Festina Lente (latin - hurry slowly) describes a lightweight, agile, adaptable casual contact among all objects and human beings. The basic idea of the bridge is the union of the secular and spiritual, to establish a balance between left and right side.
Crossing the bridge is a unique experience because of its specific layout and views that are encountered when going through the gate (closed part of the bridge). The bridge creates a threshold to the university by preparing users to enter into another dimension. The design intent is to awaken spirituality.
The technological solutions and modern design of the bridge highlight the capabilities of Sarajevo design to the world. Tender for the construction of a pedestrian bridge was announced in year 2007, and five years later the bridge was built. The winning submission coming from three industrial design students at the Academy of Fine Arts.
The bridge is constructed from steel with aluminum trim and a seamless glass fence, with the entire span being 38 meters. The bridge creates a true "genuis loci" appropriate to the area in front of the Academy of Fine Arts. This site was a former church built in time of the Viennese secession.
The form of Festina Lente is unique, simple and attractive yet at the same time the unexpectedness triggers a series of associations, establishing a new vision. The loop on the bridge is a symbolic gate, in Bosnian traditions, entries into cities are always been marked by gates. Line is a strong element to appear on most secession facilities, including the Academy of Fine Arts. Around the bridge we have different styles of facilites and two banks are completely different, one coverd with grass and another built from stone, exaggerating visual contrast.
On the bridge are two benches which are positioned under covered sections, becoming a place of meeting and interaction. To create further grandeur, white LED lights illuminate the bridge.