IN SHORT
The Sharq Crossing (formerly Doha Bay Crossing) Masterplan has been developed by Santiago Calatrava at the request of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Urban Planning (MMUP) and features a unique combination of an efficient civil engineering solution and a highly iconic design. The Masterplan features a major traffic connection linking the Airport area with the West Bay Financial District and the Cultural City incorporating three bridges linked by submerged tunnel sections
The first and grandest of the three is the West Bay Bridge. The structural simplicity of the tied arch is supplemented with filigree roofs and canopies and a spectacular cable car attraction that delivers patrons from the West Bay to the facilities and event spaces on the West Bay Island. Doha is not currently blessed with the parklands of its European brother and sister cities. The Highest Authorities are responding to this with plans for grand parks and boulevards centred on the existing Corniche parkway. Calatrava responds to this with the development of a linear park extending from the Corniche, the new Sheraton Park and a planned redevelopment of Conference Street to project a linear parkway out into the bay along an elevated walkway and pedestrian bridge. This facility responds to Doha’s climate by providing an attractive walkway that can be used open to all of nature’s elements (when temperatures permit) or under the shade provided by a covered roof in milder periods or even vacated altogether in preference for a high-rise thrilling ride aboard the cooled cable car during the hotter periods. The intent is to create an integrated extension of the Corniche that should be possible to enjoy at any time of year.