Five years ago, three Bosnian students from Academy of Fine Arts, Adnan Alagić, Bojan Kanlić and Amila Hrustić won the competition for the design of this bridge. This project, called “Festina Lente” is localised outside of Academy of Fine Arts in Sarajevo and offers a loop inside the bridge. Festina Lente, which in Latin means “make haste, slowly”, spans 38 metres over the Miljacka river and loops-the-loop in the middle to create a shelter with two seats. More details from the architects after the jump.
Courtesy of Adnan Alagić,Bojan Kanlić& Amila Hrustić
Project Description from Adnan Alagić, Bojan Kanlić and Amila Hrustić
The basic idea of the bridge is the union of the secular and spiritual and to establish a balance between left and right side. Crossing the bridge is a unique experience because of its specific layout and the views that we encounter when going through the gate (the closed part of the bridge), preparing us to enter into another dimension and awake spirituality. Technological solutions and the modern design of the bridge become the brand of Sarajevo. The tender for the construction of a pedestrian bridge was announced in 2007, and five years later the bridge was built. The bridge construction is steel with aluminium trim and a glass fence. The bridge spans 38 metres. The bridge creates a true “genius loci” appropriate to the area in front of the temple as the Academy of Fine Arts. The former church, today the Academy of Fine Arts, was built in the time of the Viennese secession.
Courtesy of Adnan Alagić,Bojan Kanlić& Amila Hrustić
Its form is unique, simple and attractive at the same time and because of the unexpectedness triggers a series of associations, establishing a new vision. The loop on the bridge is a symbolic gate – in our traditions, entrances in the cities have always been marked by gates. Line appears on most Secession facilities, among which is the Academy of Fine Arts.
Around the bridge we have different styles of facilities and two benches which are completely different, one covered with grass and another built from stone, which we decided on for visual contrast. On the bridge are two benches in covered sections, so it’s a place of meeting and interacting. White LED lights light the bridge.
Courtesy of Adnan Alagić,Bojan Kanlić& Amila Hrustić