Norman Foster and Porsche unveil shimmering Gateway to Venice's Waterway

Car brand Porsche and the Norman Foster Foundation have created a shimmering bridge and transport hub at the Venice Architecture Biennale.

Named Gateway to Venice's Waterway, the 37-metre-long structure was designed to explore how future transportation methods could be integrated into Venice's historic setting.

"The focus was on creating a holistic, impactful solution that celebrates Venice's character while addressing its pressing urban mobility challenges," said Norman Foster Foundation president Norman Foster.

"In this project, dreaming meant envisioning a Venice where historic preservation and advanced mobility coexist, creating a blueprint for urban innovation that respects the past while embracing the future."

The demountable structure was created by Norman Foster and the Norman Foster Foundation, along with Porsche, as the first part of a collaboration between the two organisations to investigate the future of mobility.

It rests lightly on the dockside in the Arsenale, with a bridge leading to a floating pontoon that would be used as a mooring place for water bikes and motorboats.

According to the team it was designed to be "evocative of Venice's historic network of bridges", while acting as a gateway to Venice.

The bridge was enclosed in a structure made from a lightweight aluminium frame, which, according to the team, was derived from the technology used to make Porsche's race cars.

This was covered in a kinetic surface that gave it an "animal-like" appearance.

Foster explained that it was important that the structure emotionally connected to people.

"It became a challenge to create a structure that not only functions as a transportation hub, but also resonates emotionally with its users," he said.

"The biomorphic design reflects the dreamlike interplay of form, function and sustainability."

The Norman Foster Foundation and Porsche are set to collaborate on future architecture and design projects.

Alongside the bridge, sketches showing the team's vision for the future of individual mobility were also on display.

This year's Venice Architecture Biennale has been curated by Italian architect Carlo Ratti, who recently said that "Dezeen killed the traditional form of the biennale".

Dezeen has been revealing the highlights of the biennale this week. These include the Danish Pavilion, which has been turned into a construction site by Søren Pihlmann, and a "contemporary porch" at the US Pavilion.

US studio Diller Scofidio + Renfro also created a temporary translucent library at the biennial event.

The photography is by Pablo Gómez Ogando.

The Venice Architecture Biennale takes place from 10 May to 23 November 2025. See Dezeen Events Guide for all the latest information you need to know to attend the event, as well as a list of other architecture and design events taking place around the world.

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