Passerella nella Valle dei Templi

The walkway is designed as a sculptural element that integrates with the enchanting context of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, and establishes a dialogue with it that draws inspiration from the landscape and architectural features of the place. The main purpose of the pedestrian walkway is to restore unity to the location of the archaeological park, divided by crossing the state road 118; and allow for safe enjoyment of the park, giving visitors the perception of this as a unique and organic. The romantic aspect of the ruins, the concept of non-finite which they refer, the restoration work carried out by anastylosis over time, led to an image of the Valley of the Temples characterized by elements of different heights and sizes, creating a different forms, expressive and formal. The different heights of the columns of the nearby temple of Heracles were transfigured and reinterpreted progettualmente the walkway,  in a dynamic sequence of vertical elements of different heights, which create a vibration of light, producing an effect of transparency and dematerialisation. The walkway is provided entirely of corten steel material characterized by differences in color and opacity, similar to natural elements such as wood, integrating the project with the landscape. The structure is constituted by a tipping hollow-section tapered at both ends and side shields formed from elements of different heights, arranged in modular distances. The anchorage of the bridge is provided by reinforced rubber bearing devices that perform a bi-direction hinge at one end and a fork in the other way. Instead of a traditional shallow foundation that would require an invasive excavation has been developed a system reversible impact. The slip resistance against horizontal actions transmitted from the catwalk, usually guaranteed by the sinking of the foundation in the ground, is obtained by increasing the friction soil-foundation through a system of riveted joints in rock type Dywidag bars. The logistics related to the realization of the work requires the containment of in situ operations, both on account of the particular context of inclusion that interference with traffic flow and access. To meet this requirement will be used in the prefabrication of the entire runway and the subsequent transport and positioning work will already have been prepared where the support points of the structure.