Copenhagen to get 'circular bridge'

Although not destined to be a major transport route or a crucial infrastructure landmark, Copenhagen is to receive a unique bridge - the 105ft-long Cirkelbroen ('circle bridge').

Designed by Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson, the Cirkelbroen will create a winding path across Christianshavns Kanal in Copenhagen connecting Christiansbro with Applebys Plads. Expected to cost GBP£4 million (34 million kroners) and completed in 2012, it will also allow the city's residents to run, walk or cycle around Copenhagen's entire inner harbour for the first time.

Eliasson has utilised the history of the docks in his design as well as the shapes of sailing ships as a visual starting point. The Cirkelbroen consists of five staggered circular platforms of various sizes each with their own ‘mast'.

Olafur Eliasson said, "It is my hope that people will stay on the bridge, use the bridge as a public square. In contrast to the long, straight pier, the winding bridge will reduce speed, turn focus. Rather than offering the fastest possible passage across the canal, the bridge will create small variations in the way we see the city and open for a renegotiation of public space."

The bridge is to be a gift to the Municipality of Copenhagen from the Nordea-Foundation, which is situated in Overgaden neden Vandet, right on the canal of Christianshavn. The Nordea-Foundation is an organisation whose aim is to support activities that promote good living within the areas of health, sports and exercise, nature and culture. It is hoped that the Cirkelbroen will encourage cultural activities for the city's residents.

Mogens Hugo, Chairman of the Nordea-Foundation was quoted as saying, "With this bridge, Copenhagen will have a work of art designed by Denmark's most significant contemporary artist. Cirkelbroen fulfils a longtime desire to open the port to the citizens. The idea for the design of the bridge is based on maritime life and the construction extends from the ships and the sailing environment around Christianshavn. We are from Christianshavn ourselves and have great respect for the culture of this area."

How it will work?

Despite mainly be a 'footbridge', the Cirkelbroen is located across the canal and as such must still enable boats to pass through. It's height will enable harbour tours and small motor vessels to pass under it, but for taller vessels, the bridge will open in a horizontal arc.

Ritt Bjerregaard, the Lord Mayor of Copenhagen said, "Olafur Eliasson's bridge is a fantastic work of art and marks the opening of the port. The port was always Copenhagen and Denmark's window to the world and Olafur Eliasson's bridge points to the past as well as the future in the history of Copenhagen.

"The bridge will become the port's and the city's new landmark. It is a very beautiful gift that the Nordea-foundation has donated to the city. The bridge is art and architecture combined and the route around the port that now opens will attract more people to the port that is the city's history and its future."

Relevant articles:

Building bridges with rockets | The SeaOrbiter | Fighting Europe's rising water levels

Like this article? Get the RSS feed: