Tondo is a pedestrian bridge that links two buildings of the Belgian Federal Parliament located in the heart of Brussels. This bridge is designed as a spatial element rather than just a technical connector. It features a circular form suspended between the two buildings, hence the name “Tondo,” inspired by the circular paintings from the Renaissance era.
The spacious walkway connects the outer walls of the two buildings, serving not only as a passageway but also as a reception space. The design incorporates a gentle “detour” that accommodates a 90-centimeter height difference between the floors by using a 4% slope, ensuring easy accessibility for wheelchair users.
On the side facing the city, the bridge presents a “closed” facade, paying homage to the traditional form of the Sigh Bridge. Its exterior is clad with mirrored panels that reflect both the 18th-century architecture of the parliament building and the contemporary buildings across the street. Through a glass opening, the narrow passage between the two structures is subtly visible.
Structurally, the bridge resembles a hard disk, with its floor suspended from the roof and almost no visible supporting elements. It appears as an almost empty, floating pavilion bridging the two buildings.
Project Drawings
△ General Layout Plan
△ Plan View
△ Section Diagram
Project Information
Architect: OFFICE Kersten Geers David Van Severen
Area: 110 m²
Year: 2020
Photographer: Bas Princhen
Design Team: Kersten Geers, David Van Severen, Stefaan Jamaer, Bert Rogiers, Steven Bosmans, Enea Facoetti
Structural Engineering: Bollinger+Grohmann
Technical Engineering: HP Engineers
Location: Brussels, Belgium
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