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Although our imaginary always depicts Venice as the city of history, picturesque water canals and charming antique bridges, there are some examples of contemporary design. One of them is the Constitution Bridge that was commissioned to Calatrava in 1996 and finally opened only 12 years later, in 2008. This bridge is different: it is made of glass. The only transparent overpass of Venetian waterways, the bridge for years has been a source of polemics.
Although our imaginary always depicts Venice as the city of history, picturesque water canals and charming antique bridges, there are some examples of contemporary design. One of them is the Constitution Bridge that was commissioned to Calatrava in 1996 and finally opened only 12 years later, in 2008. This bridge is different: it is made of glass. The only transparent overpass of Venetian waterways, the bridge for years has been a source of polemics.
Apparently so light and so bright, it did had some structural problems and Veneto's Court of Auditors did attempt to recoup 3.8 million Euros for the huge errors made by the Spanish engineer. The long gentle arch of Calatrava's bridge has a span to rise ration of either 16:1, and the mechanism he designed to compensate for this excessive horizontal thrust has proved inadequate to the task. As a result, constant monitoring of the bridge is required, along with expensive and unending maintenance.
Interestingly, the bridge with problematic structural inheritance costed a lot to the city of Venice. The initial budget was of 4 million Euros. But, as it turned out, by the time the bridge finally opened in 2008 the total bill came to at least three times that amount. Privilege of being a stararchitect? Perhaps… Well, Calatrava is famous for his budget “mistakes” and multiple legal court audiences in this regard.
Interestingly, the bridge with problematic structural inheritance costed a lot to the city of Venice. The initial budget was of 4 million Euros. But, as it turned out, by the time the bridge finally opened in 2008 the total bill came to at least three times that amount. Privilege of being a stararchitect? Perhaps… Well, Calatrava is famous for his budget “mistakes” and multiple legal court audiences in this regard.
What is more, many (rightly) claimed that the bridge is badly designed. Twisted ankles given by the irregular steps that try to allude to the smooth shape of the bridge is in fact another problem. Legends narrate that in the first 20 days after the bridge opening 10 tourists had sought treatment for unpleasant injuries.
Visiting Venice watch out! Let it be a tour of antique and picturesque and not contemporary design. By @NovozhilovaM
Visiting Venice watch out! Let it be a tour of antique and picturesque and not contemporary design. By @NovozhilovaM