Bercy-Tolbiac Pedestrian Bridge, Paris

Two busy roads separate the Seine from the adjoining urban districts at this point. A pedestrian bridge is, therefore, being planned to make the riverside accessible again and to link the National Library with the Parc de Bercy. This light, elegant structure will span not only the river – without intermediate piers – but the two roads as well. The geometry of the bridge is derived from two flat arches that curve in opposite directions and intersect at two points. Users have a choice between the upper route with a view to the centre of Paris and the two lower routes close to the water. The 65 ? 12 m lenticular-shaped space in the middle of the bridge between the two curves forms an ideal vantage point for watching events on the river. Temporary kiosks and cafés can also be located here. The bridge has an overall length of 270 metres and a clear span of 190 metres. The upper segment is in the form of a continuous compression arch; the lower curve is a tension element with hinged fixings. The two systems are connected by vertical compression members. These and the arches are designed as welded solid plate elements. Each of the tension strips is borne by five solid steel cylinders. The woven steel mesh to the balustrades conveys a sense of lightness. As a contrast to the steel structure, the pavings are in oak.