Moscow authorities are once again considering the implementation of an unusual pedestrian bridge project that will connect the IQ quarter of the Moscow-City business center and the Delovoy Tsentr transportation hub. This time, a new tender has been announced for the design and survey work related to the construction of the original bridge over Testovskaya Street. The contract is estimated at 106 million rubles, with the main phase of implementation scheduled for 2026.
Architectural solution and design
The authors of the unique architectural concept were Moscow's Chief Architect Sergei Kuznetsov and architect Dmitry Sukhov. They proposed making the bridge not just a functional crossing, but a striking urban landmark, designed as a sequence of ten spherical structures. The spheres are designed in the style of Fuller domes, where the self-supporting framework is formed from aluminum triangles. The exterior of the structures will have a mirror-like surface with a pink tint thanks to a special polymer powder coating, while the interior will remain white.
The walkway will feature heating, providing comfort during the cold season, and a spacious 7-meter width. The spheres will range in diameter from 13 to 16 meters, creating a striking visual effect and a unique atmosphere within the walkway.
Features of engineering solutions
Special attention was paid to the design of the supports: they will taper downwards, avoiding deep foundations and not reaching the level of the Moscow metro tunnels running 20 meters below.
The project's appeal will be enhanced by round windows placed both at pedestrian eye level and almost at the very top of the spherical structures. This will provide natural light, beautiful views of the surrounding city, and unique illumination in the evening.
Landscaping and improvement of the territory
City officials also plan to landscape the surrounding area by planting trees with neat, round crowns along the bridge. These green elements will emphasize the overall design and harmoniously complement the row of mirrored spheres.
Previous attempts to implement the project
It's worth noting that this isn't the city authorities' first attempt to implement the project: in 2022 and 2023, similar tenders worth 69.6 and 72.5 million rubles respectively ended in contract termination. With this new competition, authorities hope to successfully find a contractor and complete the project, which promises to be one of Moscow's most striking architectural landmarks.
We previously wrote: An unusual pedestrian bridge will appear near Moscow City.
