City, Country | Brussels, Belgium | |
Year | 2017–2020 | |
Client | Chambre des Représentants Fédéraux Belges | |
Architect | Office Kersten Geers David Van Severen | |
Services | Structural Engineering | |
Facts | Span: 20 m | Construction costs: 425 000 € H.T |
The round pedestrian bridge "Tondo" connects the first floor of the Chamber of Representatives with the second floor of the new "Forum" building. Due to the 84cm height difference between the two levels, a straight 15m path was not feasible for individuals with reduced mobility. The curved shape made the walking line longer, so the steepness became smaller.
Designed less as a technical solution than a spatial element, the bridge offers a generous walk around a closed outdoor space that also functions as a meeting place.
The roof is made out of steel box girder, where every stiffener is carefully placed according to the forces. It is supported by the two interconnected buildings. The floor is suspended from the roof via tension rods, allowing for a remarkably thin floor structure and thus maximizing the available free height underneath it.