MADE IN MONACO
© Ecopolis Monaco
A MAGICAL WALK ALONG THE SEA FRONT
AMIDST THE SEA FOAM
HelloMonaco presents to its readers an interesting project in Monaco . It is a result of an amazing collaborative work carried out by the Ecopolis association and the COBE design cabinet .
The bridge is designed to connect the YCM and the new Portier extension . Passing over the sea at an altitude of 7 metres , it does not affect the marine environment in the slightest way . This concept embraces a respect for biodiversity , and priority for pedestrian travel , innovation and simplicity .
For all Monegasques , for athletes and for people with reduced mobility , for tourists and everybody who is walking in Monaco not using a car , the tunnel under the Fairmont Monte-Carlo has always been a real nightmare . A compulsory passageway , it is narrow , noisy and dark . It connects , however , two emblematic Principality attractions , the new Monaco Yacht Club and the Grimaldi Forum . A fast-paced construction of the Mareterra eco-district in the Grimaldi Forum area is now being added to these major Monaco venues .
In any seaside city , the seaside walk is a favourite place to be . Footbridges are now part of modern infrastructure , highlighting local architecture . The Ecopolis association wants Monaco to finally have a pedestrian path worthy of its name with a fantastic view opening on the Mediterranean .
This pedestrian path , 275 metres long , has a variety of advantages , according to the authors of the project . First of all , the footbridge will make passing between boulevard Louis II and the Portier district more enjoyable . Secondly , it will not affect the road that is vital for the major motor events in the Principality . Also thanks to using the existing infrastructure of the Fairmont pillars , it has no negative impact on the marine environment . And finally , snowy and airy , like sea foam , this bridge made of artificial acrylic stone , will become a prized decoration of the coastline of the Principality and a popular place for walks and taking selfies .
Based on preliminary architectural and structural research , the construction costs were estimated at 6 million euros and the completion deadlines set at a maximum of 10 months . Being well aware of the state ’ s budget situation , Ecopolis believes that this investment could be partly supported by the private sector and crowdfunding .
Each section of the footbridge may be financed by private members , environmental defenders or companies wishing to contrib-
92 / Hello Monaco Spring 2021 www . hellomonaco . com