ABSTRACT
Varvsbron’, a pedestrian and cycle bridge; and a key part of ambitious plans to revitalise the city of Helsingborg, connects the main Public Transport hub, across the ferry link to Denmark and the existing harbour, to a new urban development of the docks called Oceanhamnen. Ramboll's team were successful in an international design competition with their innovative proposal for a unique bridge form, a suspension/cable stayed hybrid, conceived as a gently inclined flowing S form. This paper charts the development of the design, focusing primarily on the use of parametric modelling software to determine the bridge's intricate 3-dimensional geometry and address complex structural and buildability issues. The paper describes how the use of CATIA facilitated a merging of the design and analysis processes allowing a seamless transition between traditionally distinct stages of design, fabrication, and installation on site.
