studio beltrame suspends circular ice-skating bridge within mountainous tarvisio, italy

a circular suspended gathering place by studio beltrame

in tarvisio, italy, studio beltrame has designed the ‘ice bridge‘, a circular suspended platform that changes use during the different seasons. when frozen in winter, it converts into an ice-skating rink, while in summer can host group activities and events. although it can change its function, the main concept behind the project was to serve as a gathering point, inviting people all around to interact and enjoy the mesmerizing views. the idea derived from the unique geographical location of tarvisio, which is a junction between the borders of italy, austria, and slovenia.all images by studio beltrame

a cultural hub that bridges the different countries 

tarvisio is a growing ski destination in the italian alps, and the ‘ice bridge’ stands on a key location connecting the ski slopes and the village. embracing the idea of the cultural hub, the architects (see more here) coated the bridge in euro-blue matte steel. as they mentioned, it’s a reminiscence of the european union flag, as a metaphor for bringing people together while celebrating the outstanding location. 

the structure covers an overhang radius of 10 meters. in winter, taking advantage of the cold temperature and humidity from the river passing under, the bridge can serve as an ice-skating rink. vapor sprinklers will be utilized when the weather conditions won’t suffice. to guarantee a safe activity for pedestrians, the architects formed a metal mesh surrounding the platform.

in summer, the ring with a soft tartan top finish can accommodate group activities such as yoga and meditation, and invite young and older for play and interaction. the goal was to design a place rather than a passage, a small and suspended piazza between the village and the ski slopes, where to slow down for a conversation, to breathe, and to look at the surrounding mountains.

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project info:

name: ice bridge
designer: studio beltrame | @studio.beltrame

location: tarvisio, italy

GFA: 314 sqm 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.