On your side: new bridge projects

Most bridges are purely functional structures, built to provide a fast and direct route from one point to another. Sometimes, however, the location and elevation of a bridge makes it worth slowing down a bit to enjoy the view. Architects today are creating crossings in both urban and rural contexts that apply innovative forms and engineering to enhance this benefit of bridges.

In Switzerland, the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge provides jaw-dropping vistas of the Matterhorn as it traverses a deep valley between the towns of Grächen and Zermatt. The 494-metre-long Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge cuts around three hours off the time required to hike between the two towns, but its popularity is all to do with the exhilarating experience of gazing down at the valley below through the grated-metal floor.

Anyone afraid of heights might want to avoid a couple of recently completed bridges designed to optimise vertiginous views of their surroundings. Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge in China’s Hunan Province is a 385-metre-long suspension bridge spanning a gorge that drops down 300 metres. Described by architect Haim Dotan as “a dream in nature”, the bridge provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, as well as the possibility to look straight down through its glass floor.

In urban contexts, bridges can also offer some of the best vantage points. The Citadella Bridge in the Italian city of Alessandria by Richard Meier & Partners provides two separate routes for pedestrians and vehicles, allowing users to take in views of the Tanaro River. The wide walkway also creates a new public space between the urban centre and an 18th-century citadel on the opposite bank.

The Lucky Knot bridge in the Chinese city of Changsha was designed by NEXT Architects as “a unique gesture to inspire passersby”. Its twisting form references the endless Möbius strip, as well as the lucky Chinese symbol of a knot. Multiple walkways rise and fall as they traverse the Dragon King Harbour River, providing panoramic views from several peaks. Ascending to the vantage points is not the fastest way across, but this bridge is definitely more about the journey than the destination.

© Architonic