PROGRAM: Urbanism
AREA: 14,200 m²
LOCATION: Geneva, Switzerland
STATUS: Project
TIMEFRAME: 2010
Pont du Mont-Blanc proposes infrastructure conceived as public space. The new pedestrian and cycle bridge transforms the act of crossing the river into an urban experience connected to landscape, views and everyday life in Geneva.
The sinuous geometry moves away from the existing bridge to create three stopping points in strategic locations. These widened areas provide places to sit, approach the water and enjoy views across the lake, while maintaining a clear relationship of coexistence with the historic infrastructure.
The project shows how mobility infrastructure can integrate landscape, social interaction and urban perception, turning a functional element into a meaningful place for the city.
In the urban study carried out prior to the design proposal, the existing bipolarity of the river was identified. Throughout the city of Geneva, the river is divided into two parts by several central islands connected to the city by bridges. These islands form an imaginary line that crosses them through their central axis and culminates at the Jet d’Eau. At the intersection of this dividing line of the river with the proposed footbridge, the structure bends and takes on a convex shape, detaching from the Pont du Mont-Blanc to allow the passage of seagulls and to create a central stepped area from which to enjoy the best views of the lake.
The other two seating areas proposed for citizens define the boundary of existing urban spaces in contact with the lake. Following the guidelines present in these urban spaces and approaching the water through ramps and platforms, these new areas allow passage under the Pont du Mont-Blanc while creating two new points of interest and leisure on the riverbank.
The project demonstrates how geometry, perception, and the relationship with the historical context can transform a functional piece of infrastructure into a vibrant social and urban space. The intervention illustrates the coexistence of old and new, mobility and leisure, structure and landscape, showing how design can create meaningful spatial experiences while preserving historical elements and strengthening the connection between people and their surroundings.
DIRECTOR: Xavier Vilalta
PROJECT TEAM: Michela Pironi, Laura Pompei, Silvia Vinci, Ophelie Lefort