Intellectual leap: the Venetian gondola is the inspiration for a new bridge on the Grand Canal.Somewhat precariously located within the Venetian Lagoon The Venetian Lagoon is a lagoon of the Adriatic Sea in which the city of Venice is situated. Its name in the Venetian language has provided the international name for an enclosed, shallow embayment of saltwater. , the city of Venice seems surprisingly resilient to change. Bridges, perhaps, are the most frequent mode of new development, from temporary pontoons and lashed-together boat bridges to more ornate classical assemblages. The Accademia, steeply rising above the Grand Canal Grand Canal, Chinese Da Yunhe [large transit river], longest in the world, extending c.1,000 mi (1,600 km) from Beijing to Hangzhou, E China, and forming an important north-south waterway on the North China Plain. The canal was started in the 6th cent. B.C. , is one such landmark (a contemporary Venetian icon?) providing spectacular views to and from its distinctive timber deck. Its future, however, is in some people's opinion not guaranteed, and in search of the next generation of Venetian structures Future Systems and Arup have designed this research study. With a span of 55 metres, and a generous 4.5 metre deck, the smooth black lines were inspired by the curvaceous cur·va·ceous adj. Having the curves of a full or voluptuous figure. cur·va  ceous·ly adv. hull of the Venetian gondola. Constructed from four tubular steel beams encased en·case tr.v. en·cased, en·cas·ing, en·cas·es To enclose in or as if in a case. en·case ment n. within thin-walled aluminium cladding The plastic or glass sheath that is fused to and surrounds the core of an optical fiber. The cladding's mirror-like coating keeps the light waves reflected inside the core. The cladding is covered with a protective outer jacket. See fiber optics glossary. , the stepped platform is contained by sloping glass balustrades which improve views for both adults and children. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] |
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