<< The Tallest Bridge in the World : Millau Viaduct, France >>

***Cyril*** · February 3rd, 2003, 02:15 PM

Millau Viaduct, France (under construction)

Designed by : Sir Norman Foster & Partners

Bridges are often considered to belong to the engineer's realm rather than the architect's. But the architecture of infrastructure has a powerful impact on the environment. The Millau Viaduct, designed in collaboration with engineers, illustrates how the architect can play an integral role in bridge design.

Located in southern France, the bridge will connect the motorway from Paris to Barcelona at the point where it is interrupted by the River Tarn, which runs through a wide gorge between two plateaux. A reading of the topography suggested two possible approaches: to cross the river, the geological generator of the landscape; or there was the challenge of spanning the 2.5 kilometres from one plateau to the other in the most economical manner.

The structural solution follows from the latter philosophical standpoint. The bridge has the optimum span between cable-stayed columns. It is delicate, transparent, and uses the minimum
material, which makes it less costly to construct. Each of its sections spans 350 metres and its columns range in height from 75 metres to 345 metres - higher than the Eiffel Tower - with the masts rising a further 90 metres above the road deck. To accommodate the expansion and contraction of the concrete deck, each column splits into two thinner, more flexible columns below the roadway, forming an A-frame above deck level. This structure creates a dramatic silhouette - and crucially it makes the minimum intervention in the landscape.

Millau Viaduct Website

> other website

Appointment Date: 1993

Construction Date: 2002

Completion Date: 2005

Statistics: Length: 2.5 km

Height: 280 m

Client: Department of Transport and Public Works of France

Consultants:
Chapelet-Defol-Mousseigne
Ove Arup and Partners

Manuel · February 3rd, 2003, 03:24 PM

Huge project.

Here is the location of this new mega structure :

TB · February 4th, 2003, 05:12 AM

wow what an amazing structure!, almost looks surreal when you contrast the bridge with the size of the valley.

***Cyril*** · February 4th, 2003, 11:35 AM

Driving on the Bridge on the 10th of january 2005...

http://www.viaducdemillaueiffage.com...vrage_fini.avi

Phil · February 4th, 2003, 12:24 PM

Great Stuff, pity it doesn't get a lot of replies

jockademus · February 4th, 2003, 04:06 PM

Heres a reply.

I am totally shocked that the French have let this happen to that beautiful countryside. Several large concrete posts that dominate the surrounding area is ugly. Yes the design construction is truly something else, but not in a beautiful area, cuty yes.

***Cyril*** · February 4th, 2003, 04:10 PM

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by jockademus </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>Heres a reply.

I am totally shocked that the French have let this happen to that beautiful countryside. .</td></tr>
</table>

On the whole, the French do not like skyscrapers in their cities but can surprisingly accept bridges in the countryside...Ah the French !

Manuel · February 4th, 2003, 04:15 PM

That's true. The viaduc hasn't been objected that much down here in the south of France. The locals strongly believe it will bring more tourists in the area and help regenerate the area

***Cyril*** · February 4th, 2003, 04:16 PM

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by Manuel </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>

The locals strongly believe it will bring more tourists in the area and help regenerate the area</td></tr>
</table>
My foot!

rj2uman · February 4th, 2003, 07:59 PM

I think that it looks great! And less of a footprint on the land.

February 5th, 2003, 09:20 AM

damn thas ugly as hell, it truly does spoil the landscape, y the hell do they need a bridge that size over those small rolling hills. Just a waste of money, a simple road could do.

mlm · February 7th, 2003, 02:31 PM

I totally agree, that is one ugly bridge! What a shame to spoil such a nice landscape with this monster

TipNTop · February 7th, 2003, 07:36 PM

The millau's landscape has no interest. The hill are'nt so small... but the column of the bridge are very high: 345m. And the valley is very large.

Most of the time, a bridge is build to cross a river or a valley. So there are a lots of bridges in the world which change a valley or river's landscape....

There are two good reasons to build this bridge:

- Complete this highway. The only one part which is not build is this 2.8km section. The traffic jam in the little town "Millau" is terrible.
- Show to everybody that the french engineers and compagnies are at the top of the technology to build the greatest structures of the world. That's why they built the "vasco de gama" bridge (portugal) or the confederation bridge (north america) for example. (after the great "Normandie" bridge)

Leienaar · February 8th, 2003, 02:07 AM

Wow, that's one giant of a bridge! But I think it is really a great relief for the congestion in the south part of France, especially during the holiday season. Less traffic has to go through Lyon (always a traffic hellhole).

