Hartaansillan International Competition

The competition-shortlisted design was developed in close collaboration with Ramboll Finland, in response to the City of Oulu’s brief to develop a new landmark pedestrian and cycle bridge across the estuary.

A prominent 40m-tall mast stands elegantly in the water; an emblem to mark Oulu’s designation as the European Capital of Culture in 2026. The inclined mast supports 170m of deck from a single plane of cables, allowing expansive views to the south as the alignment curves subtly between two proposed waterside developments. With only a single, central support, disruption to the environmentally sensitive estuary is kept to a minimum.

At mid-span, the deck widens to form a central amphitheatre, providing the city with a new meeting place and emphasising Oulu’s close connection to the water. In addition to looking towards the south, the bridge also references the past, with its detailing inspired by the City’s historic ship-building and timber industries.