Bridges around the world: Sunday Bridges
July 18, 2010
Primary
There's no rhyme or reason in the design of Metro Manila's footbridges. Some are made of metal and some of concrete, some are pre-fabricated and others are built on the spot, some are roofed and some not, and most have the yickiest paint colors I have ever seen. This is a relatively decent-looking bridge and is one of two which crosses Katipunan Avenue from the Ateneo de Manila University. It is usually free of graffiti because university personnel immediately paint them over—the school doesn't bother waiting for the barangay, city or the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority because they'll take forever. An attempt to prettify the bridge with plant boxes is only partially successful. Several years ago, a big row between the university and one of those government units (I don't remember which) ensued over the government's plan to lease billboard space on the bridge. The university argued that a billboard would hide pedestrians (mostly students) from view and may compromise their safety. The university won and the billboard wasn't installed, but the frame, which was already built, was never dismantled. If you look closely, you can still see it on the left side. In the next two days, I'll show you the two stores at the end of the bridge.
Interesting shot.
ReplyDeleteWe don't need pesdestrian bridges here across, maybe some day. Good for the University. Who needs another billboard. I mean, really.
What a challenge ... maybe they could allow primary class students to colour it with their paintings.
ReplyDeleteLove the thought of yours, that bridges could rhyme.
Please have a great Sunday.
daily athens
my same thoughts exactly. but isn't it the other footbridge in katipunan not covered?
ReplyDeletemas okay nga na open lang since roofed or enclosed public spaces like this not only encourage vandalism, or pose security problems, it also encourages homeless people to sleep in them. (not that it's bad esp for temporary shelter, but they're supposed to be taken care of by DSWD and not left alone.)
i think it's also one of the reasons why the footbride in philcoa was renovated. they removed the roof to discourage vendors aside from the reasons i mentioned above.
ayan, nobela na. haha. tc! happy weekend!
When Dawn participated the Physics camp last summer in Ateneo, there were times that I was late fetching her and I just told her to cross the footbridge and wait for me at McDonalds, kaya lang I was having second thoughts because there might be vendors around but actually Dawn told me there was none. I thank Ateneo for making that footbridge safe for students.
ReplyDeleteNot all bridges are romantic I suppose! There's beauty even in the honesty of a utilitarian bridge if I choose to see it that way so thank you for presenting a window into that corner of your world!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the university won this one. Safety first!
ReplyDeletethis is something I think much of Long Island could benefit from.
ReplyDeleteWe have so much traffic where I live & this just seems like a safe alternative.
no rhyme or reason, indeed.:p our foot bridges are definitely boring! i'm glad Ateneo is firm against billboards on foot bridges.
ReplyDeleteI think I crossed that before...
ReplyDeleteHow I wish na maging maganda ang mga foot bridges natin sa Pinas, kahit man lang sa Metro Manila. Tingin ko hindi lang dahil dahil sa kakakulangan ng budget para sa pagpapagawa nito, hindi rin napagtutuunan ng pansin ang design nito.
ReplyDeleteHats off para sa Ateneo para sa pangangalaga ng safety ng mga students. How I wish ganyan rin ang gawin ng mga shools sa Manila...grabe ang mga billboards sa Espana, sa may Recto.
Sigh, this bridge is more about function than form, for sure. And I so agree with you about the public use of hideous paint colors in Manila. Not every bridge needs to be as spectacular as the one I just posted, but neither should they rank as urban blight! It always disappoints me to see that when I know Pinoys are among the most creative and beauty appreciative in the world!
ReplyDeleteHilda, I was surprised too to learn that Cafe 1771 had been open for some months already. This Grand Launch last night was badly delayed then. It may need the exposure. No coffee pie was served, but the lemon tart sure was yummy.
The man doesn't know you were taking his photo. Now he knows.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could remember. There's a wooden bridge not dissimilar to this in Germany but I've forgotten the name of the city. Love that it's covered to protect walkers.
ReplyDeleteCute butt shot. ;)
ReplyDeleteLOL at Dina!
ReplyDelete«Louis» is happy to read the university won this one.
Your contributions to Sunday Bridges are very much appreciated!
I think the university had a very legitimate reason to oppose! I like how you caught this guy in the photo, too :D
ReplyDeleteA very interesting post. Maybe the students ought to get together some night and dismantle that framework!
ReplyDeleteCity government people can be very hard to work with! They seem to be most concerned with keeping their jobs which means keeping their corporate benefactors happy!
for a rather pedestrian bridge this has a good story.
ReplyDeletecool shot and the lines are great. I bet it would look good in black and white too.
ReplyDeleteI love this pedestrian bridge, man included
ReplyDeleteElisa
A good choice of bridge-photo.
ReplyDeleteDo people ever steal the flowers?
ReplyDeleteA very cool shot, Hilda!
ReplyDeleteI've spent some more time admiring your previous photo... :-)