Circular Bridge Built To Slow Down Drivers So That They Would Enjoy The View
The end of 2015 saw the completion of a round bridge that stretches across Laguna Garzón between the cities of Rocha and Maldonado on the southern coast of Uruguay. Designed by Rafael Viñoly, the bridge took 12 months to complete, and replaces a traditional raft crossing while encouraging drivers to enjoy the view.
“The concept of the Puente Laguna Garzon was to transform a traditional vehicular crossing into an event that reduces the speed of the cars, to provide an opportunity to enjoy panoramic views to an amazing landscape, and at the same time create a pedestrian place in the centre,” said Viñoly.
More info: rvapc.com (h/t: inhabitat)
Image credits: Rafael Vinoly Architects
Image credits: Rafael Vinoly Architects
Image credits: Jimmy Baikovicius
Image credits: Rafael Vinoly Architects
Image credits: Jimmy Baikovicius
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As a driver - I really doubt I'd have time to enjoy scenery while driving on it...
"a pedestrian place in the centre,” - ??? What pedestrian would want to stand in the middle of a bridge with cars whose drivers are "enjoying the view". I'll stick to the shore where I can feel the water and not have to worry about cars driving within a few feet of me. Gotta wonder who approved this creation.
Was thinking the same thing if the pedestrian walk was on the outer rim of the bridge I'd think it more interesting walk.
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No one seems to notice that Laguna Garzon is a PROTECTED AREA, which is why there was a raft in the first place, because car engines would scare the birds. This is a way to catch up with the tourists that visit the area in growing numbers, it is not stupid at all. This is a road used mainly in the summer, and people do make a lot of sightseeing along the coastline, since most people go on holidays driving with their family and friends. Atte. someone who lives in Uruguay and visits Laguna Garzon every summer.
so you are telling us it's a protected area and they built "this" to have allow more tourist to visit? Makes total sense...or not...
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Exactly how one can enjoy the view while driving on CIRCULAR road which is by coincidence also a bridge...?
Slowing down yes, but enjoying the view certainly not! To the contrary, the driver needs to focus more in order to take the curve.
It`s a clever Idea, I wish they would utilize the middle center, some haw...
what view? from a computer's point of view, the place looks drab. Just the sea, bare beaches (with no palm trees), lame sand, a shallow lagoon, and a scorching sun. If I was the driver, I'd get out of the heat as fast as I can. I think it's a waste of effort creating this bridge.
Sometimes the vision is not just seen with the eyes but with the mind as well. The naysayers think about the costs and the waste of taxpayer's money while others stop to smell the roses on occasion. The driver should be attentive to being in control of the vechicle while the passengers enjoy the view. The only waste I see is some letting negativity be in charge of their lives.
My dad just visited Uruguay last month (we are from there) and actually drove on it. Pretty cool.
*facepalm* I don't think that drivers gawking around whilst driving is a good idea. And the thing would become a nuisance to people who regularly use the route. And forcing people to enjoy something isn't enjoyable. They should have made a parking space on the side (or on top) and left it at that.
Lives saved becos speeding was reduced, Lives lost becos ppl were enjoying view while driving :)
It would have been a straight bridge. A lot safer in my eyes.
Load More Replies... 
As a driver - I really doubt I'd have time to enjoy scenery while driving on it...
"a pedestrian place in the centre,” - ??? What pedestrian would want to stand in the middle of a bridge with cars whose drivers are "enjoying the view". I'll stick to the shore where I can feel the water and not have to worry about cars driving within a few feet of me. Gotta wonder who approved this creation.
Was thinking the same thing if the pedestrian walk was on the outer rim of the bridge I'd think it more interesting walk.
Load More Replies... No one seems to notice that Laguna Garzon is a PROTECTED AREA, which is why there was a raft in the first place, because car engines would scare the birds. This is a way to catch up with the tourists that visit the area in growing numbers, it is not stupid at all. This is a road used mainly in the summer, and people do make a lot of sightseeing along the coastline, since most people go on holidays driving with their family and friends. Atte. someone who lives in Uruguay and visits Laguna Garzon every summer.
so you are telling us it's a protected area and they built "this" to have allow more tourist to visit? Makes total sense...or not...
Load More Replies... Exactly how one can enjoy the view while driving on CIRCULAR road which is by coincidence also a bridge...?
Slowing down yes, but enjoying the view certainly not! To the contrary, the driver needs to focus more in order to take the curve.
It`s a clever Idea, I wish they would utilize the middle center, some haw...
what view? from a computer's point of view, the place looks drab. Just the sea, bare beaches (with no palm trees), lame sand, a shallow lagoon, and a scorching sun. If I was the driver, I'd get out of the heat as fast as I can. I think it's a waste of effort creating this bridge.
Sometimes the vision is not just seen with the eyes but with the mind as well. The naysayers think about the costs and the waste of taxpayer's money while others stop to smell the roses on occasion. The driver should be attentive to being in control of the vechicle while the passengers enjoy the view. The only waste I see is some letting negativity be in charge of their lives.
My dad just visited Uruguay last month (we are from there) and actually drove on it. Pretty cool.
*facepalm* I don't think that drivers gawking around whilst driving is a good idea. And the thing would become a nuisance to people who regularly use the route. And forcing people to enjoy something isn't enjoyable. They should have made a parking space on the side (or on top) and left it at that.
Lives saved becos speeding was reduced, Lives lost becos ppl were enjoying view while driving :)
It would have been a straight bridge. A lot safer in my eyes.
Load More Replies... 
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