Footbridge Awards 2017

Winner: Merchant Square Footbridge, London , UK

Beautiful design, geometry is excellent. This is a playful, provocative and innovative opening bridge which is sophisticated in its static position and poetic in operation. It adds a significant architectural value to this built environment.

(Photo: Edmund Sumner)

Joint winner: Park Bridge Spoor Noord, Antwerp, Belgium

A simple yet very effective solution which creates an interesting crossing for users even though it is fully enclosed. Jury found it hugely impressive that a box girder on this scale could be made without any u-frame, web or diaphragm stiffener. Very clever design and aesthetically strong.

(Photo: Stijn Bollaert)

Joint winner: Weinbergbruecke, Rathenow, Germany

A very clever structural solution allowing the creation of a fluid, lightweight deck threading through the landscape. Very high quality and sophisticated structural form has been achieved through form finding, and pleasant spaces have been created, both for those crossing the structure and for those who want to linger.

(Photo: Stephan Falk)

Winner: Beer Sheva High-Tech Park Bridge, Beer Sheva, Israel

A thorough, rigorous and well-resolved design and an imaginative concept for a long span crossing. It fits well within the railway environment – the footbridge has a clear structural scheme with rhythm, and creates a space where pedestrians feel protected when crossing the train platforms.

Winner: George C King Bridge, Calgary, Canada

By resisting the urge to light the arches of this footbridge, instead ‘floating’ it on a bed of light, the designers have highlighted the river below and created a distinctive night-time identity for the bridge. A restrained and sophisticated approach to lighting a large structure.

Winner: Como Park Footbridge, Saint Paul, Minnesota

A very good rehabilitation of an old design with modern materials. The bridge has been refurbished while respecting the initial structure.

Cykelslangen, Copenhagen, Denmark (short span)

A sustainable and understated bridge with significant community benefit. The development of the brief from a simple, practical ramp to a curvaceous route has added interest for users and the design and detailing is appropriate to the speed at which it will be experienced. An integral solution, without bearings, which will reduce maintenance, while the plan curvature allows the footbridge to breathe.

(Photo: Rasmus Hjortshoj)

Waalhaven Bridge, Rotterdam, The Netherlands (short span)

Bold but with playful details; the jury liked the suspended staircase and the way the main deck is distinct from its supports, as well as the visual implication that the stairs fold down from the deck. The piers are pleasingly simple and in keeping with the main structure, and the changes in size of the cut-outs enhance the visual interest.

Inner Harbour Bridge, Copenhagen, Denmark (medium span)

An ingenious and very challenging design; clever, interesting, complex and contextual. This modern version of a movable bridge is powerful from below and exudes simple elegance above. A very original movable bridge, adding excellent value to the community.

(Photo: Jasper Carlberg)