The Simone-Veil Bridge, a 549m-long structure designed by Dutch firm Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) has opened to the public. The structure spans the Garonne between the Bordeaux municipalities of Bègles and Floirac,
The 44m-wide bridge contains a 28m area that can be used for cultural or commercial purpose, such as markets, fairs or music performances. Cars, public transport and pedestrians each have a dedicated lane.
The bridge aims to mix the visual identity of Floirac on the right bank with Bègles on the left. The latter will include green areas woven into the urban fabric and the repurposing of a highway.
Rem Koolhaas, a partner in OMA, said: “Rather than concentrating on form, the project focuses on performance. Instead of spending its budget on structural gymnastics, it doubles the width with a public space to serve and connect two adjoining communities that so far have not developed a strong identity
“On the model of bridges like the Rialto in Venice, this extra public space can be used for any purpose.”
