The Samuel Beckett Bridge, Dublin

Downstream from the James Joyce Bridge, the city of Dublin has welcomed a second bridge designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Although over-budget, it has still opened ahead of time and to plenty of fanfare. Influenced by the Irish culture that he became so intimate with during his first sojourn, Calatrava decided to do something slightly more spectacular this time around.

Continuing his habit of naming bridges after local literary luminaries, the aptly named Samuel Beckett Bridge is modeled after an Irish harp, known as a cláirseach, the iconic Irish symbol. To accomplish this effect a spar is raised in a semi-arc on one end of the bridge while 31 cables stretch out from it that reach the other end.

It undeniable evokes the image of the cláirseach, as seen on the Irish coat of arms, coins, passports, and on a pint of Guinness.

It has been 2 years in the making, commencing with the construction of the steel structure in Rotterdam before being shipped to Dublin. Every aspect of modern urban transport seems to have been taken into account in the design of the bridge.

The whole process involved the assembly of six lanes, four for motor traffic, two for pedestrians and bicycle paths, while also allowing enough space for a tram to be built in the future. But perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the Samuel Beckett Bridge is that it can swivel up to 90 degrees through a concrete support pier, which allows it to make way for maritime traffic.

Measuring 48 meters high and 123 meters across the River Liffey, it joins the Sir John Rogerson’s Quay on the south side to the Docklands area on the other, a site of booming development, serving as a monument to Dublin’s rapid modern progress and an ode to its rich history.

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by Henry Guyer
Gloobbi Architecture

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