Genova San Giorgio Bridge
The new Polcevera Bridge embodies a transformative approach to infrastructure, integrating functional innovation with environmental and urban sensitivity. We designed the bridge with a modern form that reflects Genoa's identity, while incorporating sustainable technologies like solar panels for energy self-sufficiency. The bridge is seamlessly integrated into its surroundings, enhancing both urban and natural landscapes. With an intelligent self-monitoring system and its role in the broader regeneration of Val Polcevera, the bridge stands as a symbol of resilience, technological progress, and social renewal for Genoa.
A bridge born of tragedy; a design concept to connect and remember
The design of the new bridge over the Polcevera reflects a vision for both functional infrastructure and a symbol of resilience. Renzo Piano described the bridge as a simple yet distinctive structure, inspired by the form of a ship moored in the valley. It is a bright, clear steel bridge, designed to reflect sunlight during the day and return it at night, giving it a living, dynamic presence in the landscape. The bridge’s sober design respects the character of Genoa, integrating seamlessly with the surrounding environment while introducing a modern, forward-looking element to the city.
The new bridge holds great social, economic, and strategic significance, marking a key junction for road connections across Genoa, Liguria, and Italy. After the tragic collapse of the Morandi Bridge in 2018, the rapid construction of this replacement aims to set a new standard for Italian infrastructure, balancing technical innovation with sensitivity to the urban and natural context. The bridge’s design prioritizes the relationship with its surroundings, ensuring it serves not only as a vital transportation link but also as an architectural icon, weaving together the past, present, and future of the region.
Structural Innovation and Sustainability
The structural design of the new bridge emphasizes both efficiency and environmental responsibility. The bridge is supported by 18 slender piers, each with an elliptical section to reduce the visual impact of the structure. The ellipse shape allows light to "slip" along its surface, helping the bridge blend into its urban context while offering structural stability. The central spans of the bridge, crossing the Polcevera stream and railway areas, are designed to be wider, with a span of 100 meters, while the remaining piers are spaced more frequently at 50-meter intervals to suit the urban fabric.
Beyond its structural efficiency, the bridge is a model of sustainability. The deck is equipped with photovoltaic panels that collect solar energy during the day, powering the bridge’s systems, including lighting and sensors, and ensuring its energy self-sufficiency. This makes the bridge not just a passive element in the landscape but an active participant in the surrounding environment. The integration of green technologies aligns with the broader vision for the area’s regeneration, where the bridge will serve as a productive tool and a symbol of innovation in infrastructure design.
Urban Integration and Technological Innovation
Designed as an “urban bridge,” the new Polcevera viaduct prioritizes the connection between the structure and the city. The design includes features such as a glass protective barrier along the bridge's sides to mitigate visual impact and allow passersby to enjoy views of the surrounding landscape. At night, the bridge’s lighting system emphasizes the rhythm of its design, highlighting the edges and support elements. The use of intelligent technology ensures the bridge functions as a self-monitoring, responsive infrastructure, with internal sensors measuring structural performance and operational status.
In addition to its functionality, the bridge will play a central role in the larger regeneration of the Val Polcevera area. Following the Morandi Bridge tragedy, the bridge’s reconstruction becomes part of a broader effort to transform the surrounding environment. New public spaces, including a memorial park, will be created to honor the victims of the collapse and restore the area’s natural ecosystem. The bridge is not only a means of transportation but a catalyst for social, environmental, and urban renewal, making it a symbol of Genoa's resilience and forward progress.
Project Details
Status
Client
Commissario Ricostruzione Genova
Design
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Design Team
Stefano Russo (Project director, Associate), Alessandro Zanguio (Project architect), Alessio Montanari (Project architect) with Mark Carroll (Partner), Giovanni Spadolini (architect), Giuseppe Semprini (BIM co-ordination), Benedetta Pignatti, Alessandro Pizzolato, Cristiano Zaccaria (CGI), Melanie Abidos, Dimitri Lange, F. Terranova (models)
Technical Project
Italferr
General Contractor
Pergenova ScpA - Webuild SpA - Fincantieri Infrastructure SpA
Project & Construction Management and Quality Assurance
Rina Consulting SpA
Lighting Consultant
iGuzzini