Until the 1850, Canal Grande was just crossed by the magnificent and famous Rialto bridge: no other bridge was on the winding lagoon path!!
In 10 years, Austrians, who governed the city, realized what that during many centuries Serenissima had not able to do. Two bridges were built: one facing the Railway Station the other nearby the Accademia Gallery. Two iron bridges that, even modified later in form and materials, put a sign on the city landscape.

For many years it's been discussed if Venice should, or better could have another bridge. The historical fabric of the city, so strongly distinguished, did not allow any further integration, neither that one due to the construction of a new building.
Incredible development of international tourism associated with new demands of the city brought often the attention on the secular city of most famous architects. But times when Venice was a laboratory for architectural workings passed: occasions lost with Le Corbusier, Kahn, Wright, and more recently with Siza, demonstrated that the attitude was not the best.

Now another possibility: the occasion to leave a strong sign but light at the same time and almost not "offensive" in the traditional culture.
The bridge that Spanish engineer Santiago Calatrava thought for Venice invites to the respect of the place.
Intention to link the arrival area of Venice (Piazzale Roma) with the railway station area, is a real necessity that cannot be extended: solve the problem is not so easy.
An occasion that must not be wasted.

 

 

 

Drawnings: the fourth bridge on Gran Canal in Venice, by Spanish engineer S. Calatrava