Hringbraut bridge / Studio Granda

Architects: Studio Granda
Location: Reykjavík, Iceland
Client: City of Reykjavík / Public Roads Administration
Structural Engineers: Línuhönnun
Landscape Architects: Landslag
Contractor: Eykt
Photographs: Studio Granda

The construction of a new six lane urban highway adjacent to the domestic airport in the heart of Reykjavík required a new system of pedestrian routes and three attendant footbridges. A two-stage competition was held in 2003 and the proposal by Studio Granda in association with the engineers Línuhönnun won first prize.

The design consists of a circular core of post-tensioned cables surmounted by the thinnest possible concrete deck with stainless steel handrails. The structure is borne on concrete filled stainless steel columns and minimal concrete landings. This simple arrangement allows the bridges to be curved in plan as well as section and tailored to each location without significant variation in the fundamental design.

The bridges are cast insitu with sawn timber formwork. Expansion joints are only necessary at the landings as the columns and deck are sufficiently flexible to accept thermal movements. A stainless steel fixing angle is cast-in with the slab edge to which the handrails are bolted.

All stainless steel components were drawn in Iceland and sent digitally to China for manufacture.