World Engineers' Convention

Even with electric cars, transportation continues to drain the world's energy supply. How to keep us mobile--and our consciences clean--is one topic on tap at this Geneva convention. Here, a look at three structures that bridge the gap between sleek and sustainable.

1. Kurilpa Bridge (Brisbane, Australia):

Connecting Brisbane's Central Business District to the South End, the Kurilpa is the world's largest solar-powered pedestrian bridge. The LED lights, designed by Cox Rayner Architects and echoing pick-up sticks in looks, are powered by 84 solar panels, saving an annual 37.8 tons of carbon emissions.

2. Gateshead Millennium Bridge (Gateshead, U.K.):

Unlike its predecessors that use fuel to raise their draw-bridges, the stainless-steel arches of the Gateshead Millennium Bridge use electric motors and natural physics to simply tilt above the River Tyne. The mega-tourist attraction is also its own wastebasket: litter simply rolls into built-in trash traps.

3. Natchez Trace Parkway Arches (Williamson County, Tennessee):

Back in 1994, the Natchez Trace Parkway Arches was the first American bridge to use precast segmented construction. The lightweight concrete arches were built while suspended in midair, keeping construction off the ground. The two-lane highway nearly supports itself, minimizing the number of columns intruding on the valley's natural habitat.

Monday, September 5 >>

A version of this article appears in the September 2011 issue of Fast Company.