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June 19, 2026, 02:47:49 PM
Funfani.com - Spreading Fun All Over!IMAGE CORNERWallpapers/Cool ImagesArchitectureFascinating Living Growing Architecture
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Rhea Thomas
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« Reply #6 on: September 30, 2009, 06:27:55 AM »
2. The Vine Bridges of Iya Valley


« Last Edit: October 19, 2009, 02:11:01 AM by Ryan Martis » Report to moderator   Logged
Rhea Thomas
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« Reply #7 on: September 30, 2009, 06:28:12 AM »
One of Japan's three "hidden" valleys, West Iya is home to the kind of misty gorges, clear rivers, and thatched roofs one imagines in the Japan of centuries ago. To get across the Iya River that runs through the rough valley terrain, bandits, warriors and refugees created a very special - if slightly unsteady - bridge made of vines.

« Last Edit: October 19, 2009, 02:11:11 AM by Ryan Martis » Report to moderator   Logged
Rhea Thomas
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« Reply #8 on: September 30, 2009, 06:30:33 AM »
This is a picture from the 1880s of one of the original vine bridges.



First, two Wisteria vines -- one of the strongest vines known -- were grown to extraordinary lengths from either side of the river. Once the vines had reached a sufficient length they were woven together with planking to create a pliable, durable and, most importantly, living piece of botanical engineering.
« Last Edit: October 19, 2009, 02:11:24 AM by Ryan Martis » Report to moderator   Logged
Rhea Thomas
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« Reply #9 on: September 30, 2009, 06:31:52 AM »


The bridges had no sides, and a Japanese historical source relates that the original vine bridges were so unstable, those attempting to cross them for the first time would often freeze in place, unable to go any farther.
« Last Edit: October 19, 2009, 02:11:36 AM by Ryan Martis » Report to moderator   Logged
Rhea Thomas
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« Reply #10 on: September 30, 2009, 06:32:02 AM »
Three of those vine bridges remain in Iya Valley. While some (though apparently not all) of the bridges have been reinforced with wire and side rails, they are still harrowing to cross. More than 140 feet long, with planks set six to eight inches apart and a drop of four-and-a-half stories down to the water, they are not for acrophobes.

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« Reply #11 on: September 30, 2009, 06:32:12 AM »
Some people believe the existing vine bridges were first grown in the 12th century, which would make them some of the oldest known examples of living architecture in the world. But there is one ancient group of peoples who took the concept to an entirely new level.

« Last Edit: October 19, 2009, 02:12:00 AM by Ryan Martis » Report to moderator   Logged
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