In France a few weeks back i saw a news article with architects plans for a dramatic new bridge in central Venice - a very imposing curved span over i believe the Grand Canal

I did not get a chance to read the article but just glanced at the drawing and headlines

It looked like the bridge may span the area between St Marks Square and the opening of the Grand Canal nearby but not sure

Anyone know more?

It goes from Piazzale Roma to Santa Lucia train station.

It's from the railway station to Piazzale Roma, Pal.

http://europeforvisitors.com/venice/...-calatrava.htm

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/eu...rs-432454.html

It looks hideous IMO ...

Steve

thanks - at least in that area it may not ruin too much

It'll ruin most people's first impression, I think ;(

I've been reading about this in the emails I get from VeniceWord. The Venetians hate it and it has become a financial disaster.

Has it been approved?

Is it being built?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNHiC...ava-videos.htm

Looks awful.

Here's another one -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LO0PSYID0-A&NR=1

I agree that the modern style of the bridge is certainly going to look out of place with the rest of the Venetian architecture. What were they thinking?

it will be interesting to see what it looks like when it's finished. Italians do wonderful modern - while it doesn't blend in with the general tone of Venice - something that contrast might be very interesting. Hasn't there been arguments/concerns that Venice is turning into a theme park?

it seems that Calatrava is designing the bridge - he does very interesting structures.

Off hand it would not seem that a bridge between Pza Roma and the train station is all that vital???

what am i missing?

is there that much foot traffic between the two?

I, for one, will be delighted when this bridge is finished. Our favorite Venetian hotel is just the other side of the train station. To get to it from Piazzale Roma in the past, we've either had to get on a vaporetto for one stop (with our luggage) or lug everything over three bridges. One bridge will be a relief.

They could make it a lot easier to get around Venice, just fill in the canals and pave it over.

LOL SeaUrchin, oh how the Venitians would love your idea

Actually a friend of my in that area who studied to be an architect is quite enthused about the bridge. Others not so much. It kind of reminds me of when the TransAmerica pyramid was built in SF. Oh my the outrage! But of course since than it is used as one of the symbols of SF.

Your right Sea Urchin, Then we could just drive across the new bridge.

How sad. I hate it.

I trust Calatrava.

And I like when architects are daring enough to juxtapose modern with tradition.

Most of my Venetian friends are more bothered by the cost over-runs and the delays than the design itself. It does look much better in person than any picture I've yet seen.