Bulant & Wailzer

SKYWALK

Spittelau, Vienna

1. prize EU-wide competition in 2 phases, 2004

now under construction

SKYWALK is a 140m long inner urban pedestrian-and bicycler's bridge connecting a central metro station with the neighbourhood. The bridge is crossing a field with a lot of streets and other bridges. Also there is the historic railway by Otto Wagner, a new office building called "skyline" (under erection) and the new metro station Spittelau, where should be found a sensitive and harmonic expression of the architecture of the bridge fitting to the different existing parts. The bridge is reacting to this by changing it's height and it's wideness in accordance of the necessary height over the crossing streets and the elements with them it is connected.

The bridge is completely glazed and naturally ventilated, as protection against the different weather. The space is characterised by the elliptical steel frames of the supporting construction similar to a pergola.

The concept is strictly formed by 3 horizontal elements the concrete columns, the main construction in steel beams and the glazing, getting lighter to the sky. The interior space has a dynamic shape.

The main form was developed to be able to cross different other streets with the minimum headroom, by keeping necessary ramps of the floor useful also for handicapped people.

The optical lightness and the sensible, neutral form of this bridge, which cross elegant the surroundings make it to become a natural part of the city landscape.

The government of the municipality of Vienna see in it one of the important steps to support the moving in the city by foot and by bicycles and to reduce the motorized traffic and its harmful pollutions.