We took this opportunity to work with Echorost architects (Jaroslav Hulin BArch and Jiri Pavlicek MArch) to push the envelope in meeting strict criteria including a restricted budget and brief. This stipulated that the design should blend well with historical buildings around the structure in the heart of the city, that the bridge could not have supports in the water it was crossing, that it should be more than 3m wide, be able to withstand the weight of light vehicles, and that it should have a certain clearance above flood level to prevent similar issues arising in the future.
Although the team did not win it came very close ending up in the last round of selections. The competition results were announced on 28.11.2013 and our proposal finished in the top ten of the 53 proposals submitted. The project showed unusual innovation, the concept was extremely interesting utilising an architectural shape incorporating principles from stealth aircraft to create an ‘invisible’ structure providing an undisturbed view of the surroundings. It is a fine example of how we resolve certain issues with this particular type of structure taking into account local conditions.
Our capabilities shown in this and other prestigious projects in other cities in the Czech Republic, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Charles Bridge in Prague, has provided a good opportunity for us to demonstrate our bridge design expertise and help introduce fresh ideas.