Zhimei Bridge, Taibao, Chiayi County, Taiwán
As a landscape bridge spanning across the lake, Zhimei Bridge, built close to the surface of the water, casts in the air two elegant curves rising above the water. With a span of 142 meters, the bridge is designed as a large steel arch bridge with no piers to cause impact on the waterproof coating at the bottom of the artificial lake. Designed to appear low-key and lightweight, the structure of the bridge only uses the support of the main arch and the curved beams and the bracket floors on the S-shaped bridge. 25 undulating curved ribs with various lengths and angles form into a curvy sequence that follows the alterations of the bridge floors, producing a sense of rhythm that moves along with visitors’ changing perspectives.
To clearly display the curved ribs and be mindful of the drainage between the floor and the shade structure, the bridge adopts open joints on the bridge floor, on which visitors walk freely and enjoy different views on each side of the bridge. The bridge has a tilting of 1 meter that leans toward south, making it appear to being touching the surface of the water in a light and floaty gesture.
Epic Taiwan Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
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