#undulatingbridge

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6 Gorgeous Undulating Footbridges

What beauty there is in ambling on one’s own devices. The Year of the Snake reminds us of the grace in self-propulsion, our primal mode of travel. With bridges to remove the obstacles of crossings, we “walk on water” and glide over valleys. In a world filled with lovely footbridges, here’s a look at the best of those whose undulating forms suggest serpentine locomotion.

[homoperegrinus-blog]

Henderson Waves. Singapore.

Rising 118 feet above Henderson Road-- the demarcation between Mount Faber and Telok Blangah Hill parks-- the eponymous "Waves" are the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore. Undulating gracefully above and below the all-weather Bakau wood deck, curved steel ribs create a striking silhouette against the skyline and cocooning seating alcoves along the timber deck. An easy five-minute walk, the disabled-friendly bridge offers a sweeping vista and migratory bird watching.

When to go: Late Summer, early Fall. 

What to do: Go for an illuminated stroll at night when the bridge glimmers in the glow of LED lamplight from 7pm to 2am.

Photos: Edwin 11 (top and bottom)

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BP Pedestrian Bridge. Millennium Park, Chicago.

Winding across Columbus Drive, Frank Gehry's sinuous design with its stainless steel plating resembles a slithering snake, though the respected architect has said that it looks like a river. Whether water or reptile, the walkway is a marvel of sculptural form and function. Connecting Daley Bicentennial Plaza with Millennium Park, the fully-accessible bridge also serves as a sound barrier to the traffic noise below.

When to go: April - September.

What to do: Join the fun at the interactive art project, Crown Fountain, then take in a concert at the Gehry-designed Pritzker Pavilion.

Photos: Torsodog (top)

[homoperegrinus-blog]

Pythonbrug. Amsterdam, Netherlands.

A skeletal expanse of crimson steel arching over the Spoorwegbassin canal, the Python Bridge, also known as the Anaconda, requires a measure of physical ability to cross. Its steep incline is not designed to accommodate the disabled, but its level, downcanal twin allows wheelchair and bicycle access. Bridging the largely residential peninsulas Sporenburg and Borneo Eiland, the audacious design by West 8 playfully brightens the canalscape. 

When to go: Early September, just after the high season.

What to do: Check out the modular architecture and do the Spoorwegbassin Jump -- take the plunge into the canal from the apex of the bridge.

Photos: Amsterdam Hotel & Travel (top)  Kwikzilver (bottom)

[homoperegrinus-blog]

Glass Bridge and Ramp. Coventry, West Midlands, England.

So named for its glass-adorned balustrade, the bridge and ramp are constructed mainly of steel tubing and an illuminated deck system, forming a distinctly modern counterpoint to the medieval city wall over which it rises. Spiraling past the restored Lady Herbert's Garden to the contemporary International Garden of Peace the coiling walkway bridges the worlds of new and old England.

When to go: Spring to early Summer when all is rife with blooms.

What to do: Explore the majestic ruins of the Old Coventry Cathedral and follow the vast public art trail.