Large-scale tensile structures have been gaining importance since the 1970s due to technological advancements and new materials. They have been used in various types of roofs including stadiums, airports, pavilions, and even to protect archaeological finds. However, these structures have not been fully utilized as elements of the urban landscape.
This is where Rolando’s proposal comes in. Architect Rolando Cedeño de la Cruz suggests using a large-scale Urban Tensile Bridge for pedestrian crossings that serve as landmarks, altering the urban landscape aesthetically and connecting important sectors of the city. These structures will resemble forests of sails, birds in flight, and flowers basking in the sun.
The white color of the fabric will evoke purity and tranquility. We can also incorporate natural and artificial bodies of water to reinforce this feeling. At dusk, these structures can be illuminated with different shades of colors to create a unique experience. Families, young people, adults, and children will be drawn to these spaces at dusk. These pedestrian bridges serve as a beautiful architectural metaphor for the journey of life that we all must take.