2014.12.9
A project that we did the basic design and detailed design for, “Toyama Bridge”, won the 2014 JSCE Civil Engineering Design Encouragement Prize.
2014 JSCE Civil Engineering Design Prize Results
The Toyama Bridge spans over a class A river, the Jinzu River, and is located along the Kureha-Fukuro Route, a major city planning road that is the shortest route between Toyama City and Takaoka City. The original bridge was built in 1936 and was a longt-time familiar site for local residents, even being praised as, “…a cultural bridge, the gorgeous bridge of modern Toyoma.” The bridge stood as a symbol of Toyama for more than 70 years, however, it was finally determined that it needed to be replaced due to aging, and as a means of relieving traffic congestion.
Our fundamental plan of action focused on the local environment, and on providing a landscape that only the biggest bridge in Toyama could offer, which includes the bridge, the river, the surrounding urban area, the Tateyama Mountain Range, and the local trolley system. We also had to incorporate the light blue beams of the old bridge, which provided a light feel to the landscape, as they seemed to rhythmically dance unabashed on the bridge pier, and had become an important, familiar landmark to the local community.
We were careful to incorporate the view of the Tateyama Mountain Range and traces of the old bridge, and in the end, we were able to realize a faithful rendition of the original concept, down to every detail. As a result, a ripple effect was generated after its completion, which lead to a new feeling of familiarity with the bridge, with things like local elementary school study groups and voluntary clean-up sessions taking place.
