BLOOMING BRIDGE

This bridge project, crossing Göta Kanal in Ljung, draws inspiration from the mirror-like reflections of trees in the water. The design of the railing, barrier, and opening mechanism takes cues from natural forms—branches, twigs, and the unfolding of leaves or flowers. A key design intention was to keep the opening mechanism hidden while evoking a natural, fluid movement. The “branch fans” are inspired by the delicate flowers from Calluna vulgaris (Heath/Ljung), reinforcing the project’s local identity

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To improve connectivity, the existing road leading to the castle was converted into a pedestrian path, linking to the walkway on the canal’s northern side. The bridge extends the existing 1.6 km tree-lined avenue from the castle, reinforcing the site’s axial character. Small docks are placed on either side of the bridge to accommodate boat traffic and facilitate closing.

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The bridge is constructed entirely of aluminium and comprises ten folding sections. Hinges on single pipes allow the bridge deck to rotate upward, while intersecting hinges on double pipes slide into each other, enabling the bridge to fold into a compact 143 cm profile. The folded sections are guided by wheels within a concealed cavity, reducing friction and aiding smooth movement. The system is powered by a solar-driven motor.

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The bridge rests on a HEA 400 beam, which provides a counterweight, with lateral loads managed through structural pipes. Smaller HEA beams support the deck vertically. A clad access cover and subtle design integration ensure the bridge remains visually discreet when closed.​

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