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Amazing bridges
Architecture is a fascinating field because in addition to solving typically human problems, such as housing and the infrastructure necessary for civilised life, it is constantly changing as materials and construction techniques evolve. Take bridges, for example. In recent years, thanks to a new generation of architects and engineers more attentive to form, there has been much experimentation on the most efficient structures and materials to solve the problem of joining the banks of a river, crossing a canyon or a railway crossing. Let's take a look at which are the 5 most innovative bridges in the world today. (photogallery at the bottom of the article)
Rolling bridge (United Kingdom)
The London studio Heatherwick once again makes headlines for the design and construction of this almost 12-metre wooden and steel bridge. The bridge joins the two banks of a small section of the Grand Union Canal and is reserved for pedestrians. Its peculiarity is that it is moved by a hydraulic system that causes it to extend and retract, thus leaving the waterway free for small canal boats.
Henderson Waves (Singapore)
At 274 metres long and 36 metres high, it connects two national parks and is the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore. The innovation here is all in the design, conceived to embellish the skyline of the Asian city-state, and to turn the pedestrian walk into a magical experience. The inside of the bridge is in fact modelled into benches where tourists can sit and enjoy an unparalleled view of the city and the surrounding nature. At night, thousands of LEDs illuminate the bridge from the inside, making it resemble a golden dragon flying over the woods.
Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge (Brazil)
Asymmetrical bridge spanning Lake Paranoa. Its name is a tribute to former Brazilian President Juscelino Kubitschek, who established the capital in Brasilia in 1950. The three steel arches jumping out of the water recall the trajectories of dolphins and support the almost 1,200 metre long bridge with rare grace and formal elegance. The bridge's designer, architect Alexandre Chan, stated that with this design he intended to accentuate the beauty of Brasilia's sunsets.
Langkawi Sky Bridge (Malaysia)
A footbridge with an original shape as much as it is functional to distribute the load. Located on top of Mat Cincang Mountain, more than 600 metres above sea level, it is reached by cable car. About 120 metres long and 2 metres wide, its curved shape offers travellers a spectacular view of the Langkawi archipelago of 99 islands.
Gateshead Millennium Bridge (United Kingdom)
An award-winning movable bridge in many architectural competitions, it is the brainchild of Wilkinson Eyre, a renowned architectural firm based in London. The bridge joins the two banks of the River Tyne, linking Gateshead with New Castle. A system of six hydraulic pistons rotates the structure 40 degrees allowing boats to pass underneath. The designers describe the movement as that of a slowly opening eyelid. The bridge was installed fully constructed and the operation required the use of Europe's largest floating crane.
Source: Popularmechanics.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_fullwidth_slideshow padding=”0″ images=”7745,7746,7747,7748,7749″ stretch_images=”true”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_fancy_title tag_name=”h3″ size=”24″ margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”none”]The Rolling Bridge[/mk_fancy_title][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/x0Dj7XA77hw”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_button dimension=”outline” corner_style=”full_rounded” size=”medium” icon=”mk-icon-home” url=”/” align=”center” margin_top=”30″ margin_bottom=”0″ margin_right=”0″]Torna alla Home[/mk_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]
