Architect Rafael Viñoly has completed a ring-shaped road bridge that stretches across a lagoon on Uruguay's southern coast (+ slideshow).
Laguna Garzon Bridge was designed by Viñoly ? a Uruguayan architect based in New York ? to replace a raft crossing connecting the cities of Rocha and Maldonado.

The concrete structure is raised above the water on cylindrical piles and provides a crossing for up to 1,000 vehicles each day. The road is bracketed by a pair of pedestrian walkways.
The ring-shaped structure frames a circle of water, creating a "lagoon inside a lagoon" where people can swim, fish or sightsee.

Related story: Instagram photos reveal impact of Viñoly?s super-tall skyscraper on New York skyline
Rafael Viñoly explained: "The concept of the Puente Laguna Garzon was to transform a traditional vehicular crossing into an event that reduces the speed of the cars, to provide an opportunity to enjoy panoramic views to an amazing landscape, and at the same time create a pedestrian place in the centre."

Viñoly is perhaps best known as the designer of London's Walkie Talkie building, which was nicknamed Walkie Scorchie after the glare from its curvy glass facade melted the bodywork of nearby cars.
The construction of the Laguna Garzon Bridge ? which used over 450 tons of formed steel, 40,000 metres of post tensioned cables and 3,500 cubic metres of concrete ? has also proved controversial, provoking protests fro...