Brief
Discover the blend of innovative architecture and respect for historic aesthetics by Christ & Gantenbein in the creation of the New Aare Bridge in Aarau, Switzerland. Marvel at how the bridge revitalises the urban and natural landscape, connecting city to forest, whilst enhancing public spaces.
Insight
The New Aare Bridge, a contemporary architectural marvel by Christ & Gantenbein, now straddles the Aare River in Aarau, Switzerland. The bridge, designed in collaboration with local engineering studios WMM Ingenieure and Henauer Gugler, serves as a seamless connection from the city centre to the forested area beyond, incorporating lanes for cars, pedestrians and cyclists.
Replacing a concrete crossing built in 1949, this 119-metre-long concrete edifice mirrors the historic surroundings with its subtly coloured concrete expression inspired by the mineral context of old Aarau city. The bridge showcases a light grey finish and a pattern of vertical lines echoing the robustness of the town’s medieval stone buildings.
The structure consists of five arches of varying widths, ingeniously utilising elements from the original crossing, including two caissons, a type of watertight retaining structure. To enhance efficiency and reduce material usage, the design of the bridge was adapted to the dimensions of these reused elements. Every component of this optimised monolithic construction contributes to a unified, seamless structure, bearing loads efficiently with less concrete than conventional designs.
In a bid to uplift the urban area, Christ & Gantenbein partnered with local landscape studio August + Margrith Künzel Landschaftsarchitekten to create public spaces and pathways along the river banks. The revamped spaces feature a public square with stone paving, lime trees for shade, long benches branching from the bridge, and exercise and cycling areas.
These enhancements exemplify the architects’ aim to seamlessly integrate the bridge into both the urban context and the natural environment while creating generous public spaces, further enriching the urban experience in Aarau.
Highlight
- Replacing a concrete crossing built in 1949, this 119-metre-long concrete edifice mirrors the historic surroundings with its subtly coloured concrete expression inspired by the mineral context of old Aarau city.
- The structure consists of five arches of varying widths, ingeniously utilising elements from the original crossing, including two caissons, a type of watertight retaining structure.
- Every component of this optimised monolithic construction contributes to a unified, seamless structure, bearing loads efficiently with less concrete than conventional designs.
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