Conceptual design of a contextually inspired cable‐stayed bridge: The Cathedral Bridge, Goa

Abstract This paper presents the conceptual design of the Cathedral Bridge at Goa as a case study demonstrating how contextual inspiration, structural mechanics and constructability can be integrated within a unified engineering framework. Unlike conventional cable‐stayed bridges developed primarily for major river crossings, the bridge was conceived to span an operational railway corridor and an existing Road Over Bridge under severe geometric constraints, including sharp horizontal curvature, restricted vertical clearance and uninterrupted traffic operations. The paper introduces the ICCA (Inspiration–Corroboration–Creation–Actualization) framework as a systematic methodology for conceptual structural design. Within this framework, the architectural character of Goa, particularly its historic cathedral architecture, was abstracted into structural principles rather than literal architectural forms. The conceptual process combined contextual interpretation, force‐driven form finding, structural reasoning, and constructability to develop an efficient three‐plane cable‐supported bridge system with a slender composite deck and an innovative pylon configuration capable of accommodating the demanding geometric constraints. The study further demonstrates that construction methodology, staging requirements, and durability considerations are integral components of conceptual design rather than subsequent design checks. The Cathedral Bridge illustrates how contextual abstraction and structural behavior can evolve simultaneously to produce infrastructure that is structurally efficient, buildable, and responsive to its cultural setting. The paper contributes a structured methodology for context‐driven conceptual bridge design and highlights the role of conceptualization as the foundation of successful structural engineering.