Passerella Ciclopedonale sull'Arno
First place winner in the design Competition for the construction of a cycle and pedestrian bridge over the Arno between Limite and Tinaia. The architectural design represents a synthesis of functionality, aesthetics and respect for the context. The bridge is not just a piece of infrastructure, but a symbolic bridge that rebuilds the link between man and the river, celebrating its history and future potential. The project is a sustainable and harmonious solution, capable of improving the quality of the landscape and the lives of local communities.
The Arno River, a central and defining feature of the area, acts as a natural boundary but also as a symbolic link between the urban bank of Limite sull'Arno and the surrounding rural landscape.
On one side, the built-up area of Limite presents itself as a historical continuum, a linear extension that tells the centuries-old story of the dialogue between water and man.
On the other, the left bank retains a more spontaneous and naturalistic character, with the Arnovecchio oasis serving as a reference point for biodiversity and sustainable use.
The duality between urban and natural is therefore the distinctive feature of the place.
This tension between the built environment and nature gives rise to the need for a structure that not only connects the two banks but also unites them ideally, recognising their specific characteristics and enhancing their intrinsic qualities.
The architectural design fully adheres to the strategies defined in the concept design presented in the tender documentation, with the aim of creating an infrastructure that functions as a physical and symbolic bridge between the community and the landscape. The basic idea is that of an elegant, light and recognisable structure that blends delicately into the natural and urban context without altering the historical layout of the settlement. The footbridge is designed to be a distinctive architectural feature, but without dominating the landscape. The central pylon, which symbolically recalls the letter “A” of Arno, becomes an iconic and identifying element, while maintaining a sober and discreet profile. The slender shape and dynamic design of the deck emphasise the balance between functionality and visual harmony.
The architectural design, developed in line with the competition concept design, represents a synthesis of functionality, aesthetics and respect for the context. The footbridge is not just an infrastructure, but a symbolic bridge that rebuilds the link between man and the river, celebrating its history and future potential. The project is a sustainable and harmonious solution, capable of improving the quality of the landscape and the life of local communities.