Building a bridge

Activity description

Bridge building is a clever team activity where participants must collaborate to design, assemble, and erect a structure capable of supporting a load—often represented by a small vehicle or the passage of a teammate.
Using simple materials (cardboard, light wood, string, etc.), teams face a challenge that blends creativity, communication, and strategy.

What does it impact ?

• Optimizing collaboration and work quality : Bridge building requires smooth coordination among team members to delegate tasks, solve problems, and manage time and material constraints.
• Stimulating innovation and creativity : Faced with limited materials and time, participants must think outside the box to create original structures, test surprising ideas, and improvise clever solutions.

What should the organizer prepare ?

• Choose a spacious location with tables or a clear area on the floor.
• Prepare building materials: cardboard, wooden sticks, glue, tape, string, etc.
• Plan a timing or countdown system.
• Provide a weight to test the strength of the bridges.
• Print clear instructions and distribute them to the teams.
• Set up an evaluation system or a jury.

How to achieve our goals on the big day ?

• Assign defined roles in each team: project leader, materials manager, timekeeper, etc.
• Launch a short team debate before starting to align visions.
• Add funny constraints (e.g. remain silent or speak only in rhymes for 5 minutes).
• Host a final exhibit where each team presents their bridge and workflow.
• Let participants vote for humorous awards: most artistic bridge, most suspicious structure, etc.
• Wrap up with a collective reflection on what each person learned about teamwork.

When is the right context for this activity ?

• When teams need to get to know each other quickly.
• After a merger or reorganization to rebuild connections.
• To defuse interpersonal tensions in a fun setting.
• When launching a cross-functional project that requires effective collaboration.
• To energize a team after a period of stress or intensity.

Other benefits

• Low material cost for a highly engaging activity.
• Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
• Easily adaptable for indoor or outdoor settings.
• Develops logical thinking and time management under pressure.

See what others have done 👋

• A tech company in Bangalore watched its bridge collapse dramatically just after placing their inflatable “lucky mascot” on it.
• At Volvo, a bridge inspired by automotive mechanics was built, but turned out far too complex to stay upright for more than 30 seconds!
• An SME in Calgary used melted cheese as glue for a themed challenge, resulting in a smelly yet surprisingly stable bridge!
• A team of accountants in Chicago submitted a bridge made entirely of unused printed reports. A silent revenge on endless meetings!!!
• In Spain, a company specializing in outdoor activities created a foldable bridge that fits in a backpack and tested it in a park!