When building bridges, engineers and architects don’t always look for the shortest possible crossing. The new ring-shaped bridge across Laguna Garzon in Uruguay's southern coast is such an example.
The concrete structure consist of two semi-circular bridges, joined at either end to create a ring, and was built to replace a raft crossing between the cities of Rocha and Maldonado. On the bridge’s unusual circular design, its architect Rafael Viñoly has a perfectly logical and functional explanation: the curved design will force drivers to slow down the speed of their cars while also prove an opportunity to enjoy the panoramic views of this amazing landscape. The bridge also has a pair of pedestrian walkways.
Before the bridge was built, the raft crossing allowed only two cars to cross at a time. The raft operated only at certain times of the day, and during windy or stormy days it remained closed. The poor connection has kept the region of Rocha away from further developments compared to what Maldonado has been experiencing in the last decades.
The new bridge will allow some 1,000 vehicles to cross the lagoon, and is expected to help drive the development of Rocha’s coastline.
via Dezeen
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWell let us just ait and see how taking concentration of drivers off teh road will cause a number of motorists to fly off the bridge despite driving slowly. a circular walkway makes sence, but a road ??? drivers will have to concentrate more on teh road
ReplyDeleteWell you're suppose to concentrate when you drive........
DeleteNothing I hate more then concentrating when driving.
Delete"The new bridge will allow some 1,000 vehicles to cross the lagoon, ..." Then what?
ReplyDeleteI don't really get it. Such a design for a bridge over water just seems as though it would be excessively expensive with little afforded to the visible aesthetics. And given the location, what's there to slow down for, quite honestly?
ReplyDeleteDoes the bridge fall down after 1000 vehicles have crossed?
ReplyDeleteWTF is the advantage over two lanes side-by-side?
Well, Steve Denver, if nothing else it eliminates the possibility of head-on collisions.
ReplyDeleteAm I just about the only one here that find this development avant garde amongst all the negativity posted until now ??? Love the design, the reason for it and it looks amazing.
ReplyDeleteAgree with you. People on the internet derive a perverse sense of (faux) power from being critical jerks. I like it.
DeleteI like it also. An alternative approach to a transportation problem. And it looks really cool, and something to be proud of. Being from the Bay Area, I also like that it includes pedestrian options to walk across the bridge, unlike the new Bay Bridge design, which only lets cyclists and pedestrians traverse one half of the way from Oakland to SF. Architecture should be not only functional, but inspirational. I believe they got it right with this design- slow down and enjoy the view. Is that so bad?
ReplyDeleteLike it or not, this bridge's unusual design attracts worldwide attention to an otherwise largely insignificant location. No small feat. Lighten up. You sourpusses didn't fund it, but you could potentially choose to appreciate it at no cost. I marvel at the genius of the inspired circular design. How magnificently it transforms the geography. If only more folks could be so lucky as to have a daily commute that provided such opportunity for reflection. Take pause. May the bridge outlast the cynics and give pleasure to all who embrace it's beauty, form and function.
ReplyDelete