Top Design Chosen for Dresden's Rebuilt Carolabruecke Bridge

An expert panel has identified its preferred design for the new Carolabruecke bridge in Dresden, a structure that partially collapsed in September 2024, necessitating the demolition of the remaining sections. The favored proposal comes from the planning consortium of Leonhardt, Andrä und Partner and Knight Architects, according to a ranking presented to the construction committee.

While this selection marks a significant step, the final decision rests with the Dresden city council, scheduled to convene in early September. The public will also have an opportunity to voice their opinions before the council makes its choice. The expert panel lauded all four submitted designs, noting their high quality and feasibility, stating that "each of the submitted designs exhibits a very high quality and would allow for a low-risk further project implementation."

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each of the submitted designs exhibits a very high quality and would allow for a low-risk further project implementation.

However, the panel clearly distinguished a "best, second-, third-, and fourth-best" bridge design. The winning proposal by LAP and Knight Architects was praised for its "well-designed, slender, and transparent bridge construction" that integrates subtly into Dresden's historic cityscape. The design also meticulously addressed all usage requirements, both above and below the bridge, as well as at the abutments.

The panel's evaluation considered criteria such as urban planning, architecture, monument protection, traffic, structural engineering, construction time, costs, economic efficiency, and approval feasibility. Their assessment serves as a professional recommendation to aid the accompanying committee and the city council. The former Carolabruecke, composed of three bridge sections, suffered a catastrophic collapse of its tram and pedestrian section on the night of September 11, 2024. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the incident led to the complete demolition of the entire bridge due to severe damage. Corrosion, leading to the failure of prestressing tendons, is considered the cause of the collapse.

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The well-designed, slender, and transparent bridge construction integrates pleasantly and discreetly into the historic Dresden Old Town.