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Meandering Footbridge with Reinforced Concrete and Steel Supports Embracing Natural Terrain

Authors:
Camila luisa adela Rosas vargas, Nicole alejandra Venegas acevedo, Paula ester Vásquez vásquez, Laura natalia Reyes moscoso
Meandering Footbridge with Reinforced Concrete and Steel Supports Embracing Natural Terrain

Project in-detail

A serpentine footbridge constructed from reinforced concrete and supported by steel bipods gracefully navigates the natural terrain of Gauja Park, enhancing pedestrian connectivity while integrating seamlessly into the landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Serpentine form enhances user experience by guiding movement through the landscape.
02
Reinforced concrete structure ensures durability while minimizing visual impact on the environment.
03
Steel bipod supports create an open design that reduces footprint on the natural terrain.
04
Strategically positioned to preserve existing tree canopies, integrating architecture with nature.
05
Meandering pathway offers varied perspectives of the park and fosters passive engagement with surroundings.
The Serpentine Bridge in Gauja Park is an architectural intervention designed to enhance connectivity within the park while creating an engaging user experience. This footbridge serves the function of linking distinct areas of the park, allowing pedestrians to traverse between them seamlessly. The design integrates with the natural landscape, facilitating interaction with the surrounding environment.

The bridge follows a serpentine form, guiding users through a dynamic path that provides varying perspectives of the surrounding park. This design approach encourages exploration and discovery, aligning with contemporary principles of landscape architecture. The materials selected for construction include reinforced concrete for the bridge structure, steel bipods for support, and a paved surface to ensure accessibility. This careful choice of materials reflects an intention to blend durability with minimal visual disruption in a natural context.

Unique Design Approaches

The project distinguishes itself through its integration with the existing foliage of Gauja Park. The serpentine shape not only serves functional purposes but also mirrors the organic forms found in nature, promoting a sense of cohesion between the built and natural environments. Elevated views are emphasized through strategic placement of the bridge, enabling users to engage with the landscape uniquely while minimizing impact on local flora.

The use of transparent glass elements as potential barriers enhances the visual connection between the bridge and the environment. This decision supports the architectural goal of maintaining unobstructed sightlines and an open flow between the users and the surroundings.

Functional and Aesthetic Considerations

Beyond its functional role, the Serpentine Bridge is built to enhance the overall aesthetic experience of Gauja Park. The interplay of light and shadow across the concrete surface creates a subtle visual complexity, inviting users to appreciate their surroundings across varying times of day. The design respects the cultural context of the park while providing a contemporary architectural statement, thereby fostering a dialogue between past and present within the landscape.

For more detailed insights into this project, including architectural plans, sections, and design elements, the project presentation offers a comprehensive overview of the design intentions and architectural details. Exploring these elements provides a greater understanding of the Serpentine Bridge and its integration within Gauja Park.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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