Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly used a unique approach to bridge design, creating a circular bridge structure.
The circular bridge across the Laguna Garzón in Uruguay just opened to the public, and it has left many questioning why such a construction was ever created. Unlike many purely architectural constructions, this bridge serves a functional purpose.
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The circular bridge’s designers intended to find a way to impede traffic while simultaneously pushing people to look around and appreciate their surroundings. The unconventional circular design was chosen after years of government deliberation. The bridge has a radius of 51.5 meters, with two straight sections at the entrances of 46 meters each. This design allowed for two lanes of traffic while also incorporating a lagoon in the center for fishing.
According to architect Rafael Viñoly, the Puente Laguna Garzón aims to reduce traffic speed, offer panoramic views, and create a pedestrian space in the center.
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The Circular Bridge was open to public at 2015
Construction began in late 2014, with the project opening to the public just over a year later. The entire road cost an estimated $11 million, with $10 million coming from private sources. Unlike many architectural undertakings, this one was truly necessary. Prior to the bridges’ completion, motorists seeking to travel between the counties of Maldonado and Rocha had to load onto a raft and traverse the water. Over 1,000 cars are expected to use the new bridge every day, making their commutes significantly faster than before.
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The Uruguayan government is hoping to usher in a new era for the country, focusing more on tourism and sustainability. Uruguay received 2.9 million visitors in 2015, a sharp increase from the previous year. Through the construction of this bridge, officials seek to drive visitors and locals to the largely undeveloped coastline of Rocha.
Circular bridges are not uncommon, however, they are rarely designed for vehicular traffic. The Laguna Garzón bridge combines the beauty of a circular construction with important utilitarian design elements and the enchantment of the surroundings.
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While the project’s extraordinary scale does not draw attention to itself, the bridge is generating a lot of interest, exactly as designers and officials planned.
