Galp Dynamic Bridge (Cycling and Pedestrian) over 2a circular
"Within its 2009 edition and the theme “It’s About Time”, EXD and the Galp Energia Foundation invite architects, engineers and all respective firms to design a new infrastructure for the Portuguese capital.
Due to a shared vision for building a legacy of sustainability in Lisbon and Portugal, EXD and the Galp Energia Foundation are collaborating on this landmark project. The bridge will facilitate access over a main motorway for cyclists and pedestrians. Hence, also encouraging the increased use of bicycles in the city.""
Reference: http://www.experimentadesign.pt/2009/en/00-02-01.html
Integration with the urban context:
Lisboa is considered as one of the largest urban centers in Western Europe. A Cycling and pedestrian bridge will be installed in a recognized urban area in Lisboa, over the 2a circular between Torres de Lisboa and Telheiras to encourage the increased use of bicycles in the city of 2.8 million inhabitants.
The circular Design will introduce a dynamic flow over Torres de Lisboa.
The new Landmark will add a contemporary architectural monument to the energetic urban area.
Architecture Concept:
The playful design solutions embody the life and character of the City of Lisboa. It will Integrate Art and Engineering in Public Infrastructure
A dynamic shift with circular ramps will hold the flow of the people and will create a new vision for these types of bridges.
The design consciously features and mitigates specific geometric Proportions. The Bridge consists of:
1-The base: it will hold the Galp company theme with the grooving sign and the orange color that will stick in the human perception.
2-Underneath bike parking.
3-Ramps which will be divided in width as: 1.5m for pedestrian, 1.5 for cycling and 0.7 meter for standing people.
4-Walls and handrails: the walls will vary in the heights which will create dynamic visionary connections between the people and the urban context.
5-Upper Plaza: to introduce a new vision and create a landmark project.
6-Skylights over the 2a circular
7-Lighting elements along the ramps which will create another look for the bridge at night.
Materials:
Concrete was selected as the most practical and economical material for a bridge of this size and configuration. The entire bridge project is constructed of concrete, using many standard construction items to display a wide range of capabilities in mixing, forming, and treating the material for aesthetic purpose, with combination of pre-cast and cast in place elements.
Sustainable Approach:
The new design will contain photovoltaic cells in the skylights which will help to generate the electricity used for the bridge lighting at night.
Suleiman Alhadidi
Suleiman Alhadidi, is a young architect and Artist. He Worked for Coop himmelb(l)au. In Vienna, Austria, before which he was working with "Laceco international" in Lebanon. During the year 2008 he won number of competitions including: • Winner royal botanic garden - visitor complex and winter garden - Jordan, • Winner of the AEEA international competition, present Architectures challenges. • Second Prize “the state of Kuwait embassy in Amman/Jordan”. • RIBA award (architects for health), short-list project (third place) “back to life- Tal al Rumman recreation complex”. • and two academic awards.