Tension Band Bridge "Max-Gleissner-Brücke" in Tirschenreuth
The sculptural bridge is destined for pedestrians and cyclists and spans its 85 meter length over the city pond. It was a cooperative competition entry between Berlin-based firm for architecture and landscape ANNABAU and Schüßler-Plan structural engineers for the „Landesgartenschau Tirschenreuth 2013“ (Garden Festival Tirschenreuth 2013).
The exposed wooden body of the bridge is closely connected to the historical meaning of wood in the city of Tirschenreuth, evident in the city`s name. Additionally, it refers to the local architecture, where untreated wood is often found in vernacular construction.
A minimal substructure built from steel tension bands lying on three, small concrete bases, reveals its wooden sculptural body and demonstrates its contextual sensitivity.