USHIBUKA BRIDGE
1989 – 1996, AMAKUSA, JAPAN
The 900m-long bridge positioned 19m above the sea links three islands in the Amakusa Archipelago.The design was determined both by a desire to minimise visual impact on the bay and by local wind conditions.The bridge is a single clean arc, supported by rectangular piers, each set approximately 150m apart.Its curved underside and the baffles set on the sides to protect cyclists from strong winds create an optical illusion: the bridge appears to float above the piers.