The bridge isn't that ugly. There are many many more bridges crossing valleys and rivers all over the world that are uglier than this one. But I do hope they will paint it and not leave it concrete-gray. Bright white or light-blue or something will be nicer and the thing will less detonate with the surroundings.

February 9th, 2003, 04:41 PM

It's really fabulous you know, every summer, Lyon have a lot of traffics, most of people on motorway come from the north of Europe and want to go on mediterranean coasts in France or Spain, with this brigde, people who want to go in Spain will take "Paris-Barcelona" motorway, and the others will take "Paris-Lyon-Marseille" motorway...

February 9th, 2003, 04:48 PM

Millau and the bridge :

The bridge compared with the Eiffel Tower :

Dennis · February 16th, 2003, 10:53 PM

omg 280m !

good news for bungee jump fans!

supercees · February 19th, 2003, 04:18 PM

That is a big one. Maybe it spoils the landscape a bit... but I like the design.. it's amazingly huge!

scorpion · February 22nd, 2003, 09:52 PM

i like -- can Foster do it all??!?!?

February 23rd, 2003, 02:33 AM

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by mlm </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>I totally agree, that is one ugly bridge! What a shame to spoil such a nice landscape with this monster

</td></tr>
</table>
i'm ok with you,

Sir Norman is not Architect Landscaper

February 3rd, 2003, 02:15 PM	#1
*Cyril* Weary Moderator Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Paris Posts: 11,440	<< The Tallest Bridge in the World : Millau Viaduct, France >> Millau Viaduct, France (under construction) Designed by : Sir Norman Foster & Partners Bridges are often considered to belong to the engineer's realm rather than the architect's. But the architecture of infrastructure has a powerful impact on the environment. The Millau Viaduct, designed in collaboration with engineers, illustrates how the architect can play an integral role in bridge design. Located in southern France, the bridge will connect the motorway from Paris to Barcelona at the point where it is interrupted by the River Tarn, which runs through a wide gorge between two plateaux. A reading of the topography suggested two possible approaches: to cross the river, the geological generator of the landscape; or there was the challenge of spanning the 2.5 kilometres from one plateau to the other in the most economical manner. The structural solution follows from the latter philosophical standpoint. The bridge has the optimum span between cable-stayed columns. It is delicate, transparent, and uses the minimum material, which makes it less costly to construct. Each of its sections spans 350 metres and its columns range in height from 75 metres to 345 metres - higher than the Eiffel Tower - with the masts rising a further 90 metres above the road deck. To accommodate the expansion and contraction of the concrete deck, each column splits into two thinner, more flexible columns below the roadway, forming an A-frame above deck level. This structure creates a dramatic silhouette - and crucially it makes the minimum intervention in the landscape. Millau Viaduct Website > other website Appointment Date: 1993 Construction Date: 2002 Completion Date: 2005 Statistics: Length: 2.5 km Height: 280 m Client: Department of Transport and Public Works of France Consultants: Chapelet-Defol-Mousseigne Ove Arup and Partners __________________ "Le travail c'est la santé !" ..mouais.. Urbanium.org - Flux RSS Last edited by Cyril; November 22nd, 2003 at 12:45 AM.

February 4th, 2003, 11:35 AM	#4
*Cyril* Weary Moderator Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Paris Posts: 11,440	Driving on the Bridge on the 10th of january 2005... http://www.viaducdemillaueiffage.com...vrage_fini.avi __________________ "Le travail c'est la santé !" ..mouais.. Urbanium.org - Flux RSS

February 4th, 2003, 04:06 PM	#6
jockademus Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Devon Posts: 15	Heres a reply. I am totally shocked that the French have let this happen to that beautiful countryside. Several large concrete posts that dominate the surrounding area is ugly. Yes the design construction is truly something else, but not in a beautiful area, cuty yes. __________________ It takes two hands to hold a whopper!

February 4th, 2003, 04:10 PM	#7
*Cyril* Weary Moderator Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Paris Posts: 11,440	<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox"> <td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by jockademus </i></b> </smallfont> </td> <tr><td align=left valign=top>Heres a reply. I am totally shocked that the French have let this happen to that beautiful countryside. .</td></tr> </table> On the whole, the French do not like skyscrapers in their cities but can surprisingly accept bridges in the countryside...Ah the French ! __________________ "Le travail c'est la santé !" ..mouais.. Urbanium.org - Flux RSS

February 4th, 2003, 04:16 PM	#9
*Cyril* Weary Moderator Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Paris Posts: 11,440	<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox"> <td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by Manuel </i></b> </smallfont> </td> <tr><td align=left valign=top> The locals strongly believe it will bring more tourists in the area and help regenerate the area</td></tr> </table> My foot! __________________ "Le travail c'est la santé !" ..mouais.. Urbanium.org - Flux RSS

February 3rd, 2003, 03:24 PM	#2
Manuel Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 9,510	Huge project. Here is the location of this new mega structure :

February 4th, 2003, 05:12 AM	#3
TB Intriged by life. Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: toronto Posts: 126	wow what an amazing structure!, almost looks surreal when you contrast the bridge with the size of the valley.

