The Bridge of Remembrance in Hobart links two of the city’s most significant public spaces – the Cenotaph and Soldiers Memorial Avenue on the Queens Domain.

An elegant, twisting plane, the 200-metre-long bridge connects both sides of the broad highway entering Hobart, providing a distinctive entry portal to the city. The four-metre-wide bridge emerges from the ground as an angular shard of metal, forming the vertical retaining wall at the base of the ramp. The plane slowly leans back, momentarily reaching a horizontal position at the end of Anzac Parade, before continuing to twist and slowly rising to near vertical as it terminates on the western side.

The bridge design responds to the duality of the site in form and materials. The two planes echo each other, twisting in parallel and flanking the bridge deck. This duality and contrast is reinforced at night, with the functional and feature lighting strategy illuminating the lighter, ‘internal’ surface, while leaving the darker soffit in shadow.

The design is respectful to the sensitive cultural heritage and environmental values of the site. It is elegant and restrained while being open to multiple interpretations, providing the space, physically and mentally, for people to pause and reflect.

The abstract form of the bridge lends itself to multiple readings and interpretations. This allows diversity of meaning, depending upon the observer. Potential associations that can be read into the profile include; the sleek prow of a ship, reflecting the proud Tasmanian maritime tradition; the curvature of the Tasmanian shoreline or rolling hills; or the profile of Gallipoli row boats.

The user experience has been carefully considered. Approaching from the west, two triangular profiles or wings rise between the trees, marking the way forward. As the user ascends the abutment, the two wings stand sentinel before them. At the top of the rise, the Cenotaph is framed by the flanking wings and as the user passes through, they fold back revealing the broader views of the Domain and the city beyond. Midway along the route, the flat profile of the wings creates a natural pause point and a counterpoint to the Cenotaph. The end of the ramp is a respectful distance from the Eternal Flame and Cenotaph, while still allowing the user to be engaged with this important commemorative site.

Funded by the Australian Government’s Anzac Centenary Arts and Culture Fund and delivered for the City of Hobart, the AUD11M Bridge commemorates the centenary of the First World War, plays a critical role in linking the Queens Domain and activates adjacent areas and future developments.

The 200-metre-long bridge connects both sides of the broad highway entering Hobart, providing a distinctive entry portal to the city.

The Bridge of Remembrance in Hobart links two of the city’s most significant public spaces – the Cenotaph and Soldiers Memorial Avenue on the Queens Domain.

The end of the ramp leaves a respectful distance from the Eternal Flame and Cenotaph.

The design is respectful to the sensitive cultural heritage and environmental values of the site.

The two planes echo each other, twisting in parallel and flanking the bridge deck.

Two triangular profiles rise between the trees, marking the way forward.