“The design is kept to the simplest expression, the least technical, the least lyrical, in fact an almost primitive structural solution. The bridge is conceived not to be an event in the city but actually a place to promote the events in the city. From an overdose of formal gesticulation, I wanted to propose a robust “plateau” that would last and contribute to unify the right and left river banks. ”
Simone Veil bridge
Film - credit One Architecture
OMA's stripped-down design for the Pont Jean-Jacques Bosc attempts to rethink the civic function and symbolism of a 21st century bridge. A platform 44 metres wide and 549 metres long is stretched beyond the water on either side, creating a seamless connection with the land.
The design is kept to the simplest expression - the least technical, least lyrical, an almost primitive structural solution. The bridge itself is not the 'event' in the city, but a platform that can accommodate all the events of the city.
The simplicity of the design allows a generous platform for pedestrians and public programs, as well as flexibility in accommodating the future needs of various types of traffic. Beyond traditional fascinations with style and technical performance, OMA has designed a 21st century bridge that exploits state-of-the-art techniques in order to create a contemporary boulevard. The bridge slopes gently, allowing an easy promenade while still giving necessary clearance for boats underneath. Each type of traffic - cars, RBD (tram/bus), bicycles - has its own lane, and is designed to meet changing vehicular needs. By far the largest strip is devoted to pedestrians.
The bridge is designed to cohere with the adjacent St. Jean Belcier urban redevelopment project on the left bank and with the urban development of Floirac on the right bank. It also attempts to unify the different conditions of the two banks of the Garonne: from the Right Bank, strictly aligned on a poplar-lined meadow, to the urban landscape of the Left Bank, it aims solve the dual challenge of aura and performance in an environment steeped in history.
Clement Blanchet’ sketch for OMA
credits
Architects: Competition, design development, OMA France (Rem Koolhaas and Clément Blanchet) / Exe, OMA (Rem Koolhaas, Ellen van Loon and Chris von Dijn)
Client: Communauté urbaine de Bordeaux
Nature of the operation: Competition MOP
Realised in : 2013-2024
Site: Bordeaux, France
Program: Crossing / structure (apron 545 m by 44 m) 120500 m2 (70500 infrastructure 50000 landscape)
Budget: 92 Millions Euros
Exact mission performed: Conception carried out as associate and director of OMA France on the competition, ESQ, APS, APD, PRO, DCE phases
TEAM COMPOSITION
Engineer: WSP, Groupe EGIS
Landscape: Michel Desvigne Paysagiste
Lighting: Lumières Studio
Models: Vincent de Rijk
Photography: Franz Parthesius
Imagery: Arte Factory