Puente de la Mujer, Rotating footbridge in Puerto Madero, Argentina.
Puente de la Mujer is a rotating pedestrian bridge made of white steel that spans Dock 3 in Puerto Madero and is held by a 34-meter mast with cables. The asymmetrical structure rests on a single lateral pier, while the moving central section can swing 90 degrees to let vessels pass through.
The structure was built in Spain and opened on December 20, 2001, marking the transformation of the old port district into a modern city area. Santiago Calatrava designed this asymmetrical system with a single mast that combines technical precision with mathematical calculations.
The structure recalls a tango couple, with the white mast representing the male dancer and the curved deck symbolizing his partner. This design connects engineering with the city's most important artistic tradition and turns the structure into a waterfront symbol of Argentine culture.
The mechanism occasionally rotates 90 degrees on its axis to allow ships to pass through the channel. It is best reached on foot from the nearby docks, as the entire district is well accessible for pedestrians.
The entire structure was prefabricated in Spain and shipped to Argentina before being assembled on site. It is the first work by Santiago Calatrava in Latin America and showcases his signature style with organic forms and slender white lines.
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