Lisières, the design by LÜCHINGER MEYER PARTNER, exploration architecture and DGJ Paysages in the Wattbach Bridge study commission, reached the final round of three participants.

To improve the cycling infrastructure between Teufen and St. Gallen, a direct, safe and attractive connection for pedestrians and cyclists is to be created across the Wattbach. The bridge proposed by our team follows a single, continuous curve in the ground plan – an elegant, clear gesture. The line of the bridge allows direct, intuitive movement through the open valley and gives the structure a striking spatial identity that blends discreetly into the landscape. “This generous gesture in the lines is also supported by the design of the supporting structure,” said the jury. The structure is defined by a three-span continuous girder with a monolithic connection between the bridge girder and the abutments and supports. The total length is 150 metres with span lengths of 40, 70 and 40 metres. The design of the bridge structure also impressed the jury. A tightly welded, slender steel box girder with heights between 1.00 and 1.60 metres forms the cross-section, whose varying shape responds to the static requirements. Weathering steel was used for the superstructure and supports, while the abutments are made of concrete.