In Uruguay, there is a new bridge that replaces efficiency with serenity. The bridge crosses over to Laguna Garzon, a lagoon located on the southern coast of Uruguay. Prior to the time that the bridge was built, there was only a raft crossing that allowed the travelers to go check out the lagoon.
Thanks to this $11 million circular bridge, the lagoon is now easily accessible. It was designed by architect Rafel Vinoly and is one of the most unique bridges in the world. Rather than providing a straight, direct approach to the lagoon, it is two semicircular bridges that join at either end, forming a circular shape.
Why was the circular shape chosen? It is actually quite logical.
With a straight bridge, many drivers will simply crossover to the lagoon without paying attention to what is around them. The circular shape, on the other hand, forces the drivers to slow down and pay attention to the surrounding area. It also provides a unique pedestrian walkway that goes around the interior of the circle as well.
Prior to the time that the bridge was built, a raft crossing was the only way for people to be transported between the cities of Rocha and Maldonado. It could be rather inconvenient, as it only operated at certain times during the day and if the weather was rough, it would close down. Only 2 cars could cross at a time, so the development of Rocha was suffering as well.
The majority of the project was funded by an Argentinian real estate developer, Eduardo Constantini. It is his hope that the bridge will attract additional tourists to the lagoon.
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