Until 1854, when the first Accademia bridge was built, the only place you could cross the Canal Grande was at the Rialto. The last major bridge construction was on the Scalzi, across from the train terminal, in 1934.
So it’s big news when the city adds another span over the Canalazzo, even if it is in the less glam part of town, close to where the 4-wheel beasts prowl at Piazzale Roma.
Above you behold an artist's rendition of the new steel, glass and stone structure, decidedly modern in appearance. (Click on the picture for an enlargement.) Its exact date of installation is being kept a secret for some odd reason, but the Mayor of Venice, Paolo Costa promises it will be functional by the end of the summer. It is being constructed in 77 pieces in a warehouse some 30 miles away, and will be towed into the city on barges and fit together Lego-style when the magic day arrives.
The bridge was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, who also designed the graceful parabolic arch bridge near the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. (I’ve got some photos of that masterpiece somewhere, but for now, follow this link). Calatrava beat out over 70 other architects for the job.
And of course, there are polemics. Many feel that its modern flavor is out of keeping with the character of Venice. (Counter-polemic from Paolo Costa: “This sends out a sign to the world of Venice's versatility and openness to new directions.”) And there are apparently serious issues about its accessibility to the handicapped. Calatrava did not want to burden the design aesthetics with unsightly wheelchair ramps (ouch), but promises that he’ll figure it something out “once it gets up and running”. I.e, he'll cross that canal when he comes to it.
As of about 2 weeks ago, the footings on both sides were almost ready, and one of the support "ribs" was leaning against the FS office building at Ferrovia. That metallic element has integral bracing through a central core thatopens upward to hold the walkway and opens downward to two auxilliary support cores. It is an intriguing piece of art as well as structure.
What is not ready yet is the pedestrian way from the east end of the bridge to the station.
Once opened, this will provide an invaluable link in Venezia - from Piazzale Roma to Ferrovia, connecting the two land forms of transport, without multiple bridges and/or water transport.
As for style - I find the design much more inviting than the Accademia Bridge - grace, not bulk.
I also appreciate that my beloved Venezia sees a future for itself as a vital, organic city, and not simply a museum of the past. The ability to hold two identities in creative tension is what built Venezia over the years, and will serve it well into the future.
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I think the bridge design seems like one that will likely be harmonious with the surroundings. The ferrovia is a modern structure as are a number of the other buildings closer to Piazzale Roma. And the design -- from what I've seen -- is not ostentatious or egotistical. It looks rather minimalistic, in fact, a graceful little arc that does its job, e' basta cosi'.
Did they REALLY need the bridge there, I wonder? It's a pain to get to the bus terminal from the train station, and vice versa, I guess. (I always kind of liked the walk, or the excuse to stand at the edge of the pontile and watch the traffic on the Canal as I waited for the vap.. ) The Scalzi is so close by. Oh well. I'm sure there are a thousand and three pages of transcripts from commission hearings on the topic, and I'm sure that the wisdom of the construction was stamped in triplicate.
By the way, if you and Elissa are still in Venice, it would be a great thing if you could email me a picture of the site and the footings. That would be great.
N.
Posted by: Randy Becker | June 17, 2004 at 01:00 PM
I don't understand - why would one not leave Venice by water? So depressing that end of town, - always signals an ending to me - or a dreaded train strike!
As far as the design, give me stone any day.
K
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Actually, this bridge has SOME Istrian stone (the stuff that much of Venice is built out of) on it somewhere, according to the press materials.
N.
Posted by: kurt | June 18, 2004 at 10:27 AM
I traveled to Venice with a priest-friend who only has one-eye (lost the other to cancer). What a challenge! He described Venice as the least handicap friendly city. He did find my guidance up and down the bridges a testament to faith. Made me feel good.
K
Posted by: Kurt | June 22, 2004 at 10:56 AM
I was involved in the dicussion for accessiblity witht HB Group and Mayor Costa and it was agree that the Bridge must be accessible. When was the article above written. How current is your information? SCRehder
Posted by: SHIRLEY CONFINO-REHDER | August 02, 2004 at 01:19 PM
Any more updates re the Calatrava Bridge and the accessibilty issues? My presentation on this issue is early december and I will be closing my files before I go to Brazil 27 Nov. I don't know if I will hav access to my email after that. Thanks.
Posted by: SHIRLEY CONFINO-REHDER | November 15, 2004 at 10:48 AM
please send me the design layout of the venice bridge.thank you.
Posted by: de graaff | September 20, 2006 at 06:34 AM
looking for more info. The bridge is now slated to ber clompleted this spring 2007. want to know cost overruns, accessible design, etc.
Posted by: shirley CONFINO-REHDER | January 24, 2007 at 11:38 AM
It was the perfect excuse to run around the city after dark with a camera...as if you needed one. But this past Tuesday, Our Lady of the Calatrava made her way up the Canal, a sight to behold. Mercy, she is RED.
A beauty, though. I didn't capture the passage nearly as well as I would have liked...put I posted the results on my blog. Enjoy!
Posted by: nan | August 09, 2007 at 11:07 AM
Hi,
there is also an on-line petition at http://firmiamo.it/unpontepertutti for ask to the venice major and to the italian president to not promote the bridge opening until all the people (also with disabilies) can go across him.
Posted by: Roberto Scano | August 20, 2008 at 07:56 AM
As a member of Venice Public Health Committee, I followed the public phases of Calatrava bridge construction across their long labour. Detailed reports can be easily found searching "calatrava" keyword in Venice ObServer search: http://venicexplorer.net/observer/index.php.
Within the articles you'll find links to the photographic evidences.
The report about Calatrava Bridge as of October 2008 can be found here:
http://venicexplorer.net/observer/index.php?modulo=view_article&articolo_id=1553 .
English text is linked by a GB Flag right below the cover photo.
Do not miss the commented photo evidences: http://venicexplorer.net/observer/images/calatrava-2008/index.php?hlangs=en .
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Posted by: Invertir en franqucias | May 25, 2011 at 01:29 PM
Rather actually! Oh well. I'm sure there are a thousand and three pages of transcripts from commission hearings on the topic, and I'm sure that the wisdom of the construction was stamped in triplicate.
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