The new cable car station designed by Snøhetta is organized on two separated circular-shaped levels connecting tangentially. With this project, developed through an international competition organized by SIGNA Group, the city of Bolzano again feature spectacular views from the top of Virgolo / Virgi, after closing in 1976 the historic funicular city.
Description of the project by Snøhetta
The steep Virgolo/Virgl mountain in Bolzano, Italy has been practically inaccessible to visitors for almost forty years, following the close of the city’s historic funicular in 1976. This is about to change - The SIGNA Group hosted an international design competition for a new cable car transit system, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of the surrounding landscape and city below with only a minute ride on a cable car. Snøhetta was awarded first prize in the competition and the commission.
Two rings - one as the base station, the other as a top station - form the framework of the cable car that connects the rings tangentially. Travel time will be a mere 1 minute and 11 seconds, making the Virgolo/Virgl just 5 minutes from the historic centre of Bolzano, the Piazza Walther/Walterplatz.
The landscape design at the base station will bring a piece of nature to the city, thanks to the green topography that marks the end of the Südtirolerstraße.
The top station will serve as an urban interface with nature, housing a restaurant, café, infinity pool and meeting rooms. The development will provide a new view of the city from above, along with and possibilities for exploration, recreation and relaxation.
The new ‘Mountain Square’ atop the Virgolo/Virgl will offer a flexible space for events - from open-air markets to concerts.
CREDITS.-
Architects.- Snøhetta.
Project name.- Bolzano Cable Car.
Dates.- 2015 (competition), 2017 (expected).
Location.- Bolzano, Italy.
Typology.- Transportation.
Status.- Competition, 1st Prize; Design Development.
