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These bridges are out of this world
San Shan Bridge by Penda, concept (Beijing, China) —
Inspiration for the bridge also came from a double helix and the area's mountainous terrain. When viewed from the side the three arches look like mountains -- 'San Shan' translates to three mountains in English.
courtesy penda
San Shan Bridge by Penda, concept (Beijing, China) —
A collaborative project between Penda and engineering firm Arup, the bridge features multiple arches and was partly inspired by the famous five-ringed symbol of the Olympic Games.
courtesy penda
San Shan Bridge by Penda, concept (Beijing, China) —
This curvaceous structure -- a concept bridge by architectural firm Penda -- was designed to connect Beijing's north to the 2022 Winter Olympic games venues in the neighboring Zhangjiakou district.
courtesy penda
San Shan Bridge by Penda, concept (Beijing, China) —
"It's a very slim structure, a very transparent structure, so from a formal aspect it connects very well to the background but it also stands out in order to create an icon for the Olympic games," says one of the lead architects, Chris Precht.
courtesy penda
Garden Bridge by Thomas Heatherwick, in progress (London, UK) —
There are already over 30 bridges across London's River Thames, but this new project may be the most ambitious yet: designer Thomas Heatherwick's plant-covered Garden Bridge comes with a $275 million price tag.
According to Wired, Heatherwick was inspired by the scene in "Titanic" when Leonardo DiCaprio took Kate Winslet to the bow of the ship and yelled "I'm the king of the world!" Small balconies along the length of the bridge will allow couples looking to reenact the scene.
Construction is set to commence this year, with completion slated for late 2018.
Courtesy Arup
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) —
NEXT Architects' Lucky Knot Bridge is set to open later this year. The name and shape 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 2,480 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
Zhangjiajie Canyon Bridge by Haim Dotan, in progress (Zhangjiajie City, China) —
When it opens in May 2016, Haim Dotan's Zhangjiajie Canyon Bridge will be the largest glass-bottomed bridge in the world. Aside from supporting visitors, the bridge, which is 69 feet long and 718 feet high, will be also be used for bungee jumps and fashion shows.
ChinaFotoPress/ChinaFotoPress via Getty Images
Nine Elms Bridge by Bystrup, in progress (London, UK) —
Danish firm Bystrup recently 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.
Courtesy Bystrup
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge by Haim Dotan Achitects —
The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge is currently scheduled for completion in January 2017.
Haim Dotan Architects
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge by Haim Dotan Achitects —
The glass-bottom bridge stretches across two hills and is 300 meters above ground.
