Gaetano Pesce designs bridge for Messina Strait after Renzi's challenge

Italian architect and designer Gaetano Pesce has presented a concept for the Messina Strait Bridge, responding to Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's September 27 challenge to construction company Salini-Impregilo to revive the long-stalled project. Pesce's design features an S-shaped serpentine road to prevent speeding and pay homage to Sicily, supported by 20 inhabited pylons—one for each Italian region—housing shops, restaurants, hotels, and exhibition spaces. The pylons would be financed by the respective regions and generate income to absorb workers displaced by the cessation of ferry services. Pesce describes the project as a "fantastic surprise" and a return to Italy's tradition of grand architecture, envisioning it as a floating Expo promoting Italy's image globally. The design remains a preliminary sketch without structural or cost analysis.