Text by: Little Traveler
Usually, when scrolling through social media, we see breathtaking architecture from abroad. But it turns out that nearby Taiwan also has a “world’s best-designed bridge.” According to the UK-based online architecture media outlet Worldbuild365, one of the top five bridges is the “Dong He Steel Administration Center Footbridge,” designed in 2012 by renowned Taiwanese architect Chang Che-Fu. Meanwhile, China has two bridges making the Top 5 as well.
Inspired by the steel materials commonly seen in factories, the bridge wraps the entire walkway connecting the Dong He Steel Administration Center to the administrative building with bent and interwoven steel, creating a tunnel-like space. The stylish and minimalist design adds a touch of vibrancy to what would otherwise be a rather dull building. Unfortunately, this bridge is not open to the public. However, if you want to admire Chang Che-Fu’s works, you can also visit Kaohsiung MRT’s Central Park Station, the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, and Taipei MRT’s Da’an Forest Park Station—all designed by him.
Additionally, among the “world’s five best-designed bridges” is the Millau Viaduct in southern France, a masterpiece by British architect Norman Foster. Upon its completion in 2004, it broke the record for the world’s tallest bridge pier and became the tallest structure in France.
As for China, two bridges made the list. Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge in Hunan Province, designed by Israeli architect Haim Dotan, is the highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge in the world. Meanwhile, the Lucky Knot pedestrian bridge in Changsha was designed by Dutch firm NEXT Architects, drawing inspiration from traditional knot art.
The fifth bridge is the Tabiat Pedestrian Bridge in Tehran, Iran, designed by Iranian female architect Leila Araghian when she was just 26 years old.
Image sources: Chang Che-Fu Architecture Office, Liberty Times, Xinhua Net, Aga Khan Development Network (akdn), KKNews