Cities are constantly in a process of redesign and the creaton of novel public spaces. An important goal of new infrastructures is to go beyond their functional aspects to become a platform for urban commons. „More Than a Bridge“ starts here and connects a number of important public spaces such as the Kaserne Basel along a pedestrian, urban axis.

With my proposal, I would like to react to the fundamentally different dynamics of two riverbanks and create an infrastructure that, besides its functional duty, serves as a connector and attractor to both sides of the river. The core of the concept is to develop an addition to the number of existing public spaces as a covered urban Plaza that forms a new center on the Rhine in a way that lets people experience the proximity to the water with a new perspective. The Project consists of a connector-part and a limited volume that covers part of the bridge. From this intersection of both parts, three platforms unfold to the river to a point where it only takes a few stairs into the water. Depending on the water level, the relation of the relationship of the platforms to the river changes. The platforms together with the bridge offer a great flexibility in use that initiates a variety of public events to take place. The raised volume invites its guests inside through the generous and tense gesture of the staircase that cuts into the mirrored surface. Its supporting structure is expressive and visible and deliberately sets itself apart from the regularity of the platforms. It celebrates the location of the project via staged, floor-to ceiling views of the city and river that give the used which are located here an impressive atmosphere.