Kruunusillat

In 2013, Knight Architects and WSP Finland won an international design competition run by the city of Helsinki, entitled ‘Kruunusillat’ or ‘Crown Bridges’.

Thirteen years later, the project’s centrepiece Kruunuvuorensilta crossing is now Finland’s longest and tallest bridge, having opened to pedestrians and cyclists on 18th April 2026. The 1.2km crossing features a distinct, slender 135m - tall concrete diamond tower that supports two 250m cable-stayed spans, and has a design life of some 200 years. The structure has quickly become an instantly recognisable symbol of the city, referencing the historic crown ownership of the bay area.

The project connects the city centre with the new waterside suburb of Laajasalo, facilitating the development of a new community. Crucially, and unusually for a structure of this scale, the bridge is designed to be car-free, carrying only light rail, pedestrians, and cyclists. This design fundamentally promotes a modal shift, forming a vital component of Helsinki’s future transportation aspirations toward zero-carbon journeys.

Knight Architects have been involved from concept through to completion, developing the initial competition-winning concept together with WSP, and refining it throughout its procurement into a cost-effective, buildable and long-lasting crossing. The bridge will open to tram traffic in early 2027.