Miho's Bridge Recieves "2002 Outstanding Structure Award"

On November 2, 2002, as part of the Miho Museum's anniversary celebration, the Miho received a plaque that commemorated the honoring of the Museum's half-suspension bridge with the “2002 Outstanding Structure Award." The honor was first awarded to the Miho at the annual meeting of the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering, held in Melbourne, Australia, on September 10, 2002.

The silver-toned, half-suspension bridge spans the valley between the tunnel leading from the Museum's reception pavilion to the entrance of the Museum's main building. The approach to the Museum was conceived by I.M. Pei as a journey to a hidden paradise, a pilgrimage in which the bridge plays a dramatic and breathtaking role.
The presentation took place in the plaza in front of the Museum's main entrance. The acclaimed Shumei Taiko Ensemble performed for the guests before the ceremony began. Although it rained intermittently throughout the day, the weather did not dampen the brightness of the event or the enthusiasm of the participants.

Ms Hiroko Koyama, president of Shinji Shumeikai and the Shumei Arts Foundation, expressed her gratitude while acknowledging the architect I. M. Pei, the Museum’s Structural Engineer Leslie E. Robertson (both of whom were present for the ceremony), and the Shimizu Corporation, which built the Museum complex and was represented at the event by Yoshiyuki Enami.

“I am filled with deep emotion,” says Architect I. M. Pei.

In her speech, Ms Koyama reflected on the days of the Museum's construction. "Whenever I think about the creation of an earthly paradise, an idea that carries through in the Museum's plan from the cherry blossom promenade, through the tunnel, over the bridge, and into the Miho Museum's main building—whenever I think of all the hard work, done under the strictest governmental regulations concerning building in a natural habitat, that was involved in the Museum's construction, I can only feel that the creation of this Museum was a very miraculous one. It seemed that in the end the impossible was made possible. Even now, I am overwhelmed when remembering Kaishusama (Mrs. Miho Koyama, spiritual leader of Shinji Shumeikai and founder of the Miho Museum) and her delight on that very special day when we first crossed this bridge to the Museum's entrance during the Miho's grand opening."

The participants in the award ceremony
Manabu Ito, President of IABSE
Architect I. M. Pei.
Leslie E. Robertson, structural engineer.
Yoshiyuki Enami spoke on behalf of the Shimizu Corporation.

For a 360% view of the Miho Bridge and Museum click here.
(Requires Quicktime to view, click here if you don't already have it.)

back

     Architect I. M. Pei