BUILD HARMONY WITH BRIDGES.

Conference by Professor Enzo Siviero, IUAV University of Venice.

Bridgescape

The design of the bridge is, in the most classic consideration, a cultural act that has its roots in the ancient triad firmitas, utilitas, venustas, which Vitruvius himself coined, wherein structural form and function coincide. Following these principles, Bridgescape is an approach to the work-context-landscape-suggestions “dialogue”, which is fascinating not only in the research into the type as the founding moment for the structural design, but also it is a basic assumption to encourage ongoing research into the formal potential that bridges offers in order to understand the meaning and the perception of the infrastructure of the landscape.

Professor Enzo Siviero is the promoter of the synergy between humanistic and scientific disciplines in the profession, research and teaching, following the ancient Vitruvius's principles and the Bridgescape philosophy.

Infact, to design and build bridges means to modify the existing landscape, characterized by its own history and a consolidated image rich with values, offering new possibilities that are not only functional, but also perceptive and relational. In these terms, the bridge should be seen in its harmonic positioning in the territory in its nature of object, the sum of particulars and construction detailing.

Some examples show how it is possible to link the design of bridges with the technical-functional problems of the place, the natural and anthropic characteristics of the environment, the historical heritage, the formal coherence with the existing elements of the landscape as expression of significances  and source for design inspiration.

These works, characterized by a methodological approach coherent with the needs of the urban and territorial context in which they are built, have produced a framework of formal results, starting from the extreme coherence with the surrounding context until merging with the surrounding environment, to arrive at the opposite end becoming a monument - a symbol, featuring a specific place and its portal transit. The acquisition of the wide range of cultural, contextual and functional references gave rise to a rich range of typological and formal expressions, translated into footbridge designs, always including the technical and constructive feasibility.