Green Bridge, revitalisation of Old Bridge in Bratislava, Slovakia

Through its characteristic form and history, the Old Bridge has become the symbol of connection between the two river banks with different urban development. It is the only bridge with a direct pedestrian link to the old town, and paradoxically, its industrial appearance has the human and urban scale. As the oldest bridge over the River Danube in Bratislava it no longer meets the technical criteria of a modern bridge and its future has consequently become a major issue. We are presenting our proposal as a contribution to an open discussion that should always take place in the context of a dynamic development of the city.

Bridges do not connect Bratislava and its citizens. On the contrary, they divide them. There is an opportunity for the Old Bridge to be different and become a real bridge for people. The proposal for the Green Bridge is an attempt to create its new identity. The existing bridge will be transformed into a fully pedestrian bridge - park. Only time and people will determine its new story. It should be the story of a living and constantly changing organism.

The bridge as a continuous part of green landscape is not only a 'green' link but also a fully functional public space consisting of individual micro spaces of intimate character.