February 4th, 2003, 12:24 PM	#5
Phil For great justice Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 2,411	Great Stuff, pity it doesn't get a lot of replies

February 4th, 2003, 04:15 PM	#8
Manuel Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 9,510	That's true. The viaduc hasn't been objected that much down here in the south of France. The locals strongly believe it will bring more tourists in the area and help regenerate the area

February 4th, 2003, 07:59 PM	#10
rj2uman PRES Huaiwei Fanclub Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 551	I think that it looks great! And less of a footprint on the land. __________________ HMMM Interesting....

February 5th, 2003, 09:20 AM	#11
Jasiu Guest Posts: n/a	damn thas ugly as hell, it truly does spoil the landscape, y the hell do they need a bridge that size over those small rolling hills. Just a waste of money, a simple road could do.

February 7th, 2003, 02:31 PM	#12
mlm Member #109 Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Herning, Denmark Posts: 2,191	I totally agree, that is one ugly bridge! What a shame to spoil such a nice landscape with this monster __________________ My photos: Hannover - Paris - Frankfurt - Berlin - Rotterdam - The Alps - Hamburg - Barcelona <---NEW Construction news: All new Danish highrises Personal websites: The Houses of Herning - Mikael Lyk Madsen Photography

February 7th, 2003, 07:36 PM	#13
TipNTop Chartreuse,Vodka,Orangina Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Lyon Posts: 440	The millau's landscape has no interest. The hill are'nt so small... but the column of the bridge are very high: 345m. And the valley is very large. Most of the time, a bridge is build to cross a river or a valley. So there are a lots of bridges in the world which change a valley or river's landscape.... There are two good reasons to build this bridge: - Complete this highway. The only one part which is not build is this 2.8km section. The traffic jam in the little town "Millau" is terrible. - Show to everybody that the french engineers and compagnies are at the top of the technology to build the greatest structures of the world. That's why they built the "vasco de gama" bridge (portugal) or the confederation bridge (north america) for example. (after the great "Normandie" bridge) Last edited by TipNTop; February 8th, 2003 at 02:42 AM.

February 8th, 2003, 02:07 AM	#14
Leienaar Kejje't hoore dan!? Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Leiden Posts: 208	Wow, that's one giant of a bridge! But I think it is really a great relief for the congestion in the south part of France, especially during the holiday season. Less traffic has to go through Lyon (always a traffic hellhole). The bridge isn't that ugly. There are many many more bridges crossing valleys and rivers all over the world that are uglier than this one. But I do hope they will paint it and not leave it concrete-gray. Bright white or light-blue or something will be nicer and the thing will less detonate with the surroundings.

February 9th, 2003, 04:41 PM	#15
Mekky Guest Posts: n/a	It's really fabulous you know, every summer, Lyon have a lot of traffics, most of people on motorway come from the north of Europe and want to go on mediterranean coasts in France or Spain, with this brigde, people who want to go in Spain will take "Paris-Barcelona" motorway, and the others will take "Paris-Lyon-Marseille" motorway...

February 9th, 2003, 04:48 PM	#16
Mekky Guest Posts: n/a	Millau and the bridge : The bridge compared with the Eiffel Tower :

February 16th, 2003, 10:53 PM	#17
Dennis Rotterdam Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: windows on the world Posts: 3,407	omg 280m ! good news for bungee jump fans! __________________ nimbynator

February 19th, 2003, 04:18 PM	#18
supercees My train goes everywhere! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Haarlem Posts: 2,351	That is a big one. Maybe it spoils the landscape a bit... but I like the design.. it's amazingly huge! __________________ Space invaders came to take me away, but there was actually no need for it since I was already floating into outer space....

February 22nd, 2003, 09:52 PM	#19
scorpion ...starwood... :-D Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: LA-Lndn-HK-Dub-Amsterdam-Aspen... Posts: 1,089	i like -- can Foster do it all??!?!?

February 23rd, 2003, 02:33 AM	#20
Dydd Guest Posts: n/a	<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox"> <td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by mlm </i></b> </smallfont> </td> <tr><td align=left valign=top>I totally agree, that is one ugly bridge! What a shame to spoil such a nice landscape with this monster</td></tr> </table> i'm ok with you, Sir Norman is not Architect Landscaper

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