Dutch studio OMA has completed a wide bridge across the River Garonne in Bordeaux, France, which is intended to double as a public space for the city.
Designed by OMA partners Rem Koolhaas and Chris van Duijn, the Simone Veil Bridge is 549 metres long and 44 metres wide to accommodate a large pedestrianised space.
Simone Veil Bridge has opened to the public
"Our design for the Simone Veil Bridge is like a stage but without the theatre," explained Van Duijn.
"In an era of icons and landmarks, it is very special that the city of Bordeaux decided to build this anti-iconic design."
The bridge has a large pedestrianised area. Photo by JB Menges
Simone Veil Bridge has dedicated lanes for cars, public transport and bikes, with 28 metres of its width described as "neutral, unprogrammed space". The studio expects this space to be used for cultural or commercial purposes including art fairs, festivals and markets.
The unprogrammed area is expected to be used for cultural events
OMA partner Koolhaas explained that the studio designed the structure as an alternative to many modern bridges that are created to be landmarks and utilise complex engineering solutions.
"This bridge is for the people, not for connoisseurs," he said. "Rather than concentrating on form, the project focuses on performance."

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