Accademia Bridge Competition

This ideas competition sought to replace the existing Accademia Bridge with a new structure which could house a museum and provide disabled access.

Squire and Partners’ proposal takes the form of an ogee arch derived from the Venetian gondola, constructed from timber accented by bronze strips.

Pedestrians are presented with a series of choices; on the seaward side, a direct route replicates the arch of the previous bridge, whilst on the landward side, a longer route leads over the bridge to reveal unprecedented views over the Grand Canal. Pedestrians can walk through the museum and café space or travel in a series of capsules which glide slowly across the canal stopping at the museum, then rise to enjoy the full view.