Aim of the competition

A competition to redesign the Carola Bridge was held back in 1964. The results were publicly exhibited and judged. Around 250 students also gave their opinions on the bridge designs. This competition encouraged innovative approaches and contributed significantly to the design of the structure that was later realized.

In keeping with this tradition, the students themselves will now have the opportunity to contribute their creative and visionary ideas for the new Carola Bridge. We are looking for bold, technically sophisticated, resource-efficient and functional designs that respect both the significance of the location and the history of the crossing while integrating innovative construction methods and technologies. The new bridge should not only meet current and future traffic requirements, but also enrich Dresden's skyline as an architectural landmark. This competition offers a unique opportunity to make a formative contribution to the design of Dresden's cityscape and to continue the tradition of outstanding engineering.

Topic | Task

The task is to design a new Elbe crossing on the site of the collapsed Carola Bridge. The bridge is to connect the two districts of Neustadt and Altstadt for road, bicycle and pedestrian traffic and provide tracks for the streetcars operated by Dresden's public transport company.

The exact route of the structure can be chosen independently within the boundaries of the existing buildings and taking into account the planned and existing infrastructure. The entire design area extends from Rathenau- to Carolaplatz. Attention must be paid to a sensible connection to the existing network of paths and a suitable integration of the Elbe cycle path running along both sides of the Elbe. The bridge can serve as an impulse generator for the further development of the traffic axis St. Petersburger Straße and Albertstraße-Carolaplatz. Particular attention is drawn to the careful inclusion of the supra-regionally significant surroundings, especially the old town.

The focus of the task lies in the development of a constructively interesting and sensible design. The supporting structure should be designed to be efficient and resource-saving. The choice of materials and the construction method are open, whereby material-appropriate and realistic design approaches are assumed. In addition, high demands must be placed on the construction process, as the navigability of the Elbe as an important international waterway must be guaranteed.

The functional division of the bridge for the individual types of traffic or a possible combination is to be worked out freely. The usable widths to be applied can be sensibly and justifiably adjusted as part of the planning process. Existing development studies by the city of Dresden on the design of the Königsufer and St. Petersburger Straße can be taken into account. The structure and the transition to the banks of the Elbe must be designed to be barrier-free. The bank area below the structure may be freely planned. The entire structure must be provided with adequate and attractive lighting.

The height of the danger zone to be kept clear above the Elbe is 7.875 m and applies to a width of 196 m. This height must be guaranteed. The main span with a length of 120 m should preferably be retained. The necessary substructures are to be erected primarily on the foundations of the previous structures.

The following features are given special consideration by the jury and should therefore be urgently taken into account in the design:

• High material efficiency of the supporting structure with sufficient robustness (principles “form follows force” and “form follows function”)
•  Ecological use of resources
•  Urban integration into the surroundings
•  Height adjustment in the terrain
•  Sensible external development
•  Sustainable operation of the bridge
•  Design of the bridge
•  Construction method taking into account the concerns of shipping traffic