world's first 3D printed pedestrian bridge built in catalonia

the world’s first 3D printed pedestrian bridge has been constructed in the the urban park of castilla-la mancha, a sparsely populated area of alcobendas, madrid. the project, which includes a total length of 12 meters and a width of 1.75 meters, seeks to demonstrate that 3D printing can be utilized for creating outdoor structures.

all images © institute advanced architecture catalonia

the footbridge has been developed by the institute advanced architecture of catalonia (IAAC), who hope that the project will reflect the complexities of nature’s forms. developed through parametric design, this approach allows to optimize the distribution of materials and minimize the amount of waste by recycling the raw material during manufacture. the computational design can also optimize structural performance, as it disposes the micro-reinforced concrete only where it is needed, with total freedom of forms, while maintaining the porosity with generative algorithms and challenging the traditional techniques of construction.

the design responds to the challenges posed by legislation, being implemented in a public space: anyone can now cross the bridge, which will be installed in alcobendas as an urban infrastructure integrated in the park.

design team: IAAC institute for advanced architecture of catalonia

alexandre dubor, areti markopoulou + rodrigo aguirre