Everyone should be able to move through our shared public spaces and buildings in a safe and dignified way. In complex environments such as stations, terminals, and other public transport hubs, universal design is not just a feature – it’s a fundamental design principle that ensures equal access and high functionality for all, regardless of physical or cognitive ability.
UdforskLandmark foot and cycle bridge connects city centre, railway station and harbour front
Urban Development & Mobility
Byens Bro, Foot and Cycle Bridge
Odense, Denmark
Gottlieb Paludan Architects has designed a spectacular pedestrian and bicycle bridge connecting the urban areas north and south of Odense Train Station Center.
With its simple yet spectacular architecture, Byens Bro creates an attractive shortcut and an eventful connection over the railway in Odense. The natural traffic patterns of the city serve as the foundation for a solution that integrates construction, art, lighting, bicycle parking, and the creation of an urban space where people can both pass through and stay. Byens Bro has become a popular landmark in Odense and a well-functioning, natural part of the urban landscape.
Design of the Stibro (Pathway Bridge)
In the design and detailing of the pathway bridge, the focus has been on durability and minimal maintenance costs. An equally important priority has been ensuring easy and safe access for vulnerable road users, cyclists, and pedestrians, whether traveling across the city or heading to the station.
The southern forecourt of the bridge serves as a central meeting place in Odense, the sweeping cycle path across the railway line offers a new view of the city, and the 40-metre-high pylon in high-gloss polished steel has become a prominent feature of Odense's cityscape. In 2015, the project received an award from the European Convention for Constructional Steelwork for its steelwork.
"Two new plazas at each end of the bridge serve as meeting points and arrival areas for train travelers, ensuring smooth use of the entire area. The new space has already established itself as an efficient and natural part of the urban landscape and has contributed to making Odense a greener and more sustainable city." – Allan Bach Laursen, Odense Municipality (Client)
Byens Bro
Together, we create cohesion
Challenge
The primary design challenges for the Byens Bro project was to create a pedestrian and bicycle bridge that not only connected the urban areas north and south of Odense Central Station but also became a landmark for the city and improved access to the station platforms. Key focus areas included integrating design, art, lighting, and bicycle parking while prioritizing durability, minimal maintenance costs, and easy, safe accessibility for all users.
Method
In the design development, we prioritised functionality and simple architectural elements to create an attractive shortcut and a spectacular connection across the railway area. The curved shapes of the bridge reflect the natural movement patterns of cyclists and pedestrians in the city and optimise the construction possibilities across the wide railway terrain.
Impact
Byens Bro was immediately embraced by cyclists and pedestrians on opening day and is now an efficient and natural part of Odense's green urban mobility landscape. With its spectacular shapes and, not least, its 40-metre-high pylon, the bridge has also become a well-known and beloved landmark for Odense. The bridge was recognised with an award from the European Convention for Constructional Steelwork in 2015.
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Sara Wille-Garvin
Head of Urban Development & Mobility, DGNB ConsultantUrban Planner, Architect MAA
swg@gottliebpaludan.com+45 4171 8237