Bridge in nature for people and bicycle by shuichiro yoshida from japan

Harmony with the surrounding landscape, legibly marks the crossing point
This bridge has controlled its volume to make harmony with low and plain surrounding landscape. The pedestrian path shapes gentle arch, while catenary curves are represented in the structural suspension bridge system. Superimposing those two types of curves makes symbolic landmarks in the crossing point. The slits in between vertical timbers allow people to see through the bridge and also give clear view. In this proposal, a bridge is designed as a transparent object, which will assimilate to the surrounding landscape.
Flagship of Green path as sustainable travel route for use by local people and visitors
The pedestrian path is surrounded with wooden elements in the bridge. The mid-span height of the pedestrian path is approximately 2.5 m higher than that at the ends and the average gradient of the path is 1/20. The top of the vertical timber is uniquely leveled, such that the relative height of the vertical timber from the path is 1.5 m and 4.0 m at the mid-span and ends, respectively. This variation entertains people with a gentle sequence of closed-opened-closed feeling while they are crossing the bridge. The split in between the vertical elements provides variety of views to each type of people such as pedestrians, cyclists or horse riders with the different moving speed.
Respect to wildlife
The proposed bridge occupies the minimum area to impact the wildlife as little as possible. Especially the steps connecting the banks and green way levels at the both ends are designed in the basement of the bridge. These steps are hidden in the bridge and openings on the preserved existing brick façade can be seen. Small terraces, where people can take a rest and relax themselves, are designed between the river and the steps
Sustainability of materials, construction method and maintenance process
Two types of material are used in the superstructure of the bridge: steel and wood. The main frame of the structure consists of steel for without maintenance, and the pedestrian deck is made by replaceable wood for maintenance. The wood elements are fixed with bolts, which make it possible to take the elements apart and re-assemble.
-Red Pine timber produced with Finnish Thermowood technology is adopted for the deck floor and vertical timber. Plant system of Red Pine has been well-organized and use of this type of wood could avoid deforestation of tropical green. Thermowood technology makes it possible to dry the timber under high temperature. Although this unique drying system cost more than standard approaches, it guarantees longer use and eventually reduces the life-cycle-cost.
-The main beams between cables consist of a steel plates sandwiched with timber elements, which prevent the plate beams from lateral-torsional buckling and also enhance the performance against corrosion.
-Stainless bolts are used in order to avoid erosion by the acid in Red pine timber.
-Slight opening for drainage is designed between timber decks to prevent corrosion of the timber.