schuman bridge by explorations architecture spans lyon's river saône

constructed along the narrows of the river saône in france, this bridge by explorations architecture forms a new gateway to the historic center of lyon

Situated between two other bridges dating back to the early 19th century, the latest crossing seeks to open up the river with two arches that plunge below the deck at mid-span. these arcs define an open area, a place above the water intended to become a small public area or viewpoint.

named ‘schuman bridge’, the structure appears as lightweight as possible, facilitating its integration into the existing urban landscape. the arches – the primary architectural challenge of the project – consist of triangular sections of steel casing with variable inertia, creating a line that shifts according to the viewing angles or the time of day. the thinness of the deck above is achieved thanks to a composite structure of steel and concrete.

 

the structure is located along the narrows of the river saône in france

 

the project forms a new gateway to the historic center of lyon

 

two arches plunge below the deck at mid-span

 

the structure appears as lightweight as possible

 

the bridge facilitates vehicular and pedestrian traffic