The city of Vigo in northwestern Spain has a new structure that has transformed its skyline, Halo. With new generation materials, including Krion from Porcelanosa, this pedestrian bridge is designed to connect two strategic areas of the city. This functional architectural solution has had an immediate positive impact on the daily life of its inhabitants. Initially conceived to facilitate pedestrian mobility across the city’s motorway, Halo has become one of the main architectural icons of the city.
Chosen through an international competition, the project is part of the Vigo Vertical Connectivity programme which aims to improve access around the city’s hilly terrain. The creators of this revolutionary design are AM2 Arquitectos, Arenas & Asociados and NOARQ Studio.
Revolutionary architectural design
The revolutionary design combines a curved pedestrian walkway, a 36 metre high elevator tower and an architectural sculptural piece. The elevator tower has two fast elevators, each with a capacity for seventeen people. The striking circular walkway is 86 metres in diameter with one section covered and the other open air.
The walkway and lift tower feature curved laminated structural glass. Lighting is provided by LED lines integrated into the exposed walkway parapets. In addition, wall washer floodlights illuminate the glass surfaces. This is a system that generates fixed or dynamic scenes, designed to commemorate special dates or singular events.
A pedestrian bridge with Krion
Porcelanosa Group developed, manufactured and installed 4,500 square metres of Krion for Halo’s façade. The façade envelope was installed using the industrialised C-Bolt system, providing a higher quality finish in a shorter execution time and adapting to the needs of Halo’s unique curved structure.
Krion offers many advantages for use in areas of heavy pedestrian traffic, temperature change and harsh rainfall or wind. Resistant, low maintenance, easy repair and antibacterial properties are some of the benefits of this new generation material.
A modern-day viaduct
Halo is a modern-day viaduct, a pedestrian bridge that perfectly balances architecture and engineering. Within a time span of 30 seconds Halo connects two areas of the city allowing people to cross directly over the motorway. Before Halo this required a 2km detour. Halo succeeds in making life easier for people who, from the centre of Vigo, now have easy access to a new multi-use complex containing a train and bus station and a shopping centre.
In short, Halo is a magnificent architectural balcony that offers the best views over the city of Vigo and its estuary. The profile of this architectural jewel with its luminous white colour redefines the skyline and ground space of the entire area.
The artistic and architectural achievement of Halo was honoured at the XV Porcelanosa Awards, winning the 'Most Innovative Project' award.
Halo project completed: 2024
Architects: AM2 Arquitectos, Arenas & Asociados, Noarq Studio.
Photography: Joao Morgado, Attilio Fiumarella
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