The foundations and the fixed cantilever section are protected by a specially designed pontoon capable of absorbing dynamic forces. The individual elements of the floating pontoon are attached to one another by means of spring joints and the whole construction is kept in place by a single pile at each end rammed into the river bed. The energy resulting from any bumps caused by ships is thus absorbed. Once again the general principle has been adhered to of reducing everything to a bare functional minimum, whilst at the same time retaining an aesthetic elegance.

Technical Specification

A symbol for innovative forces to be found in the Federal State of Bremen

Willpower is the motivating force behind the design and building of futuristic constructions. It was decided to design a very special construction to provide Bremen Vegesack with a unique vision of lively and contemporary urban development. It was thus not surprising that the Town Planning Authority Vegesack would want something more than just a traditional concept for the harbour area. Consequently, the DesignLabor, well known as a think tank for innovations, was approached and requested to submit a proposal. Young designers from the Bremerhaven team started with the work and presented draft proposals. Bernhard Dietz’s proposal, which formed the basis for the bridge opened on 14th May 2000, did not initially convince all engineers of its practicality. It was only after an expertise had been provided by engineering consultants Arup, known through their collaboration with well-known architects such as Norman Foster, that the go-ahead was given. In addition, experience and expertise in bridge engineering desi and construction was provided by Prof. Franz-Josef Hilbers engineering consultancy, also located in Berlin. The concept was developed, step by step, up to the implementation phase. A period of very close and fruitful co-operation began in which Benjamin Pfister of the DesignLabor was responsible for the design work and Hilber’s engineering consultancy for the structural calculations as well as the supervision of the construction work.

for further information contact
DesignLabor Bremerhaven
Anne Havliza

design
DesignLabor Bremerhaven
Bernhard Dietz

Planning and design work
DesignLabor Bremerhaven
Benjamin Pfister

Engineering
Prof.Dr.-Ing. Hilbers Ingenieurgesellschaft mbH, Berlin
Dr. Franz Josef Hilbers und Sandrine Knothe
Kinematics
Object and detailed planning
Planning of execution
Supervision of works

Arup GmbH, Berlin
Demonstration of stability

Noell Stahl- und Maschinenbau GmbH, Würzburg
Construction work: Steel bridge, including mechanical engineering work and the control unit

Rogge Stahl- und Maschinenbau GmbH, Bremerhaven
Pontoon construction

August Prien GmbH, Bremen
Civil engineering works

STAVE, Stadtentwicklung Vegesack GmbH
client