The project has been honoured for the creativity of its large-scale sustainable design that responds to a unique environment.
The footbridge over the Rhone with its footpaths connects the towns of Vernier and Onex through forested areas and river cliffs. The design of the 117m-long footbridge aims at establishing a direct dialog between the wooded river banks and the wide outlook over the Rhone’s course. Its straight and light-weight layout blends subtly into the natural contours of the site.
The footbridge is composed of four suspension cables and a series of prefabricated steel frames supporting the deck. Such system provides great transparency while minimizing the visual impact of the bridge on the surrounding landscape. The bridge is built from the river banks without occupying the river bed; the waterway traffic can thus remain undisturbed during the construction works.