How do you take a an ordinary design for a bridge and make it special?
Cau Song Han – Da Nang, Vietnam
Put a dragon on it, of course!
Dragon Bridge – Da Nang, Vietnam
Da Nang has two new symbols for the city, both completed in the last five years: the Lady Buddha and The Dragon Bridge.
Lady Buddha – Da Nang, Vietnam
Dragon Bridge – Da Nang, Vietnam
Da Nang is a city divided by the Han River which flows into the natural harbor. Transportation to and from each side of the river has become increasingly important as the city continues to grow. The boats of yesteryear, transporting goods and vehicles from one side to the other are all but gone. Bridges, I say, Bridges are the future!
Map of Da Nang, Vietnam
Today there are eight bridges that span the Han. The furthest downriver, the Cau Thuan Phuoc was opened for business (July 19, 2009) on the same day as construction of the Dragon Bridge began.
In less than four years, the Dragon Bridge (“Cau Rong” in Vietnamese) was open to traffic. (note that this kind of project would probably take five times as long in the States or most parts of Europe. Didn’t the last runway at Atlanta Airport take almost 20 years to build??)
From a mythological standpoint, there is a dragon that lives under all of Asia. The hart of that Dragon is located under this part of Vietnam. It only makes sense that this bridge would have a Dragon on it.
And guess what….? It spits fire. Just like a real(?) dragon.
Dragon Bridge – Da Nang, Vietnam
Every Saturday and Sunday night at 9pm, the Dragon comes to life. He spits fire. He spits water.
Dragon Bridge – Da Nang, Vietnam
But don’t be scared, this dragon has love in his eyes.
Love in it’s Eyes – Dragon Bridge – Da Nang, Vietnam
A stroke of Brilliance
Regardless of what you think of the bridge and it’s design, it’s utility extends beyond transportation needs.
City planners and Architects take note: this bridge is a win for the city. Every Saturday and Sunday, thousands of people come out. They line the bridge, they line the riverfronts on both sides, they fill cafes, restaurants, and buy from the street vendors that come to serve the swelling crowd. People are out of their homes, they are being social, getting exercise, spending money, and supporting local businesses.
Did the city need a bridge there anyway? Yes. But did they have to incur the extra expense for design and construction and ongoing expenses (for the fire and water show)? No.
But the decision to build the Dragon Bridge has given the city a new identity and supported commerce. How many bridges can say that? (and when you start naming them, e.g. Golden Gate Bridge, remember every one you list is a big tourist draw, symbol of it’s city, and beloved icon – I rest my case!)
WanderlustMike 