The Cirkelbroen Bridge in Copenhagen (original) (raw)

Copenhagen has a new artistic landmark, a bridge called Cirkelbroen, designed by the Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson and opened last month. The bridge spans Christianshavn Canal to connect the Christiansbro area with Applebys Plads.

The 40-metre-long footbridge is made from five interconnected circular platforms of various sizes, each with its own ‘mast’, a reference to the boats that sail Copenhagen's waterways. From the mast is suspended several tensioned wires that connect to the periphery of the circles. One section of the bridge functions like a swing bridge, rotating to allow large boats to pass into and out of the canal. Smaller boats such as kayaks can pass below the elevated podiums.

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Photo credit: Nordea Foundation

Rather than providing a straight path across the canal, the bridge follows a slight curve allowing pedestrians “to slow down and change their focus.”

The bridge will allow the people of Copenhagen to walk or ride in a continuous route along the entire Inderhavn, making it easy for the people to move around.

"But Cirkelbroen is much more than a bridge or a work of art. It is a new venue. It is an observation post in the harbour," said the Danish charity Nordea Foundation, who commissioned the bridge.

The bridge is expected to be used by around 5,000 cyclists and pedestrians every day.

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