Design Team: Alessandro Caronia - Architect, Guido Generali - Engineer.

Scheme for the London Bridge 800 European Design Competition - 2009.

The project set out to reinterpret the idea of the previously inhabited London Bridge in a contemporary manner. A main structure of curvilinear steel pillars frames the new complex, which comprises five mix-used blocks alternating with four gaps (plazas). A multilevel system of decks and panoramic platforms links the blocks, creating a fluid promenade on the first two levels and a panoramic terrace on the top floor. The summits of the steel pillars support curvilinear photovoltaic canopies (“photovoltaic leaves”) that create a unique image for the bridge.

A system of walkways and public spaces runs across the first two levels of the bridge. At both sides of the ground floor two cantilevering decks provide access to the residential upper storeys and to retail, gallery and cafe areas. On the upper level a central, wide walkway expands at intervals towards the river via 4 plazas ending with cantilevering panoramic platforms. This allows the creation of a continuous promenade with retail, art galleries, cafes and meeting spaces.

All residential units have ample glazed surfaces and balconies looking on to the river. Each residential block is clad or finished with a different material or stucco colour. A temporary exhibition space and a cafeteria with glazed surfaces are located on the top level (fifth floor).

The canopies (“photovoltaic leaves”) have a light steel structure which supports a K.P.P. (Konarka Power Plastic) type photovoltaic membrane. The sculptural shapes of the curved pillars and “photovoltaic leaves” at the top of the bridge make it immediately identifiable even from a long distance.