The Rhein-Herne slinky

Following the slinky-inspired design of German artist Tobias Rehberger, a colourful ribbon wrapped in a swinging spiral connects the two existing parks either side of Germany’s Rhein-Herne canal.

Rhein-Herne canal footbridge

“Two steel ribbons made of high strength steel connect to the inclined supports across the canal. The resulting tension force is transferred into strong abutments through the outer vertical tension rods. The walkway consists of pre-cast concrete plates, bolted to the stress ribbon, to which the railing and spiral are attached. The springy synthetic pavement of the walkway as well as the colourful rhythmization of the concrete and coating amplifies the dynamic experience of the bridge.”

Rhein-Herne canal footbridge

Rhein-Herne canal footbridge

Rhein-Herne canal footbridge

Location: Oberhausen, Germany
Type of structure: stress ribbon bridge
Owner: Emschergenossenschaft
Completed: 2011
Scope of work: conceptual design, construction design, lighting design
Contractors: ARGE Stahlbau Raulf; IHT Bochum
Cooperation: Madako, Oberhausen

Rhein-Herne canal footbridge

Slinky spring bridge. More photos on CollabCubed.


Comments

7 responses to “The Rhein-Herne slinky”

  1. The Bridge is wonderful. Difficult to fund these things during austerity measures. Hopefully one day soon we’ll return to our artistic prime after we rid ourselves of this lingering outdated system.

  2. Acrobat Avatar
    Acrobat

    Slinky… Slinky… Everyone loves a Slinky…
    Yes it’s great to see someone having fun with design – and why not?

  3. I guess this is part of what real design is… making everyday objects look beautiful.

  4. I totally agree, Rahat… you couldn’t have said better. Way to go slinky!

  5. This reminds me of the playgrounds that used to be behind some fast food restaurants in the 80’s. The colors and materials are spot on.

    No doubt these would be fun to cross although a lot safer than those playgrounds.

  6. Hummmm.
    This is ART at its peak. Architecture with beauty and functionality.

  7. That’s just simply awesome. It’s not often that I really want to go across a bridge !

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