A line in the landscape | DVVD

Firm： DVVD

Type： Transport + Infrastructure › Bridge

STATUS： Built

YEAR： 2017

SIZE： 3000 sqft - 5000 sqft

BUDGET： $1M - 5M

Saint-Omer and the Neufossé canal’s quays have managed to preserve a remarkable architectural and landscape heritage. The town-centre’s streets, canals and houses form a coherent and harmonious whole.

Our ideas were influenced by this rich environment, aiming to preserve this delicate and peaceful setting. Being aware of the site’s heritage naturally led us to create a subtle and simple footbridge, which blends in with its environment.

The footbridge’s pure lines give it a contemporary, but timeless look. It endeavours to resemble a simple line in the landscape, or perhaps a little more than just a line, with its slightly thicker mid-span, reinforcing the structure and drawing a thin curve, whether viewed laterally or from above.

More than just a simple means to cross the canal, the footbridge acts as a work of art, and a unifying and symbolic element for the town.

The offset location with regard to the canal follows the town’s main axes, extending the main paths between the town-centre and the station district, like a pedestrian street.

Furthermore, its location places the footbridge at the western end of the Quai du Commerce, ensuring that cycle and disabled ramps do not look out of place, but rather, on the contrary, naturally follow the quayside.