The double-deck Dreirosenbrücke, completed in 2004, replaced the original 1934bridge. Spanning 226 meters in length and nearly 30 meters in width, it accommodates trams, cars, bicycles, and pedestrians. The upper deck with a small open boulevard facing Basel’s city center, is a car-oriented, hard-surfaced plaza with no pedestrian protection. The bridge is only a part of the separation between Elsässerstrasse and Klybeckstrasse, a vast concrete and asphalt zone, and one of Basel’s largest urban plazas that contributes to the city’s heat island effect. It is an iconic Rhine gateway to Switzerland from France and Germany.

Switzerland bridge’s extensive history is applied as design resource to improve the Dreirosenbrücke, making it more welcoming, safe and sustainable. Swiss bridges from the 15thcentury were often  covered so they could be used uninterrupted as any other urban space, utilized as meeting points, markets, exchange points, or fortification for the town or city where they were located. The goal is to re-think Dreirosenbrücke as a vibrant urban space where people not only pass through but stay. A permeable roof cover, green areas, viewpoints and program islands are integrated along the bridge, transforming it into a more attractive and inviting destination for Basel’s residents and visitors.

The bridge’s upper deck is re-surfaced with vegetations and softer paving adapted to each user’s paths. Permeable pavers with short grass are set for the trams and vehicle lanes, while recycled eco-paving is used for the other lanes. Islands in between the paths host meeting points, green zones, food trucks, sport & workout areas and others, spread along the bridge and working as cultural clusters. A lightweight timber pergola covers the bridge to reduce the solar incidence on the floor and to welcome and protect users. It is to also help reduce noise emissions from cars and trams passing over the bridge, while PV panels provide energy for neighboring buildings.