The bridge crosses the city harbour next to the new BLOX building which, among other things, is home to the Danish Architecture Center, cafes, a playground and new public spaces, all of which bring life to a part of Copenhagen Habour that has been deserted for decades. It seamlessly connects the vista down Vester Voldgade from the City Hall to the harbour and on to Christianshavn on the Langebrogade quaysides.
Three key ideas characterise its concept; firstly the bridge follows an elegant curve in plan which aligns with and evokes the great arc of ramparts and moat of Christianshavn. Secondly, the structure is arranged as two wings on the sides of the bridge defining a very acute edge dividing light from shade. This edge dips below the decks at the abutments and soars up above the deck at midspan creating a further elegant line. Thirdly, the graceful curved profile of the bridge has the posibility to open with two swinging sections for marine traffic.
At midspan the structure is higher than at the quaysides to allow for the required 5.4m navigation clearance for boats.
Working in collaboration with engineer BuroHappold, WilkinsonEyre’s design for the opening mechanisms are discretely concealed in the piers and opening structure. Split into five spans, with two 28m parts either side of the 48m main section, Lille Langebro has a minimum clear width of 7m, offering a generous 3m wide zone for pedestrians and a 4m wide zone which has been subdivided into two lanes for cyclists.
The primary steelwork is painted in a uniform off-white. The parapet is fabricated from brushed stainless steel, with a lightweight stainless-steel mesh infill. WilkinsonEyre’s design incorporates lighting within the bridge’s handrail. Functional lights angle inwards towards the deck guiding users along the path. Architectural lighting is displayed outwards, illuminating the upper surfaces of the two structural wings, creating a ribbon of light from quayside to quayside.
Three key ideas characterise its concept; firstly the bridge follows an elegant curve in plan which aligns with and evokes the great arc of ramparts and moat of Christianshavn. Secondly, the structure is arranged as two wings on the sides of the bridge defining a very acute edge dividing light from shade. This edge dips below the decks at the abutments and soars up above the deck at midspan creating a further elegant line. Thirdly, the graceful curved profile of the bridge has the posibility to open with two swinging sections for marine traffic.
At midspan the structure is higher than at the quaysides to allow for the required 5.4m navigation clearance for boats.
Working in collaboration with engineer BuroHappold, WilkinsonEyre’s design for the opening mechanisms are discretely concealed in the piers and opening structure. Split into five spans, with two 28m parts either side of the 48m main section, Lille Langebro has a minimum clear width of 7m, offering a generous 3m wide zone for pedestrians and a 4m wide zone which has been subdivided into two lanes for cyclists.
The primary steelwork is painted in a uniform off-white. The parapet is fabricated from brushed stainless steel, with a lightweight stainless-steel mesh infill. WilkinsonEyre’s design incorporates lighting within the bridge’s handrail. Functional lights angle inwards towards the deck guiding users along the path. Architectural lighting is displayed outwards, illuminating the upper surfaces of the two structural wings, creating a ribbon of light from quayside to quayside.
‘We are delighted to have worked with Realdania to design a distinctive new bridge for the people of Copenhagen that will improve the urban spaces and promenades along the waterfront and strengthen the cycling culture in the city while also being safe and accessible to everyone.’
Simon Roberts, Associate Director at WilkinsonEyre.
