OFL architecture: instant bridge, rome

'instant bridge, rome', italy by OFL architecture
all images courtesy OFL architecture


the majority of city bridges, in the past, were typically inhabited and were blended
with the surrounding housing style. this characteristic can be found in the historical
ponte vecchio in florence which survives unchanged with its direct connection between
the bridge’s architecture and the river.

the 'instant bridge' by  italian OFL architecture was born from this idea combining a pedestrian
bridge and making it a neighbourhood, whilst transforming the brick structure into a cultural building.

the pigneto district in rome had a notable evolution and transformation from a working-class
neighbourhood to a cultural and artistic one. nevertheless there is a strong disjunction of these
artistic scenes, limited to small existing shops; these elements make the district an artistic
underdeveloped neighbourhood.

the structure of the building is based around that of a dragonfly wing. inside there are several functions
distributed over 14 stories with a total height of 45 metres. these functions are reached by glass lifts
located at the sides of the building and across an internal system of escalators.



'instant bridge, rome'



the 'instant bridge'



detail of  'instant bridge' at night


every level is planned for a different purpose with materials and colours which accentuate the spaces.
the materials used are low cost and recyclable (e.g. non toxic paint). the steel structure is produced
using recycled rails from disused railways. the main structure, the façade and the interior spatial
elements merge into a single three-dimensional form. it is a very efficient and seismic proof structural
system that requires 30% less steel than a structure consisting of pillars and beams. the orthotropic
structure spans more than 15 meters and allows for natural daylight with carefully controlled natural
ventilation systems.



detail of  'instant bridge' at night



the interior



dragonfly wing



the bridge structure



points of the instant bridge



drawing of the instant bridge


drawing of the instant bridge



drawing of the instant bridge



monuments in rome


monuments in rome



cardboard model of instant bridge




cardboard model of instant bridge



model of instant bridge



model of instant bridge


project credits:
plan's title: pontèpigneto instant bridge
location: roma
organizer: pigmenti
sqm: 2000
cost: 2 m euro
materials: steel (facades), glass, concrete
project design: francesco lipari
project team: vanessa todaro, pierpaolo pugliano
timing: design 2010