Silver Arrow

Silver Arrow is a new bridge that spans the River Emscher, key infrastructure, and the shipping route along the Rhein-Herne Canal. The bridge, which seamlessly blends structural logic, architecture, and cultural significance, is more than just infrastructure — it is also a space for community engagement with expansive views of the surrounding landscape. Silver Arrow represents the sociocultural transformation of this former industrial heartland. Bridge users and passers-by on the riverbanks pass through a three-dimensional structure that also functions as a viewing platform. The elegant form of the bridge is respectful of its context and becomes an integral part of the landscape that unlocks the potential of the surrounding parks. This modern bridge structure blends in seamlessly with its surroundings, drawing formal inspiration from the flowing terrain and the convergence of river, floodplain, and canal. The striking silhouette of the bridge reveals structural logic and flow, culminating in a sculptural peak highlighted by a central pylon above the deck. Its graceful profile reflects both the flow of forces and the deck's torsional performance, which is achieved using an in-height varying torsion box. Red Dot Award: Design Concept | Ready For Market | Architecture