German Engineering Award 2017


The new Rhone bridge is a testament to Lyon’s transformation. Nestled between the International City and Saint Clair Park, it links the Caluire-et-Cuire neighborhood with the heart of the city.

The slender, curved steel-and-wood pedestrian bridge known as the Passerelle de la Paix, crossing the river playful. It allows pedestrians and bicyclists to enter at different heights on each side of the river, converging at a central plaza with stunning views.

The bridge’s unique design ensures both upper and lower paths have direct access, making it specific to its purpose as a footbridge. It aims to integrate seamlessly into the beautiful landscape while offering a human scale experience.

With a 157 m clear span over the river, it features wood-decked crossings on both upper and lower chords.

The bridge was constructed off-site and transported on a barge to its location. Its unique design, featuring a hollow steel box girder top chord and arched tube sections for the lower chord, offers a dynamic and sturdy structure, achieving better dynamic behavior with its monolithic system.

The wooden deck provides a natural and simple contrast to the technical steel structure, offering visitors an experience that feels like “a walk on the water.” The apex of the arch forms an 8 m wide plaza, creating a magical place in the middle of the river.

Ultimately, this bridge offers a unique and elegant pathway for pedestrians and cyclists.


Architects: Dietmar Feichtinger Architectes
Engineers: Sbp
Aerodynamic studies: Wacker Ingenieure