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Admiral Harbour Bridge

  • Harbour area
  • Public space design
  • Architectural concept
Tallinn | Estonia
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In 2018, Estonia celebrated its 100th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the country launched a design competition for a new bridge in the center of Tallinn, the capital city. ECHO urban design, in collaboration with Witteveen+Bos and the Latvian firm Novarc Group, won the competition with our landmark design for the Admiral Harbour Bridge.

Constructing the bridge across the canal is a significant cultural milestone for Estonia. It represents forward-looking progress in technology and innovation. The Admiral Harbour Bridge will become Estonia’s first dynamically movable bridge—a truly unique structure, both in appearance and functionality. The design presents a distinctive gesture towards the Old Town, while also serving as the centerpiece of the city’s waterfront redevelopment, as outlined in the masterplan by Zaha Hadid Architects.

Client: Tallinna Sadam
Design: 2017 – 2020
Type: Public space design, Architectural concept
Status: Winner of an International Design Competition, Realised
Program: Movable pedestrian bridge
Partners: Witteveen & Bos, Signify, photography Hendrik Osula
Aerial photo Kaarel Tuul 2022
Photo Kaarel Tuul

Design and development

The bridge is a distinctive experience in the daily lives of cruise passengers and the future residents of the redeveloped harbor district. The Admiral Harbour Bridge holds cultural significance as both a work of art and an innovative engineering structure. It was conceived as a symbol to celebrate Estonia’s centennial in 2018. This modern swing bridge resembles a dynamic, inclined gateway, presenting a different appearance depending on whether it is open or closed.

With this design, we created a welcoming connection with a strong sense of place and experience. The bridge is logically positioned within its future surroundings and will serve as an important link for cyclists and pedestrians. A spectacular lighting scheme, integrated into the structure, creates opportunities within the immediate vicinity of the bridge itself. The programmable lighting can support a wide range of events on the water, along the quay, and on the bridge, enhancing its role as a vibrant public landmark.

Masterplan ZHA, render by Negativ
Photography Hendrik Osula
Photography Hendrik Osula
Photography Hendrik Osula
Photography Hendrik Osula
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