Renovation of The Prince’s Bridge near Christiansborg blends classic and modern

Urban Development & Mobility

The Prince’s Bridge
Copenhagen, Denmark

Gottlieb Paludan Architects is the firm that has been overseeing the restoration of the Prince’s Bridge near Christiansborg, home of the Danish Parliament. The newly constructed bridge is all the stronger now, occupying a striking position in the interplay between the classical and the modern.

The newly constructed bridge has retained as much as possible of the historic bridge. The original bridge piers and original lampposts have been preserved and re-used in the new bridge. The decking has been replaced with a new concrete deck, cast in-situ, and the new railings have been made from bent steel.

The railings have been designed as a re-interpretation of the pointed or Gothic arc motif that was characteristic of the original cast-iron heritage railings.

Client
Copenhagen Municipality Engineering and Environment Administration
Status
Completed
Size
36 m2
Year
2017
Collaborators
SWECO
Areas of Expertise
Photos
Lars Rolfsted Mortensen

Modernized railing retains historic look

The new railing has two rows of slender, curved balusters that provide a varying play and interlacing as you move across the bridge. To meet today's legal requirements, the railing has been raised 25 cm. The lampposts have also been raised, preserving the original interaction between lampposts and railings. Both elements have been given the same surface treatment so that they appear as an integrated whole. The two rows of balusters give the railing the necessary strength while maintaining the historical relation to the previous bridge.

Mangler billedetekst

Mangler billedetekst

The railing is designed as a reinterpretation of the pointed arch motif that was characteristic of the original cast iron railing worthy of preservation.

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Everyone should be able to move through our shared public spaces and buildings in a safe and dignified way. In complex environments such as stations, terminals, and other public transport hubs, universal design is not just a feature – it’s a fundamental design principle that ensures equal access and high functionality for all, regardless of physical or cognitive ability.

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Architecture leaves a lasting mark. When we work with existing buildings, we take on a responsibility – for the resources, for our architectural heritage, and for creating solutions that stand the test of time. Transformation is about breathing new life into the built environment and identifying new purposes for structures that no longer meet current needs. It demands insight, care and a long-term perspective on climate, economy and social value.

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Bridges are essential connections in the built infrastructure. They enable mobility, link neighborhoods and landscapes, and contribute to the coherence of transportation networks and public spaces. In addition to their role as traffic routes, bridges also influence the architectural and experiential quality of their surroundings. Therefore, bridge design requires both technical expertise and an understanding of the site's character and the users' needs.

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Thomas Bonde-Hansen

Creative DirectorArchitect MAA