DISSING+WEITLING architecture . photos: © Rasmus Hjortshøj – COAST Studio . + architizer
The area around Fisketorvet shopping center was characterised by a particular problem – two distinctive groups of users, each with conflicting interests, cyclists and pedestrians. The cyclists needed to get easily from Kalvebod Brygge to Islands Brygge. They wanted to use the connection daily and wanted a safe passage through the area without it conflicting with the many pedestrians using either Fisketorvet shopping center or just staying in the public bath area. The problem was rooted not solely in the two groups’ movement patterns, but also in the physical conditions that require 90-degree turns, blind corners and stairs. Furthermore the area lacked physical separation of bicycle paths and sidewalks.
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DISSING+WEITLING won the tender for a new link to solve these issues. D+W proposed a long ramp/bridge that takes off from Havneholmen and continues in a winding course, which reduces the slope, along Fisketorvet towards the shopping center’s main entrance.
The 235 m long ramp is an interesting object in the area and ensures the complete separation of cyclists and pedestrians. The cyclists can pass quickly and easily through the area, while experiencing unique and exciting views. Finally, the elevated road allows pedestrians to use the entire wharf avoiding perilous situations.
The ramp provides a unique harbour outlook during sunny days and a shelter during rainy days. The owner of Fisketorvet is able to use the now more quiet area to establish a more recreational space which will eventually heighten the overall area’s quality.
The solution is reasonable and simple from an engineering point of view. The construction phase was fast and there was no need for lifting heavy loads as the distance between the columns is fairly modest at approx. 17m.
The Bicycle Snake was completed in June 2014 and is an extension of DISSING+WEITLINGs Bryggebro (Quay Bridge).
