Dialogue With The Jetty Public Space

Dialogue With The Jetty Public Space

Dialogue with the Jetty Public Space is an innovative architectural intervention along Lake Geneva that transforms a historical jetty into a vibrant public space, exemplifying excellence in accessible urban design. The project, completed in 2016, features a 190-meter-long wooden walkway with an average width of 3.80 meters, conceived as a wide ribbon that harmoniously follows the existing stone jetty's length. This thoughtfully designed structure begins with a step-free welcoming platform that ensures universal accessibility directly from the quay. The design's most distinctive feature is its creative use of oak planking, sourced locally from the Canton of Geneva, which ingeniously transitions from flooring to sculpted benches that evoke the appearance of wooden rocks along the waterfront. These uniquely contoured seating areas, spanning approximately 22 meters in three distinct zones, encourage multiple creative uses while incorporating ergonomic considerations. The project's technical innovation is demonstrated through its mobile footbridge, which seamlessly integrates with the walkway when flat and transforms into an arched wave when raised, allowing boat passage while maintaining pedestrian access. The structure employs prefabricated concrete for its foundation, with solid oak decking and benches featuring precise dimensions of 80x3800x120mm, complemented by 30 pairs of stainless steel scissors in the footbridge mechanism. This Iron A' Design Award-winning project stands approximately 70 centimeters above the lake during summer and 1.20 meters in winter, offering a dynamic public space that enhances the urban landscape while preserving the historical significance of the original jetty.

public space design, waterfront architecture, accessible urban planning, sustainable wood construction, ergonomic street furniture, innovative footbridge design

— Adam Dawson