Waterworks Bridge over the Ljubljanica River

In order to connect Ljubljana to the large cultural heritage protected area as well as the natural values of the Ljubljana Marsh Nature Park, located on the banks of the Ljubljanica river, with the already implemented park arrangements in the Rakove Jelša area, we were looking for a new bridge over the Ljubljanica river located in the central part of the landscape park.

Because of the many challenges that come with building new bridging options in a protected area, we have decided to look for something that would allow us to upgrade the existing infrastructural facility in such a way that could be adapted for public use with minimal intervention. The prime location of the Waterworks bridge makes it a great way to extend the current network of walking and cycling routes spanning throughout the Ljubljana Marsh, while also connecting Ljubljana to the settlements located on the southern edge of the marsh.

The new steel bar structure has a square cross-section carrying infrastructure pipes, while also providing a passage for public use. We decided on using corten steel as the primary material, which, with its rust-like variable surface, fits nicely into the characteristic colours of the marsh landscape. This is followed by two load bearing heels with triangular cross-sections, who had been cast in brown shades of reinforced concrete, positioned in a way to appear as if they had been planted into the ground. A corridor has been inserted into the steel structure, its shape being reminiscent of that of a boat — a metaphor for the boat made from a tree trunk, which was a typical way of transportation in the area through the prehistoric era.