Robertsfors
Minimalist bridge and welcoming station
As the North Botnia Line extends through Robertsfors, plans include the construction of a bridge over Dalkarlsån and a regional train station.
- Location
- Robertsfors, Sweden
- Category
- Stations and Public Spaces, Road and Railway Bridges, and Tunnels
- Year
- 2022 - Under Construction
- Client
- Trafikverket
- Collaborators
- Peter Becht / COWI
Both bridge and station are designed with special consideration for nature, user behavior, and material selection.
A station must be both comfortable and safe for travelers. Robertsfors Station features bright and welcoming waiting areas, designed with a focus on smooth flow, sensory experience, and inclusive mobility. The bridge
Trafikverket picked the ‘Genius Loci’ proposal as winner in the design competition for a major rail bridge to suit the landscape of a popular recreational area of northern Sweden.
The 840-meter-long bridge respects the valuable natural and
cultural landscape through Robertsfors. At the same time, the
understated design has a minimal climate footprint. Properties that
have won resonance with the Swedish jury.Genius Loci translates to "the special spirit of the place". Together with engineer COWI and landscape architect Peter Becht, Dissing+Weitling won in 2022 with a ”stylish and unpretentious”bridge solution that puts nature and the landscape at the center.
In its assessment, the jury emphasized that the design allows the
landscape – and not the bridge itself – to stand out.All bridge elements are assessed in relation to the surroundings – materials, details and light – including the meeting between the station, golf course and other natural landscape. The jury also emphasizes how the bridge’s span division provides recreational opportunities under the bridge and a good view of the Robertsfors mill.
The winning proposal is a stylish, low-key design which highlights the landscape. From a distance, the bridge is perceived as a horizontal line through the open landscape.
The slender bridge girder is slightly raised from the slightly conical supports and contributes to the perceived lightness of the bridge.
The bridge jury's opinion can be read at Sveriges Arkitekter (in Swedish).