As a metaphor, a bridge between people can enable the passage of ideas.
It connects people who are in different places, emotionally and physically…
it enables us to be connected, it opens up the opportunity for people to be helped, it can reduce isolation, and if seen or felt it can increase the range of possibilities.
The symbolism of the bridge can be explored from many perspectives.
Any process for knowing oneself, of discovering oneself and the world, means listening to and creating communication with others.
A bridge remains a hopeful symbol in our tradition, history and multicultural lives.
Living Root Bridges (India)
A living root bridge is formed by guiding the pliable roots of the Ficus elastica tree across a stream or river, and then allowing the roots to grow and strengthen over time until they can hold the weight of a human being.
Golden Bridge (Vietnam)
Standing 1,400m above sea level and the Ba Na hills, this bridge offers majestic panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The gold-colored footbridge is lined with purple Lobelia Chrysanthemums.
Henderson Waves Bridge (Singapore)
At its highest point, Henderson Waves bridge is just over 118 feet, making it Singapore's tallest bridge. The modern pedestrian bridge is surrounded by the region's lush natural foliage.
The Twist (Norway)
Completed in 2019, part museum, part bridge, and part sculpture, the nearly 11,000 square-foot art installation primarily acts as a bridge, connecting two forested riverbanks, while also completing the route through Kistefos, northern Europe’s largest sculpture park.
Rakotzbrücke Devil’s Bridge (Germany)
The bridge was specifically built to create the circle you see in reflection with the optical illusion in mind. It speaks to a great achievement in engineering so magnificent in fact that it must have been created by unearthly forces rather than a mere mortal.
High Trestle Trail Bridge (Iowa!)
The 25-mile and 13 story-high former train bridge stretches from Ankeny, Iowa, to Woodward, Iowa. Now an incredible piece of functional art, beautiful day or night. After dark, the bridge comes alive as blue lights illuminate a section of the steel cribbing, which mark the location of the main river channel below. From April through October, the bridge is lit from sunset until midnight. From November through March, the lights turn off at 9 pm.
Imagining bridges is a simple attempt to join what is separated,
to connect binaries which otherwise remain irreconcilable.
Every bridge has its own story:
stories and reasons for being built, stories of considerable effort and of expanded worlds.
The bridge can be actual or abstract;
it can be a voyage, a link, or a divide, depending upon the traveler.
My wish is that our country and world will allow the greatest architect within each of us to create bridges amongst us all.
[ THINK ]