Arganzuela Footbridge: Spiraling Conical Bridge Spans Madrid’s Manzanares River

The Arganzuela Footbridge in Madrid is now open for <a href="http://inhabitat.com/calatrava-reveals-new-foot-and-bike-bridge/">pedestrians and bikers</a> to cross the Manzanares River and access a beautiful new park below. Designed by Paris-based <a href="http://www.perraultarchitecte.com/" target="_blank">Dominique Perrault</a>, the bridge features two conical shapes that have been wrapped in interlocking metallic ribbons spiraling around the structure. The screens allow daylighting and rain to pass through to the park below rather than blocking one section completely. Pedestrians and bikers can catch the sights along the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/worlds-first-double-helix-pedestrian-bridge-opens-in-singapore/" target="_blank">footbridge</a>, particularly of the famous Toledo Bridge set against a beautiful view of the famous river.

The Arganzuela Park was created after two embankment roads along the river were removed and the footbridge was designed to connect the left bank with the right bank of the river.

Designed as two conical shapes, the two halves of the bridges meet on the east side of the river at a small hill, the high point of the bridge.

The steel bridge appears to float midair as it is supported by two pillars on each end.

Footings for the bridge are buried beneath new parkland and visitors can access the new park and trails at various locations, one of which is in the very middle of the bridge.

The sunlight glitters off the metal shade screens during the day.

The spiraling profile over the river in the setting sun.

The pedestrian bridge is over 250 meters long and expands from 5 to 12 meters in diameter from the edges to the center of the bridge.

Metal screens spiraling around the exterior provides shades for pedestrians inside, but still encourages natural ventilation to pass through as well as daylighting and rain to fall on the park below.

Wooden slats from the base of the footpath and interior lighting illuminates the space at night.

The 23 hectare park and bridge were built partially on top of a buried highway.

Both were inaugurated in April and are quickly becoming a new favorite urban scene and a prominent new landmark.

Drawings of the elements of the conical bridges

Rendering of the bridge and park when fully grown up.