Catwalking a Bridge : A Longitudinal Study of a Transnational Megaproject

• Transnational bridges are a special kind of mega-project with strong symbolic power and a complex set of stakeholders. The long Oresund bridge is a good example of this. It links the cities of Malmoe, Sweden and Copenhagen, Denmark and was opened in 2000. I will use the bridge construction to demonstrate the ways in which a mega-construction project does symbolic and ritual work during the long planning stage, the actual construction years, the grand opening ceremonies as well as in its later life as an everyday transport mechanism. The bridge was built not only by engineers but also by event managers, media consultants and brand builders. It was a project not only of transport logistics but also of urban development and aimed to facilitate political, economic and cultural integration across a national border – the making of a transnational metropolis. The interdisciplinary study of the bridge is a longitudinal one, which makes it possible to explore how changing economic and political climates affect a mega-project and what happens when visions and great expectations are confronted with everyday realities at different stages.

Subject headings

HUMANIORA  -- Annan humaniora -- Etnologi (hsv//swe)

HUMANITIES  -- Other Humanities -- Ethnology (hsv//eng)

Publication and Content Type

kap (subject category)

ref (subject category)