“Sky bridge”, “skywalks” or “elevated walkway” bring up images of a narrow, glass walkway connecting two towers – usually commercial – the only purpose of which, is to let people go from one meeting to the next without having to travel up and down or through fresh air. Architects and urban planners have used bridges for various and creative reasons – they even built Bridges for Bikers!
In the 1960s, sky bridges were seen as radical urban interventions which brought the third dimension into city circulation. Victor Gruen, an American architect, championed the movement of the sky bridge. And cities all over the world, followed suit, with varying degrees of success. While a few have achieved the fluid connection between buildings, the rest turn bridge walking into thrill-seeking.
Photo: Getty Images/Bo Zaunders
Today, sky bridges are seen in airports, malls, transit hubs, hospitals, etc, acting as a thoroughfare, standing beside greenery. Some architects, however, design sky bridges sky high. They straddle the top floors of some of the tallest structures in the world. Petronas Tower, the Linked Hybrid, InTempo are few examples that fit the bill.
Architects have begun to show renewed interest, in the past decade, in sky bridge as an architectural element. Certain structures use the elevated walkway primarily as a means of circulation. Others design the sky bridge to remain a separate entity not included as a part of the circulation network.
What is Sky Bridge?
A Sky Bridge is a structure that connects one building with another to facilitate pedestrian circulation.
List of 8 interesting works of architecture with stunning skywalks
1. InTempo
Via Zarateman / Wikimedia Commons
Designed by Architect Roberto Guerras, the InTempo skyscraper is located in Benidorm, Spain. Completed in 2014, InTempo is two towers connected on top, with an inverted cone. These towers were widely reported to not have any elevators.
2. American Copper Buildings
Via Field Condition, Pavel Bendov
SHoP Architects‘ American Copper Buildings are a set of residential apartments in two towers. Named for their dazzling copper facade, the three-story glass skywalk connects the angled towers. The skywalk has a lounge and a swimming pool.
3. The Cloud
Courtesy of Luxigon/MVRDV
MVRDV’s Cloud has two towers of varying heights connected by a pixelated – Habitat 67-like cloud in the center. In a very different twist, the bridge has all the common facilities of the residents, and the ground floor has been left open for public gardens. The bridge has the sky lounge – a large connecting atrium, a wellness center, conference center, fitness studio, various pools, restaurants, and cafes. It also has public and private outside spaces, patios, decks, gardens, and pools.
4. The Big Bend
Courtesy of Oiio Architecture Studio
Oiio Studio has designed the Big Bend, which when built will be the longest building in the world. Inspired by cable-free elevators, this structure will be built in NYC.
5. Sky Habitat
Photo: Getty Images
Sky Habitat, designed by Safdie Architects, has a stepped design with three connecting sky bridges. The lower of the open-air sky bridges are public green spaces while the uppermost has a swimming pool.
6. Cross Towers
Courtesy of MIR
The Cross Towers, designed by BIG and located in Seoul, have interlocking vertical and horizontal masses. While both bridges have accessible rooftop gardens, the rest of the bridge is equipped with activities to entertain different age groups.
7. Linked Hybrid
Photography: Iwan Baan
Designed by Steven Holl, The Linked Hybrid has 8 towers linked by sky bridges. The sky bridges have amenities like a pool, art gallery, cafe, and fitness room. The project is recognized for its heating and cooling system with the help of geothermal wells.
8. Petronas Towers
Photo: Getty Images/Alan Copson
The Petronas Towers, completed in 1996, has one of the most well-known sky bridges in the world. Designed by Cesar Pelli, this skywalk splits in the middle and each half recedes into the building.