Shinkou Circle-Walk Pedestrian Bridge, Yokohama, Japan

The Shinkou wharf in Japan was an active modern harbour at the beginning of the 20th century, and the area today features a number of items of historic interest. In 1983, a project was launched by the Government of the city of Yokohama to redevelop this wharf, and a pedestrian bridge was planned in the center of the area. The bridge was expected to serve as a new symbol for the region, and the aesthetics of the bridge were therefore of particular significance. Construction of the bridge was completed in December 1999, and the bridge was named the Shinkou Circle-Walk Bridge following a competition involving the citizens of Yokohama. The main concept of the project was to harmonise the modern bridge, constructed by means of the latest technologies, with the historic atmosphere of the area.