Schuman Bridge

Structural Designer

Flint & Neill

Client Name

City of Lyon

Location

Lyon, France

PRINCIPLE CONTRACTOR
GTM (Part of the Vinci Group)

ARCHITECT
Explorations Architecture

TEMPORARY WORKS DESIGNERS
GTM and Cordioli

SUBSTRUCTURE DESIGNER
AIA Ingénierie

LIGHTING DESIGN
Les Eclairagistes Associés

RIVER WORKS CONTRACTOR
Tournaud

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Pont Schuman is an elegant new crossing of the River Saône in Lyon, France. Designed to ease congestion on the city's existing crossings, the bridge also forms part of an urban re-development, improving the public space along the river and providing a recreational area where pedestrians can enjoy views of the city. The unusual twisted arches act as the primary structural element, creating a dramatic piece of sculpture with their unique, twisting, gull-wing form. The 120 tonne arches were transported to site by barge, then rotated through 80 degrees and jacked into place.

Judge's comment:
The judges were impressed by the elegance of the bridge and its slenderness. They particularly noted the high quality of detailing and the technical challenges that had to be overcome in the design and fabrication of the arches.