Design of footbridges
Master theses – Lennert Loos
Brussels
Summary
Bridges capture the imagination of architects and engineers alike, transcending their functional purpose and become symbols of connection, elegance, and ingenuity. Unlike buildings, which can conceal their structure behind façades and finishes, bridges lay everything bare. Each structural element, joint, and connection contributes directly to the architectural expression. Form, force, and function must speak the same language – resulting in an integrated holistic design in which structure and architecture become one.
The number of architects with expertise in bridge design remains limited. Yet to design more sustainable, resilient, creative, and innovative bridges, it is essential to involve architects who combine design sensibility with technical proficiency. This thesis studio invites you to explore and investigate the design of foot and bicycle bridges at various scales: from the large gesture of a span to the subtle articulation of a handrail. You will start from a real-world site and develop a bridge design from conceptual narrative to the technical detail. The process includes at least contextual analysis, structural exploration, preliminary calculations, and technical detailing. This studio is intended for architecture students who not only have a strong fascination for structural design, but also demonstrate a high level of proficiency and confidence in working with it.
Detailed description of the assignment
Content
This studio is suited to students with a strong interest in structural design, technical detailing, and parametric/digital tools. A hands-on, inquisitive, and rigorous mindset is essential. The assignment challenges you to design a footbridge through investigations across multiple scales. The design process begins with the selection of a real-world site. You will analyse its spatial, social, and infrastructural context, and formulate a design brief that responds to its specific constraints and opportunities. Your bridge concept will evolve from spatial narrative and contextual relevance to a architectural and structural concept. While all design scales will be touched upon, you will identify one design scale as your main design challenge, allowing for more thorough research and design. The studio integrates design research, physical and digital modelling, structural analysis, parametric design, and structural detailing.
- Macro-scale: Investigate the role of footbridges and bicycle bridges within their broader context.
Explore how they contribute to connectivity, community engagement, and the overall urban experience. Consider urban planning, mobility networks, landscape features, topography, architectural surroundings, and cultural heritage. Develop strategies that allow bridges to blend harmoniously into their environment and enhance spatial quality. - Meso-scale: Acquire and apply knowledge in structural design, focusing on conceptual clarity and structural logic. Develop a structural narrative and context rooted in environmental conditions, architectural considerations, structural boundary conditions, etc. Explore materials, construction methods, and structural systems. This phase demands broad exploration allowing to narrow down the design space to a coherent design proposal grounded in architectural engineering principles.
- Micro-scale: Examine the expressive and technical role of detailing: joints, transitions, finishes, and material articulation. Consider constructability, maintenance, durability, and sustainability. Detailing is not an afterthought but a defining aspect of the design’s architectural and structural identity.
Output
- Design portfolio
– Site plan (1:500)
– Detailed plans (1:100)
– Detailed transversal sections (1:50)
– Detailed elevation or alignment development (1:100) Detail drawings of specific parts of the design (1:20) - Physical and/or digital models
- Design note: documenting the design process, conceptual development, architectural and structural reasoning, and informed decision-making.
- Structural note: including concept development, structural justification, and preliminary calculations
Previous knowledge
You are able to work with academic texts, technical documents, and to actively participate in discussions in English. A solid background in structural design and parametric modelling is required. As this is an advanced-level studio, proficiency in both Grasshopper3D and structural analysis is essential. Students who do not yet meet this level of proficiency are responsible for acquiring the necessary foundational skills prior to or during the course.
Study trip
A study trip will be organised to visit and analyse a selection of exemplary footbridges. The itinerary will include site visits, discussions, and critical reflection.
Contact
If you would like to discuss the topic or have more detailed information, feel free to reach out: lennert.loos@kuleuven.be
References
- Leonhardt, F. (1994). Brücken: Ästhetik und Gestaltung.
- Ney, L. (2019). Franchir le vide. À pied et à vélo.
- Van den Berg & Nijenhuis (2007). Bridging the Dutch Landscape.
- Baus & Schlaich (2007). Footbridges.
- Helbig et al. (2021). Bridges: Potentialities and Perspectives.
Image credits: Brug Park Spoor Noord, Antwerpen, Belgium. Design: NEY + Partners. Video credits: AG Vespa.