CHANGES OF BRIDGES AROUND OKAZAKI PARK AND MODEL PLAN OF NEW WOODEN “SHINKYOU”

Abstract

In Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, the four hundred fiftieth anniversary of Ieyasu TOKUGAWA was accomplished in 1992. Corresponding to the event, some arrangements of Okazaki Park have proceeded, which exists in the area surrounded by the River Yahagi's tributaries, where was once the site of Okazaki Castle alias Ryuugajo. As one of arrangements, the aged bridges around the park have improved or reconstructed. It is regrettable, however, a new bridge was reconstruted of iron instead of attractive stones even if it had a short span. It is general that wooden or stone bridges are familiar and attractive to the region roundabout, and they have their own history. The tendency are observed not only in Okazaki City but also all over our country. It has resulted from the reason that the demand for structural safety, fire preventability and durability knock down the one for design quality and historical merit. It is not too much to say that the high economic growth has produced the phenomenon. Recently, environmental problem, landscape problem and problems of historic building's restoration and preservation have been understood by the public, then it is necessary for bridges to concider these problems. In this paper, from the viewpoint of mentioned above, the changes of bridges around Okazaki Park are concidered and a model plan for reconstrution of the aged Shinkyou (bridge built across the pond that was once moat of the castle) is presented.