Tondo Bridge Brussels structure design, OFFICE Kersten Geers David Van Severen Belgian architecture images
Tondo Bridge in Brussels
22 August 2024
Design: OFFICE Kersten Geers David Van Severen
Location: Brussels, Belgium, Europe
Photos by Bas Princen
Tondo Bridge, Belgium
The ‘Tondo’ is a unique footbridge connecting two buildings of the Belgian Federal Parliament in the heart of Brussels. More than just a functional passageway, the bridge was conceived as a spatial experience, emphasizing architectural expression over technical necessity. Its name is inspired by the Renaissance tradition of the ‘Tondo’—a circular painting—reflected in the bridge’s ring-like design, which elegantly hovers between the buildings. The circular form creates a spacious loop that serves not only as a corridor but also as a dynamic meeting space, encouraging interaction and dialogue among those who cross it.
The design of the Tondo cleverly addresses the 90cm height difference between the floors of the two connected buildings. Instead of relying on conventional steps or ramps, it uses a single, wheelchair-accessible slope with a gentle 4% incline, seamlessly integrating accessibility into the overall design. From the street, the bridge presents itself as a ‘closed’ structure, drawing comparisons to historic enclosed bridges like the Bridge of Sighs. Its exterior is clad in mirrored panels that reflect both the 18th-century facade of the Parliament building and its more contemporary counterpart, blending the old and new elements of Brussels’ architectural landscape.
Upon closer inspection, a subtle glazed opening offers glimpses of the interior passage, hinting at the connection between the buildings. Structurally, the bridge is a stiff disc, with the floor suspended from the roof, allowing for minimal visible support and giving the impression of a light, floating pavilion. This delicate balance between structure and transparency makes the Tondo appear almost ephemeral, an elegant architectural intervention that merges function, accessibility, and aesthetic presence. The Tondo transforms what could have been a simple connection into a thoughtful, multi-layered experience within the Belgian capital’s political heart.
Tondo Bridge, Brussels, Belgium in Brussels, Belgium – Building Information
Design: OFFICE Kersten Geers David Van Severen – https://www.officekgdvs.com/
Year: 2017 – 2020
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Status: Built
Client: The Federal Government of Belgium
Surface: 110 sq. m.
Collaborators: Bollinger+Grohmann, hp engineers
Award: Competition 1st prize, Brussels Architecture Prize (2021, nomination ‘small intervention‘), Staalbouwprijs/
Steel Building Award (2022), EU Mies van der Rohe awards (2022, shortlist)
Photography: Bas Princen
Art Room, Brussels, Belgium images / information received 210824 from OFFICE Kersten Geers David Van Severen
Location: Brussels, Belgium, western Europe
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