Jury selects iconic concept by UNStudio and Buro Happold

In 2017, the Budapest Municipal Government launched the first international bridge design competition in Hungary for over 120 years. UNStudio and Buro Happold Engineering have now been announced as outright winners, with a concept seeking to provide sustainable transport over the river Danube while acting as an iconic gateway to the city.

The authorities deemed a new bridge necessary in order to reduce traffic congestion and accelerate the development of Budapest’s post-industrial areas. UNStudio tested multiple options within the landscape until a suitable configuration was finally selected, taking into account the present character of the location and planned future changes. The competition jury responded to this approach, commenting: “This is exactly the sort of solution needed for supporting the development of the city sub-center, and for extending the core of Budapest Southwards.”

The cable-stayed bridge with a main span of 220m will accommodate cars, trams, pedestrians and cyclists, offering clear sightlines on multiple levels and simultaneously creating a new urban landmark. The pylons will be crafted from steel and finished in a white paint coating, giving the surface a sheen which will pick up changing tints and tones from the surrounding environment. Ben van Berkel, UNStudio architect, stated:  "It was essential that the bridge would be in harmony with Budapest - which owes much of its configuration to the surrounding landscape - and its future vision. It was also important that the bridge enable unobstructed views below and above the bridge deck. We wanted it to operate as a clear gateway to the city, like an inviting gesture of hands."

Lucy Nordberg

TenderStream Head of Research

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