1st prize in competition for Kienlesberg bridge, Ulm
In cooperation with Knight Architects (UK), KREBS+KIEFER won a competition held by Stadtwerke Ulm for a new bridge for local public transport, pedestrians and cyclists. Two third prizes were also awarded.
As part of the planned new tramline 2 in Ulm, the “city of science”, the local transport company SWU Verkehr GmbH held a realization competition with advance pre-qualification measures.
In cooperation with Knight Architects (UK), KREBS+KIEFER won a competition held by Stadtwerke Ulm for a new bridge for local public transport, pedestrians and cyclists. Two third prizes were also awarded.
As part of the planned new tramline 2 in Ulm, the “city of science”, the local transport company SWU Verkehr GmbH held a realization competition with advance pre-qualification measures.
The new bridge is to be ca. 270 m long and will span the existing long-distance, regional and goods tracks near the main railway station in Ulm. The southern portal of the Kienlesberg tunnel, which is being planned as part of the new Stuttgart-Ulm high speed railway line, will also lie under the main span of the bridge.
From an urban planning point of view, the bridge is in a prominent position: on the one hand, it is the connecting axis between Kienlesberg and the city center, but on the other hand, it is in close proximity to the Neutor suspension bridge, a protected monument with neo-gothic stylistic elements. In addition to the complex site and construction conditions, the design also had to satisfy the most demanding architecture and urban planning requirements.
The successful design, produced by a team from KREBS+KIEFER Karlsruhe (H.-J. Vieth, authorized signatory; Dr. J. Akkermann, Managing Partner) and Knight Architects (M. Knight; B. Halaczek), won over the prominent members of the competition jury not only in functional and design terms but also as a technical solution.
To quote the competition assessment:
„The bridge design fits into the surrounding area in an independent but reserved manner. One of the main factors in achieving this is the relationship between the structural concepts of both bridges (Neutor bridge and competition design), since the structural requirements are fulfilled in a similar way. But the asymmetry of the main load-bearing elements avoids any appearance of copying the Neutor bridge. … The structural requirements are interpreted by the shape of the load-bearing system. The form, function and structure of the bridge interact with each other, resulting in a harmonious and expressive appearance.“
The new bridge was presented to the press in Ulm’s city hall on 7th March 2012. Mayor Alexander Wetzig praised the aesthetically valuable design for this structure, which is so important and necessary for the city of Ulm. Ingo Wortmann, Managing Director of SWU Verkehr, emphasized the complexity of the planning task that now follows – not least in combination with the new high-speed railway line.
The name of the bridge has not yet been decided and is to be chosen during the dialog with the public in connection with the new tramline 2.
