lombardini22 finishes pedestrian bridge in milan

lombardini22 finishes pedestrian bridge in milan
all images courtesy of lombardini22

construction has recently finished on the second pedestrian/cycling bridge over milan’s naviglio grande. the bridges, completed for EXPO 2015 SpA by lombardini22 group, are part of a larger plan to revitalize the water and cycle paths that inhabit the area surrounding naviglio grande and canale villoresi. 

pedestrians on the bridge 

at one point, the canals were an infrastructure for agricultural irrigation, and as a transportation system for goods and people. however, recently, they have come to represent an obstacle and dividing element to urban development within the city. the move to create connecting points represents a move by planners to bring urban continuity to the predominately creative, artisan community that calls the area home.

the bridge seen from below

the design of both is intentionally simple, borderline neutral. it’s lines draw influence from nature, taking a shape not unlike a dragonfly. the bridges are not only a path to pass, but also to rest and observe the bustling flow of traffic, trams, and athletes on either side. the bridges are composed of a trapezoidal section truss that lies on two pillars with ribbed supports running beneath the deck. 

lighting is provided in a multitude of places along the bridge, entirely with LED technology. the lights are programmable, allowing the city to minimize energy consumption and maintenance of the space. the platforms are paved with granite and porphyry, with anchor plates in aggregated concrete. 

from existing pedestrian/bike path 

four struts converge in three points to form the braces on either side of the canal 

the bridge and neighborhood 

aerial view 

bottom supports 

project info:

client: EXPO 2015 SpA, MM–metropolitana milanese SpA
design: lombardini22
project leader: arch. marco amosso
structural engineers: buro happold (ing. giammichele melis)
general contractor: maltauro SpA, metal structures — carraro steel srl
year: 2015
location: milano, naviglio grande & ripa di porta ticinese
dimensions: bridge via lombardini–length: 20.6m, bridge surface 95m², ground surface 245m²; bridge via parenzo–length:18m, bridge surface 87m², ground surface 180m²

designboom has received this project through its ‘DIY submissions’ feature, which welcomes readers to submit their own work for publication. see more designboom readers submissions here.

edited by: nick brink | designboom