Berdychowski Bridge | 2024

The Berdychowski Bridge in Poznań is the first new crossing in the capital of Wielkopolska since the 1970s. The project was selected through an international architectural competition in 2018. The pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the Warta and Cybina rivers in Poznań connects Poznań’s Old Market Square with the historic Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island), the Poznań University of Technology, and the Malta recreational areas.

The delicate and minimalist design of the bridges links the two banks of the Warta River by integrating the Ostrów Tumski promontory into the layout. The bridge’s form does not interfere with the historic city skyline but rather emphasizes the cityscape, including the dominant feature of Poznań Cathedral. It highlights the understated charm of the area, creating an atmosphere of intimacy and tranquillity by the river. The bridges also function as a scenic and contemplative axis. Through the thoughtfully designed space of the Ostrów Tumski promontory and small architectural elements, the bridges create not only a passage but also a meeting place to observe the city’s panorama.

The embankment is spanned by a system of two arched planes made of prestressed concrete. These planes are restrained within the embankments before converging and merging in the middle section. The silhouettes of the flattened arches, despite their modernist pedigree, do not replicate the outdated aesthetic patterns of almost a century ago. The forms do not seek to expose the structure but subtly emphasize the logic of the construction.

The pedestrian and cycling routes are separated longitudinally by interwoven urban furniture forms. This design creates symmetrical cross-sections of the facility along its entire length. Throughout the crossing, designated spaces invite visitors to pause, converse, or simply admire the ever-changing views of the vibrant city.

Thanks to their logical design and connection on the Ostrów Tumski promontory, the bridges transform the spatial arrangement of this part of the city. Previously disconnected areas now form a continuous series of parks, facilitating access to historic buildings such as the Poznań Cathedral. At the far end of the bridges lies the former gasworks, which is set to become a cultural and museum center for Poznań in the future.

Construction
The design of the bridges 65 m(over the Warta River) and 110 m (over the Cybina River) required spans without intermediate supports in the riverbed. This necessitated the construction of 24 m-deep diaphragm walls under the abutments as a base for further structural development. Approximately 4,500 m³ of concrete and 397 t of reinforcement were used for this purpose. The framing arrangement and the length of the diaphragm walls ensured the foundations could adequately withstand vertical forces (from dead load and live load) and horizontal forces (from the thrust of the arch structure).

Category:Bridges and InfrastructureLocation:Poznan, Wielkopolska, PolandArchitect: Maciej Sokolnicki, PolandArchitecture Office:MS86A Maciej Sokolnicki Architect, ARPA Jerzy Gurawski, Bartosz Gurawski, Błazej Szurkowski, Adam TurczynDesign Team: MS86A Maciej Sokolnicki Architect, ARPA Jerzy Gurawski, Bartosz Gurawski, Błazej Szurkowski, Adam TurczynContractor:BudimexClient: City of Poznan