architecture landscape sculpture
lisbon ply model 193.jpg

solar lace bridge

solar lace bridge

solar lace bridge
three routes for walking, cycling, running,
expand as they cross the motorway,
collecting the sun’s energy,
to light the ultra-thin, perforate structure at night

 
Solar_Lace_Bridge_Lisbon_Portugal_Tonkin_Liu_Model_2
 
 

The Solar Lace Bridge is a minimal structure that expands as it crosses the motorway, collecting the sun’s energy and creating a public place. The single surface structure is 8mm thick perforate corten steel, spanning 40 metres. Three interlinked torsion beams establish three routes for walking, cycling, and running.

 
 
 
Solar_Lace_Bridge_Lisbon_Portugal_Tonkin_Liu_Model_3
Solar_Lace_Bridge_Lisbon_Portugal_Tonkin_Liu_Model_4
 

During the day changing dappled light and shifting moirés cast by the perforations along the bridge create an urban and human-scale social landmark. Photovoltaic cells gather energy to light led’s at night. The bridge pioneers the innovative Shell Lace Structure technique, which uses highly efficient geometry with minimum weight and wastage, integrating digital tools for iterative design, analysis, and fabrication.

 
 
 
Solar_Lace_Bridge_Lisbon_Portugal_Tonkin_Liu_drawing
 

client galp energia foundation
location lisbon, portugal
status incomplete
structural engineer arup
size 40 m (span)