Arch bridge is a symbol of the end of a new beginning making it possible to combine and unite two different countries and geographical regions divided by a water body. It has been architecturally designed in an elegant way. Architectural model designs of a bridge are achieved by changes in sling surfaces and changes in arch rib to suit the landscape significantly (Ying, Xiangyu & Huxiang, 194). Complex and beautiful architecture is used to construct permanent bridges which serve the current and future generations.
A bridge which is constructed for facilitating passage purposes and providing pathways holds deep symbolic meanings. Apart from the main purpose of enabling people to cross water bodies and rivers, the bridge symbolizes critical aspects of the human life. The bridge can mark significant psychological transition in a dreamer’s life. The dreamer who hopes to change their life and make it better, keeps dreaming of bridges that never reach a destination unless the dream comes true. The human mind is a bridge constantly crossing over in the dream to achieve the aspirations of an individual, hoping to get to the other side of a better life some day. Sometimes things we hope to achieve are closer than we think, we only require a little more efforts, but the human mind still opts to go through crossing the bridge mentally. Progressing in life can also be termed as a symbolic bridge. For instance when you move from one job to another you have crossed the employment bridge, moving from a single life to marriage life is crossing from one bridge to another too (Intuitive knowledge, 1).
The birth of a new child is a symbolic process of crossing the bridge into a new life. The child is given new life and starts experiencing life out of the mother’s womb, they are subjected to the other side of life. The separation between the child and the mother symbolizes independence and opening a new chapter in the child’s life. Whenever people are said to cross the bridge there usually is physical evidence to it. The bridge thus is a physical process from the human beings life, through moving from one stage to another.
Culturally the bridge has symbolic meaning, through forging together two different cultures (Heidegger 41). People from different cultures have an opportunity to relate and use the bridge as transport. This is made possible due to the technological connection, which is used by the different tribes. When a bridge is constructed it serves the purpose of bringing together different people, while using it as a means of transport. The water body separates two regions and can only link them together if the bridge is constructed. It enables people to interact as a means of expansion geographically.
A bridge when constructed is meant for permanent services to the community and other users. It thus becomes a transition that makes life simpler. In the abstract sense a bridge should mark the process of change from evil to good; it should serve the purpose of patching up broken relationships and bringing unity amongst the countries. Those who have been in constant war and conflicts should bridge their differences by putting to an end their conflicts and reconciling. The end of any conflict always marks a new phase of peaceful and harmonious living amongst individuals.
In conclusion, the bridge not only has physical symbolism but holds metaphorical essence. The metaphorical aspect of a bridge helps people reach goals they strive so hard to achieve as well as creates room for new opportunities. A bridge dwells, lives and serves people to fulfill physical and psychological needs of people.
Works cited
Intuitive knowledge, Bridge, myths-Dreams-Symbols; the unconscious world of dreams. 2011,
p.1.
Ying Li, Xiangyu Feng and Huxiang Tang. Design and research of composite-arch-rib bridge,
Architectural Design & Research, Institute of Tongji University (Group) Co, Ltd.,
Shanghai, China.1992.
Heidegger, Martin. History of the concept of time: prolegomena, Studies in phenomenology and
existential philosophy, Issue 717 of Midland Books, Indiana University press. 1992.
