The Bridge over Varnan in Kristinehamn is a new connection in the city's pedestrian and bicycle network, and a part of the overall design of the new city park at Svinvallen, designed by Karavan Landscape Architects. The site has received a contemporary mark, well fitted within the context of both modern and historical landmarks in the area. Material such as wood and iron reflect the old harbour and activities connected to it.
The bridge offers a new link between the old city centre and the park and transforms the place for real use in the everyday life. A space that previously was divided by the water has now become an inhabited space with its own identity.
Angular shapes facilitate movement and views; the warm colour - brown, orange and corten steel is to be found in the landscape design of the park. These elements have also inspired the shaping of the bridge.
The main idea was to make the bridge “simple” in a positive sense, rather than letting the design dominate the landscape with spectacular gestures. The movement over the bridge is directed by the inviting widenings at the entrance points, as well as by the outward angled sides at the midpoint of the bridge. An unexpected dynamic experience is created when the bridge span opens with views of the park, the water and the city.
The colour scheme in earth tones helps the bridge adapt to the surroundings. The contrast between the exterior and the inside is emphasized both by the colour palette and by the low intimate space created by light along the deck.
The bridge spans the water in one section of about 25 m, and the architecture is an expression of the constructive system with sides of load bearing steel boxes, forming a flow of triangular volumes - an almost stealth like geometry. The railing emphasizes the impression of triangular shapes as it appears to have a varying height that meets the sloping lines of the side beams.
