Flying without wings – IBN Firnas Bridge: an icon of Spain

Our work

The bridge design draws inspiration from Abbas Ibn Firnas, a renowned engineer, scientist, and humanist who served in the courts of Abd al-Rahman II and Muhammad I. Firnas is celebrated as the pioneer of flight and aeronautics. In 830 A.D, he astounded spectators by flying with silk wings and feathers from the tower of Rusafa. The bridge stands as a tribute to Firnas, symbolizing the remarkable leap Cordoba and humanity took in conquering the skies.

The bridge features a cable-stayed deck supported by an upper mixed arch and a central cable-staying plane. It spans 132.50 meters with two arches and has a total length of 365 meters, including approach spans. The deck is 30.4 meters wide and 2.5 meters deep, composed of a central box, attached metal lattices, and an upper concrete slab. The deck is suspended from two upper arches, each spanning 132.5 meters and towering 45 meters above the ground. The arches are constructed using hexagonal mixed profiles, braced by tubular forms resembling Saint Andrew’s crosses. At the center of the bridge, the interconnected arches are linked by a counter-arch, from which an abstract metal sculpture representing Firnas is suspended.

The bridge’s distinctive feature lies in its arches’ design and cable arrangement, creating a spatial structure with impressive slenderness and rigidity. It not only accommodates vehicular traffic but also enhances the urban space above the Guadalquivir River, adding a sense of dignity to the surroundings.

Value add

Innovative design: The mixed arches were designed innovatively, reducing the required amount of steel and eliminating the need for large scaffolding by utilizing self-compacting concrete. This demonstrates efficiency and cost-effectiveness in construction.

Bold and sleek design: The bridge features a striking and modern design. The arches resemble large steel wings, creating a visually impressive structure. The central abstract sculpture symbolizes the body of Firnas, observing the city from a privileged location, adding artistic and symbolic value to the bridge.

Distinctive structure: The bridge stands out within the project due to several factors. Its location near the riverbed, adjacency to the city of Córdoba, and historical significance (being situated near the palaces of summer during the first caliphate era) make it a unique and historically relevant landmark.

Helping the city’s development: The implementation of this project has played a crucial role in the development of the city. By connecting major highways and redirecting heavy traffic away from the urban area, it improves transportation infrastructure and enhances the city’s overall functionality.