Innovative Särkänsilta bridge wins a design competition.
The Särkänsilta bridge is located between the Särkänniemi event area and the port of Mustalahti, extending the pedestrian route from the Hämeenpuisto park towards Näsinneula. The bridge was the subject of a design competition in 2023, which Arco won in collaboration with A-insinöörit.
The bridge will be divided into two branches, the directions of which have been shaped on the basis of the most optimal access routes – the longer branch will lead towards Näsinneula and the other branch towards the new entrance to Särkänniemi.
The Särkänsilta bridge is solid and statuesque in appearance. The minimalist design was chosen because the area is already visually crowded. The sleek design complements the steel rides of the Särkänniemi amusement park and the funnels and masts of the old ships in the port. Especially with children in mind, observation holes will added to the bridge’s solid railings as a special feature.
The surface materials support their surroundings and aim to reflect the environment back to the viewer. The polished surface of the bridge’s underside acts as a ‘painting surface’ on which the light phenomena of the water are reflected in different ways depending on the season and the light. The lighting on the bridge will be fully integrated into the bridge structure without separate lighting columns. On the top surface, lights are installed by utilising the space inside the solid railing. The light is smoothly and evenly distributed over the entire length of the bridge to emphasise the travel directions of the bridge.
