We live in a globally connected world. We are able to communicate from one side of the planet to the other, with ease. We share information with no limits. Our travel connects cities and countries and even continents.
But how does this connected society impact architecture?
Well, It’s impossible not to think about bridges.
Bridges are one of the few architectural endeavors that exist to connect two different points in space. It’s purpose is both functional and symbolic. And this is why architects and engineers work together. They test the limits of science and creativity. They express their architectural concept through designs and methods of construction, using (increasingly) innovative eco-friendly materials. Their outstanding results move cars and trains. They move people’s souls and dreams as well. But in the end, they are connecting them in space.
What do you think about this creative and outstanding designs? Which one do you think better expresses our society?
1. Erasmus Bridge
Location: Rotterdam (Nederlands)
Architect: Ben van Berkel
Year: 1996
Span: 802 m (2,631 ft)
2. Millau Viaduct
Location: Aveyron (France)
Architect: Michel Virlogeux
Year: 2004
Span: 2.460 m (8070 ft)
3. BP Bridge
Location: Chicago (US)
Architect: Frank Gehry
Year: 2004
Span: 282 m (925 ft)
4. Aiola Island Bridge
Location: Graz (Austria)
Architect: Vito Acconci
Year: 2003
Span: 70 m (230 ft)
5. Octavio Frias de Oliveira Bridge
Location: São Paulo (Brazil)
Architect: João Valente
Year: 2008
Span: 290 m (951 ft)
6. Henderson Waves Bridge
Location: Singapore (Singapore)
Architect: RSP Architects, Planners & Engineers PTE Ltd
Year: 2008
Span: 274 m (898 ft)
7. The Rolling Bridge
Location: London (UK)
Architect: T. Heatherwick, SKM A. Hunt and P. Lucas
Year: 2005
Span: 12 m (39 ft)
8. Langkawi Sky Bridge
Location: Pulau Langkawi (Malaysia)
Architect: Cox Architects
Year: 2005
Span: 125 m (410 ft)
9. Infinity Bridge
Location: England (UK)
Architect: Expedition Engineering
Year: 2008
Span: 240 m (787 ft)
10. Øresund Bridge
Location: Copenhagen (Denmark) and Scania (Sweden)
Architect: Klaus Falbe Hansen, Jorgen Nissen, Niels Gimsing, Georg Rotne
Year: 2000
Span: 7,845 m (25,738 ft)
11. Samuel Beckett Bridge
Location: Dublin (Ireland)
Architect: Santiago Calatrava
Year: 2007
Span: 123 m (403 ft)
Virginia Duran 
All these bridges are so extraordinary that it is hard to single out just one. I love the elegance of the Millau but as someone who is not good with heights I might enjoy the BP Bridge more than the others. Interesting really that we excel at building physical bridges but we are not always so good at bridging gaps between peoples. If we applied the same thought and detail as we do with the physical structure may be our other bridging would work better too.
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I agree with you about people, although I think our society is maybe too “connected”. This is why so many bridges are being built, the need to connect spaces even more. In Chicago we have a bridge every 50m, is crazy and they are ugly by the way.Your comments are always thought provoking! Thank you!
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Every 50m; that seems excessive. Lots of shortcuts and not enough time spent going the long way round! I think I am the town/road planner’s worst enemy. I am always on the look out for the different/back route to go somewhere. I read somewhere that the term for people like me who deliberately avoid the straight route is “rat runner” 🙂
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Fantastic!
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Thanks, glad you liked it!
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wow…
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Any favorites on the list?
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I like the Millau Viaduct (no. 2). The mist-covered picture reminds me of that saying “like two ships passing in the night).
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This comment made me smile because it is indeed how I feel as well.
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Wow, I started off picking a favourite but the more I looked at them the harder it was to choose a favourite. First it was no. 2 Millau Viaduct and then no. 8 Langkawi Sky Bridge, but in truth they are all extraordinary. I love your intro! 🙂
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Love those two too, very hard to choose as you say. Thanks for stopping by, always appreciated 🙂
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Fantastic collection! I’ve walked across two of them. The Infinity, which is only 20 mins from here, and the Millenium Eye which I love.
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Hello Jo! Somehow I missed this comment, so sorry! You live close to the Infinity bridge? So jealous! How are you? Hope everything is fine with you. Cheers from Vietnam 🙂
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No worries, Virginia. What a great place to be! Happy Easter to you, though it won’t be celebrated there in the same way. 🙂
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No celebrations here but fun anyways! Happy Easter to you too 🙂
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Amazing pics!
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Thanks for your kind words Terry!
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Amazing collection. These are truly inspiring. Too bad all of the ones near me are pretty plain. It is remarkable what human engineering and creativity can achieve. All of these simply connect two points together and form a very utilitarian purpose, but they have all been taken to the next level to help us keep in mind that it really is the journey and not the destination that we should pay attention to.
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I missed this comment!! It’s never too late to say thank you, right? Completely agree with the journey aspect 🙂
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Such innovative pieces of architecture. And one of my favourite photographic subjects!
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Hello Mike!! Thanks for your comment, any favorites on the list?
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The Infinity Bridge for its grace and purity. It’s in London? Where?! I would have made a special trip to that one…
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Close to London, it’s in the borough of Stockton-on-Tees (North East England). Next time you should visit 😀
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That’s like another country! Certainly worth a look.
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Have a look at our website : even in french !
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