Connections at height: skybridges = Collegamenti in quota: gli skybridges

The construction of skybridges has become more frequent in the last twenty years in high rise vertical cities. This structure represents not only an aerial connection model between high build- ings but an actual urban infrastructure that is able to connect several buildings and areas of the city. Aerial bridges have an additional important role in the security egress programs of skyscrapers, allowing for the possibility of a horizontal egress procedure and for an alternative to vertical egress. This essay offers an examination of these structures, with the aim of understanding how they function, the architectural and urban potentialities they offer for the contemporary city and possible evolutions for the future with an approach resulting from the research of the authors on inclusive fire safety, in particular for people with disabilities. The study of the examples carried out suggests in fact how skybridges can constitute, even in Italian cities, a contribution for the phased exodus in the event of an emergency evacuation, especially useful for people with disabilities, especially if integrated with area of refuge system.