The New Mobile Walkway of Geneva's Jet d'Eau

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This new walkway offers access to the most emblematic monument in Geneva: the Jet d'Eau. The focus of the project was accessibility: boats, walkers and people with reduced mobility were all accounted for in the design. Everybody is welcome at this bold new public space.

Judge's comment:

This new mobile walkway is a unique example of engineering which required high software skills and detailing innovation. The watchword was accessibility: boats, walkers and people with reduced mobility are all accounted for by the designers.

The bridge rises like a wave, lifting to a height of more than 2m to allow boats through. This does not interrupt the flow of pedestrians, as the wooden walkway deck transforms into a 10 step stair. The walkway is supported at two points on either end, mounted like a cantilever bridge. The stresses are huge, especially when the structure is raised.