Architects envision a landmark footbridge for Latvia's historic Gauja National Park

In light of the Gauja National Park's 45th anniversary, the Nature Conservation Agency of Latvia and Bee Breeders organized a competition seeking design ideas for a footbridge that will serve as an architectural landmark to the historic 90,000-hectare park, as well as allow cars and trucks to pass underneath.

The international competition drew a variety of design approaches. Some submissions drew from natural forms or elements, while several others incorporated verticality to create viewing platforms. The jury gravitated toward submissions with structural integrity, offered pedestrians a unique viewing experience of the park, and had strong potential to become a symbolic entrance/exit for the park.

Three prize winners, a BB Student and BB Green Prize winner, and six honorable mentions were selected. Check out the prize-winning entries below.

↓ 1ST PRIZE - “Flow: Between City and River”. PROJECT AUTHOR: Abraham Fung | Australia

↓ 2ND PRIZE - Gauja National Park Footbridge. PROJECT AUTHOR: Paul Kaloustian | Lebanon

↓ 3RD PRIZE - “THE BARK BRIDGE - A suspended tree trunk walkway.” PROJECT AUTHORS: Michel Boucquillon, Donia Maaoui | Italy

↓ BB STUDENT PRIZE + BB GREEN PRIZE - “Gauja Park Gateway”. UNIVERSITY MACKINTOSH SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE - PROJECT AUTHOR: Inness Yeoman | United Kingdom

You can find all the honorable mentions and further details about the prize-winning entries here.