UNStudio has swept the competition for the New Budapest Bridge, a much-needed bridge over the Danube in the south of the city. Coated in a reflective white paint, the landmark bridge will serve as a gateway between Ujbuda and Csepel, and it will help spur further development in the surrounding post-industrial area. The multi-use bridge “enables sustainable transportation” and will accommodate road, tram, pedestrian, and cycle crossings.
Created in collaboration with Buro Happold Engineering, the New Budapest Bridge proposal was selected by the Municipal Government of Budapest in the first international bridge design competition in Hungary for over 120 years. Conceived as a welcoming symbol, the contemporary cable-stayed bridge features angled pylons that mimic the “inviting gesture of hands,” said Ben van Berkel. “It was essential that the bridge would be in harmony with Budapest – which owes much of its configuration to the surrounding landscape – and its future vision. It was also important that the bridge enable unobstructed views below and above the bridge deck.”
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With a main span of 711 feet, the bridge stretches over 1,600 feet from shore to shore. The white paint finish will reflect the surrounding environment and give the bridge an ever-changing appearance. In addition to catalyzing nearby development, the project aims to make the area around the Budafoki interchange more human and urban friendly.
Images by VA Render
