PONTE BURIANO

Sybarite entered a competition run by the Consiglio Nazionale APPC to design a permanent bridge to replace the historical Buriano Bridge.

Designing a new crossing over the Arno river as an alternative to the historic Buriano bridge would require a thorough analysis of the site and its context, topography, and surroundings, while also being respectful of the history and character of the site.

The design was inspired by the potential user – taking an ‘istante’ to experience ‘equilibrio’, and a ‘memento’ to transform through ‘metamorfosi’.

The design captures the intrinsic connection and perfect balance between architecture and environment, man and nature.

Inspired by the curvilinear elegance, shape and form of the ‘petali’ of the Iris flower – a seemingly delicate flower that is built to withstand harsh and torrid weather conditions. Underneath, delicate reflections and shadows from the Arno River evoke shapes reminiscent of the deeply rooted ‘radici’ of the flowers that naturally grow on the banks of the Arno River.

The concept is a metamorphosis of geometries and prophetic lines that vary from each vanishing point. Conceived in a masterful mix of local sandstone. ‘Arenaria rossa’ in warm and enveloping tones covers the entire structure. ‘Arenara verde’ is austere and slightly brutalist, covering the carriageway and the cycle lane. ‘Arenara Gialla’ in delicate and light tones for the pedestrian area and the stepped belvedere.

Sybarite were shortlisted 9th out of the 10 finalists.