FESTINA LENTE BRIDGE
FESTINA LENTE BRIDGE
Festina Lente is a pedestrian bridge in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It connects the busy city center with the serene riverside, which is home to the Academy of Fine Arts (where I studied 🖤).
I was a student when my colleagues and I won a public competition with the concept design (out of 42 submissions). Today it is one of THE attractions in the city and I must admit, I do get a bit emotional every time someone visits Sarajevo and sends me a photo of it.
Festina Lente ("rush slowly" in Latin) embodies the Sarajevan mindset of intensity at a leisurely pace. The loop represents an invitation to slow down, take a seat, and chat—a very cherished tradition in Bosnia. The design captures the essence of Sarajevo's rich cultural heritage, connecting past and future, sacred and spiritual.
“There is a new generation of young Sarajevans, who are blessed with the self-belief of their generation. They see Sarajevo as theirs and are molding the city inspired, not burdened, by the pull of history. One of the most dramatic examples of this can be seen in the Festina Lente pedestrian bridge.”
Concept designers: Bojan Kanlic, Amila Hrustic, Adnan Alagic / Mentor: Stjepan Ros /
Concept designers: Bojan Kanlic, Amila Hrustic, Adnan Alagic / Mentor: Stjepan Ros /
Photo / Video credits: Midhat Mujkic, amyrxa, sarajevoflycam, dronsarajevo