Jerusalem undecided – bridge a blessing or a curse?
Resident’s of capital stood in teeming traffic Wednesday as city hosted gala event in honor of new 118 meter high bridge designed by world-famous architect Calatrava. ‘It look like giant crooked nail,’ one bystander said
A ship’s sail, a crooked nail, or a giant headache – Jerusalemites can’t agree about how best to describe the newest landmark the capital city was inaugurating Wednesday. The $73 million bridge, designed by the Spanish architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava, has suddenly become the most dominant shape on the historic city’s skyline.
The bridge, which curves across Jerusalem’s western entrance and will eventually carry a new light rail line, is suspended from 66 white cables attached to a spire 118 meters high that towers over the surrounding rooftops and is visible from miles away.
Ceremony lights up capital. (Photo: Oren Rosenfeld)
An informal survey of residents Wednesday found them generally positive about the new addition, if unsure quite what to compare it to. “From everywhere in the city, it looks like a giant crooked nail,” cafe owner Yaron Kortik said.
Ran Yaakov, 17, a high school student, said the bridge reminded him of “David’s harp,” referring to the Biblical monarch and musician. Evyatar Tzuberi, 23, thought it looked like a ship’s sail. 19-year-old Orlie Marin compared it to a spider’s web.
At a news conference ahead of the opening Wednesday, Calatrava said the structure’s strength came from the fact that it is “120 percent modern” and yet has a “dialogue” with the rest of the city. “The most important aspect of the bridge is being in Jerusalem,” said Calatrava, who designed the “Turning Torso” Building in Malmo, Sweden and is behind the planned transportation hub at Ground Zero in New York.
Associated Press
| Published: | 06.25.08, 22:20 / Israel News |