Calatrava Footbridge
This footbridge is the second work of Santiago Calatrava in Athens, after the recast of OAKA for the Athens Olympic Games in 2004.
Modern and Contemporary era (1821 - )
2002 Beginning of construction.
2004 Completed.
Ottoman era (1453- 1821)
Byzantine era (331 AC- 1453)
Roman era (30 BC- 330 AC)
Hellenistic era (322- 31 BC)
Classical era (478-323 BC)
Archaic era (800-479 BC)
Geometric era (-1100- 800 BC)
Prehistory (-1100 BC)
What I can see
On a main avenue of the city, the Mesogeion Avenue, we see a contemporary footbridge designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. It is 94m long, 6m high from the ground, and has a 50m high pillar. Metal rays extend outward along the entire length of the bridge, with the shape evoking that of an ancient trireme or harp. It is also illuminated from below, and has escalators and an elevator. Despite its impressive design and size, many seem to view the bridge as a constructive exaggeration, because it is out of scale compared to most surrounding buildings and has been a high-cost project for the purpose it serves.
What I can't see
Around this point, the municipality of Athens begins. The bridge, therefore, functions as a gate to the historic city and is also located on the route of the classic marathon. When creating its design, the architect was inspired by ancient ships, musical instruments, furniture, and the ancient tombstone and seat of Hegeso. The same architect also renovated the Olympic Sports Centre (O.A.K.A.) for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, thus leaving his artistic imprint upon two sites in the city.
Info
- Address: Messogeion Av.
Bibliography
https://www.in.gr/2001/08/29/greece/paroysiastikan-ta-sxedia-tis-pezogefyras-poy-tha-enwsei-ti-mesogeiwn-me-tin-katexaki/
Last visit 23/11/2020
Field observation by scientific editors
