This Paris bridge is designed at the site of the famous “Pont des arts” connecting the two banks of the city. The left bank called “la rive gauche” is known as the artistic bank of the city, very cultural, poetic and chaotic in nature while the right bank is the more dense, orderly and commercial bank containing major tourist attractions. Important features at this site are the historical ‘Musee du Louvre’ on the right bank, the famous Ille de la Cite housing the Notre Dame between the two banks, the Institute de France, Ecole des Beaux Arts, the Latin quarters.
Known as ‘the city of romance’, Paris inspires the design for this bridge which wraps around the existing ‘Pont des arts’ keeping traces of its existence visible, while complementing its presence. The bridge seeks to seamlessly connect the important architectural landmarks on site, enhance views between the two banks and the Ille de la Cite as well as create an active and inviting icon within the context’s rich cultural and artistic presence.
The inspirational idea revolves around the act of ‘dance’; movement between the male and female figures, the balance and the intimate, physical connection set within a choreographed piece of art. The male cannot exist without the female, each have their own attributes to give each other and to complement one another. The bridge design complements the existing Pont des Art rather than impose itself on it. The location is revived and rejuvenated by the domination of this contemporary, elegant structure adding a humble icon to Paris’s romantic setting.
The structure flowingly intertwines with the existing bridge covering a larger surface for public use. It also adds a direct connection between the urban left node, the plaza in front of the Institute de France and the Louvre’s open plaza at the right node. Starting at the left bank the bridge emerges gradually from the edge then ascends, visually blending with the tip of the Ille de la Cite, thereby enhancing the views out to the city from one end and to the historical Notre Dame de Paris from the other. The bridge then descends and reaches out to the main Plaza of the Musee du Louvre where it is the hub of social interaction and tourist gathering. The bridge finally integrates with the prominent Musee du Louvre and invites it in, leaving behind traces of its installation within the urban surrounding.
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