vaumm architects creates LBB_U footbridge in hernani, spain
all images courtesy of aitor ortiz

 

 

 

latsunbe-berri and urbieta street are the closest points between the old and new worlds of hernani, spain. one placed high above the other, the topography has long caused a fracture between the sections of the city. the ‘LBB_U footbridge’, by vaumm architects, connects the two. it also serves as a link between a sports and a health center, providing crucial accessibility for those unable to walk up dozens of steps.

vaumm architects LBBU footbridge hernani spain designboom
the tower of the elevator and the connection to the sport center

 

 

 

the build was highly influenced by the views from the sports center; a large, gently sloping yard located opposite. above which are the distant mountains. ‘LBB_U footbridge’ takes advantage of the two settings, using its form to force viewers into a fully focussing on one view at a time. the lift provides views to the city, and a small patio located at the intermediate stop — also the entrance to pelota court of the sports center — looks over the nearby woodland and city landscape.

 


video courtesy of vaumm architects 

 

 

 

from a structural standpoint, the ‘LBB_U bridge’ is facet and angular. it gets wider in places of support to the tower, and widens significantly where it rests against the existing retaining wall. the black color gives the entire construction a sense of abstraction, and plays visually against the lightness of the surrounding landscape and architecture.

vaumm architects LBBU footbridge hernani spain designboom
footbridge 

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night view 

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a minimal view of the main beam

vaumm architects LBBU footbridge hernani spain designboom
a view from the city’s old quarter 

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connection with existing wall

vaumm architects LBBU footbridge hernani spain designboom
pedestrian bridge 

vaumm architects creates LBB_U footbridge in hernani, spain
entrance

vaumm architects creates LBB_U footbridge in hernani, spain
area plan 

vaumm architects creates LBB_U footbridge in hernani, spain
structural scheme

vaumm architects LBBU footbridge hernani spain designboom
section

 

 

project info:

location: hernani, spain
year: 2015
collaborators: julen rozas, aitor ortiz
clients: ayuntamiento de hernani
cost: 350,000€
surface: 350m2
status: completed

 

 

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edited by: nick brink | designboom