Bridge

Obviously the bridge subject is historically meaningful in Venice, therefore the comparison is the first step towards design. Bridges in Venice are much more than simple connection links but proper parts of the daily walking paths: they are not as interruption or discontinuity elements, but vital nodes and access point. Considering the competition requirements the bridge has to be viewed as an urban place intercepting different flows in between the area of the “Biennale” exhibition; the bridge has to be a continuous and fluid element within its surrounding. The choice for a plastic shape wants to approach fluidity, offsetting slightly from the bank, above the water, avoiding rigid elements.
Ramps catch up the given height above water with minimal slope, responding to the requirements of accessibility, so to maintain coherence in this philosophy of fluidity.
The bridge must become a city place, a panoramic communication path, a new and stimulating point of view on the cultural district and also a resting place.
The aluminum hull provides wide recycling solutions and the best performances in an aggressive sea environment.
The intrinsic attributes of the aluminum gives the shape the desired evanescent aspect: surface reflectance is supposed to adapt the bridge to the place, to the water and to different lighting conditions with a wide range of chromatic changes. Again to provide dynamic and fluid behavior to the shape.
During the design process a particular attention was given to productive challenges. The same CAD/CAM system used during design has been chosen with the industry standards. Rapid prototyping will provide optimal quality standards and short schedule.

project: New Bridge for Venice
place: Venice, Italy
team: f. pedrini, Enrico Iascone, a. grassigli, r. ceccanti
program: 6400 sqm, offices
status: settled
year: 2003