Measuring 1621 feet long, the newly opened Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge is the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge, according to Zermatt Tourism.
Courtesy Valentin Flauraud
Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge (Switzerland) —
It spans the valley between the towns of Zermatt and Grächen.
Courtesy Valentin Flauraud
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge by Haim Dotan Architects (Zhangjiajie, China) —
The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge stretches across two hills and is 300 meters above ground. It has a glass bottom.
Haim Dotan Architects
Danjiang Bridge by Zaha Hadid Architects, in progress (Taipei, Taiwan) —
At just over 3,000 ft, the Danjiang Bridge -- one of the last commissions awarded to the late Zaha Hadid -- will be the world's longest single-tower, asymmetric cable-stayed bridge, according to the firm.
The subtle design is meant to have visual impact without obscuring the Taipei sunset.
Zaha Hadid Architects
Lucky Knot Bridge by NEXT Architects, in progress (Changsha, China) —
The name and shape of NEXT Architects' Lucky Knot Bridge refer to the Chinese art of decorative knotting, which is associated with good luck.
Courtesy NEXT architects
Sölvesborg Bridge by Ljusarkitektur, 2013 (Sölvesborg, Sweden) —
In a rare twist, the Sölvesborg Bridge -- Europe's longest pedestrian bridge at 2480 feet -- was specially enhanced by a lighting design firm rather than an architect. Ljusarkitektur mounted the structure with color-change LED lights.
Courtesy ljusarkitektur
Helix Bridge by Cox Architecture, 2010 (Marina Bay, Singapore) —
When it opened in 2010, Singapore's Helix Bridge was the first to incorporate the shape of a double-helix. The structure is meant to symbolize life, renewal and growth, and sits near Moshe Safdie's $5.7 billion Marina Bay Sands casino.
Courtesy Urban Redevelopment Authority
Køge North Station by COBE, in progress (Køge, Denmark) —
There's more than meets the eye with this structure. The bridge, designed collaboratively by COBE ArchitectsDissing + Weitling and COWI, includes passageways for both trains and cars, as well as a full station and park-and-ride facilities. It's set to open in 2018.
Courtesy COBE, DISSING+WEITLING and COWI
Puente Laguna Garzon by Rafael Viñoly Architects, 2015 (Garzón, Uruguay) —
Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly's circular bridge can only be truly appreciated from above. The circular bridge, which replaced a raft crossing, creates the effect of a lagoon within a lagoon.
Courtesy Rafael Viñoly Architects
Sarajevo Bridge by BCQ Arquitectura Barcelona, in progress (Barcelona, Spain) —
BCQ Arquitectura Barcelona's plant-covered bridge takes Heatherwick's green concept one step further. Their proposed upgrades to the existing Sarajevo Bridge include photoluminescent stones to light the pathway without electricity and concrete that converts pollution into harmless substances. As of now, there is no set completion date.
Courtesy BCQ arquitectura barcelona
Cirkelbroen by Olafur Eliasson, 2015 (Copenhagen, Denmark) —
Artist Olafur Eliasson was inspired by the city's history as a port town when he designed Cirkelbroen. The five round platforms and wired masts give the illusion of boats floating on the harbor.
Courtesy Studio Olafur Eliasson
Nine Elms Bridge by Bystrup, in progress (London, UK) —
Danish firm Bystrup won the commission to build a bridge in South London's Pimlico neighborhood. However, the pedestrians-only curving structure is not without controversy. Critics worry the new bridge, which is not yet under construction, will destroy Pimlico Gardens, one of few public green spaces in the area.
