alfenz bridge by marte marte architekten is an alpine landmark

alfenz bridge by marte marte architekten is an alpine landmark
image © marc lins
all images courtesy of marte marte architekten

located in vorarlberg, the western-most province of austria, which borders germany, lichtenstein and switzerland, the ‘alfenz bridge’ by marte marte architekten is designed to reflect the geological character of the alpine landscape. the concrete covered bridge spans the ill river tributary after which it is named. the larger waterbody is a powerful force of nature that is prone to flooding. thus, the passover has a clearspan with its major load bearing support on the river banks. to the east trusses mimic an alpine ridge and open to views of the ill. to the west, solid walls give robust definition to the structure, which face the heavily travelled road. comprehensively, the design is grounded in structural logic and the efficient use of materials. humanistically, the crossing gives cyclists and pedestrians traveling along the bludenz-schruns path, a protective landmark.

a series of organic truss members are designed for material efficiency in reflection of the surrounding topography
image © marc lins

prone to flooding, the load is carried to the banks by the reinforced concrete truss system
image © marc lins

the road and bridge parallel the ill river, giving safe passage to cyclists and pedestrians
image © marc lins

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