Japan Bridge, Pedestrian bridge in La Défense, France.
Japan Bridge is a pedestrian crossing made of red steel with two inclined arches that meet in the middle, spanning about 106 meters above a busy road. It links two office buildings through a glass-enclosed walkway that shields people from rain and wind.
A Japanese architect and a French engineering firm designed this bridge together, completing it in 1993. The partnership brought together Japanese design traditions with European engineering techniques.
The red steel arches draw inspiration from Japanese bridge traditions while fitting into the modern business district around it. People walking across notice how the curved design contrasts with the angular office towers nearby.
The walkway is flat and spacious, making it easy to cross for most people. Visiting during business hours means sharing the path with office workers, so coming outside work times makes for a more relaxed experience.
The steel structure uses specialized connection points where suspension rods and beams meet to distribute forces and maintain stability. This engineering solution is hidden under the red arches but is what keeps the bridge steady during strong winds.
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