Greek architect Aristide Antonas shared his latest project,a bridge that responds to the urban level and the expansions of the city center toward Drava. Intending to produce a new urban situation, the project is seen as an expanding element of the city. The proposed bridge sits closely to an existing one – a move Antonas that explains adds another possibility to the developing riversides. ”We have to imagine a possible constitution of the two sides in order to propose a possible link…We are supposed to think through the perspective of the coming years: how could we create the conditions for an animated area in the place where now lay two more or less neglected riversides?”
More about the project, including more images, after the break.
The starting point of the project began with evaluating the current conditions and seeking answers to how the bridge may transform the river. The project sees the addition of a “water living room” that not only marks the articulation between the two riversides but also propose the “architectonic program for a stay” in the bridged areas. Plus, a junction between the older bridge and the new one will have to be possible.
The project proposes to join connect the existing with the new through a narrow strip that is only shaped as a continuation of the proposed riverbed floors. An island platform is created in a place where the river is shallow, positioned with caution not to incommode the flux of floating boats. This platform is completed as an amphitheater pier and serves as a possible meeting point where people can gather for a cultural event.
Ramps propose the link of the new pedestrian bridge to the old bridge’s sidewalk which is expected to be used even after the construction of the new bridge. A vast island-platform in immediate relation to the river’s water is installing another smaller , “interior”, alternative sitting place.
“This proposal can be read as a multiple investigation about urban surfaces. What an urban surface could be nowadays? How can we create complex, urban, relational conditions using surfaces? A manipulation of surfaces formed the research vocabulary of this work,” explained Antonas.
Architect: Aristide Antonas Civil engineer: Christos Kaklamanis Collaborator : Katerina Koutsogianni
