tokyo-based architecture firm atelier bow-wow has installed a wooden ‘bridge’ that cantilevers over the isar river in munich. instead over traversing the waterway, the temporary project — titled ‘bridge sprout’ — protrudes from the riverbank before terminating in mid-air. on the other side of the river, the structure shares a visual connection with a wooden platform that has been carefully integrated into the terrain.

atelier bow-wow bridge sprout
image by christoph knoch © atelier bow-wow (also main images)

 

 

the design by atelier bow-wow, who developed the project alongside munich-based architect hannes rössler, references the historic bridges found in the alps. the scheme also pays homage to the city’s rafting traditions, while the use of wood is particularly appropriate given the site’s natural setting. as the project is temporary, is treads lightly on the landscape without damaging the riverbank.

atelier bow-wow bridge sprout
image by christoph knoch © atelier bow-wow

 

 

conceived as a new type of public space, the lookout provides passersby with an intimate experience of the river and its surroundings. construction work was carried out by holzbau schmid, who built the bridge from locally sourced wood. the project, which remain in place until the end of 2021, was commissioned by the city of munich’s department of arts and culture.

atelier bow-wow bridge sprout
image by saskia ziegler, courtesy of muenchen.de

atelier bow-wow cantilevers 'bridge sprout' over the isar river in munich
image by saskia ziegler, courtesy of muenchen.de

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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project info:

 

name: bridge sprout
location: munich, germany
design: atelier bow-wow
collaborators: hannes rössler, holzbau schmid