Mobile Footbridge

The ancient arsenal in the north of Gent lost its industrial glory and became abandoned over time. Situated close to the historic old town, the docks offer an ideal site to develop new urban life. According to studies about the accessibility of the docks the future three bridges and footbridges are very important to revitalize the new area. Since the docks are the only access by waterway to the old town, the pass through for boats has to be granted. DFA provided a cautious and elegant proposal for a footbridge. The industrial and maritime background of the area is reflected in the selection of materials, constituting steel with a wooden deck. With its simple form, resembling the extension of the quay wall, it seems to dock.

Due to its mobile pile foundation the central part of the footbridge is able to be lifted up and thus to let pass boats underneath. It’s this technical innovation that allows pedestrians to cross the bridge when it’s moving up or down.

Start of Planning 2008
Start of Construction 04 | 2010

Length 110 m
Width 6 m