The Sky Wave Bridge

[EddMarkStarr]

Just wanted to take a moment from all my stress this week and take in something awesome.
The Zhejiang Shenxianju Ruyi Footbridge in China opened in September 2020 - with a glass-bottomed walkway!

 

[Harke the Boeotarch]

Too much money

 

[unloadonme]

Given the spectacular landscape, it would in my view have been preferable for the bridge to be as unobtrusive as possible. As it is, they've gone for an over-engineered gimmick which wouldn't look out of place at Disneyland.

 

[NotHardUp1]

I have to wonder if physics or math is really the driver of the design, or if it is some archetypal resonance in the Chinese for their love of the wave design. I mean, perception is reality. Look at that first photo. I easily see a dragon approaching, just as clearly as in any Chinese New Year parade.

It has been present in their concepts of the dragon for many centuries, and I can't help but see an echo of it in those undulations.

And, after all, this bridge is in the sky, where the dragon reigns and the pearl of wisdom hovers. Maybe the modern Chinese would not be so lampoonable as to make a modern structure a literal dragon.

Western architecture favors the straight line, but look at Oriental designs and note the greater use of curves and arcs (especially inverted arcs) that are not merely structural like the Roman or Gothic arches, or domes.

 

[EddMarkStarr]

Given the spectacular landscape, it would in my view have been preferable for the bridge to be as unobtrusive as possible. As it is, they've gone for an over-engineered gimmick which wouldn't look out of place at Disneyland.

You have a great point. China has spectacular landscapes that far outshine many man-made structures.

 

[fabulouslyghetto]

Given the spectacular landscape, it would in my view have been preferable for the bridge to be as unobtrusive as possible. As it is, they've gone for an over-engineered gimmick which wouldn't look out of place at Disneyland.

Sincerely,

the western world which decimated hills, plains and forests to put Starbucks, repetitive cul de sacs and aesthetically insulting apartments everywhere

 

[EddMarkStarr]

Sincerely,

the western world which decimated hills, plains and forests to put Starbucks, repetitive cul de sacs and aesthetically insulting apartments everywhere

There is a sort of "Theme Park" quality to China's over-the-top structural engineering. Like someone's overcompensating!

 

[NotHardUp1]

There is a sort of "Theme Park" quality to China's over-the-top structural engineering. Like someone's overcompensating!

Is "small dick energy" a thing?

 

[Alistair]

Given the spectacular landscape, it would in my view have been preferable for the bridge to be as unobtrusive as possible. As it is, they've gone for an over-engineered gimmick which wouldn't look out of place at Disneyland.

My opinion is opposite. If you’re going to ruin the spectacular landscape with a bridge, at least make it something that compliments the beauty. The dragon curve style is beautiful.

 

[Alistair]

There is a sort of "Theme Park" quality to China's over-the-top structural engineering. Like someone's overcompensating!

You see theme park, I see futuristic. Pushing boundaries in design.

 

[fabulouslyghetto]

Is "small dick energy" a thing?

Oh it sure the fuck is, my guy.