Samuel Beckett Bridge night traffic, Dublin

With its simple shapes and clean lines, this River Liffey crossing is named aptly after a writer who used minimalist language to maximum effect. A swing bridge with a cable-stayed construction, the Samuel Beckett Bridge is one of more than 20 spans linking Dublin's north and south banks. Its massive harp-like pillar was delivered by barge to the site in one piece, 'strings' and all. Practical as it is elegant, the harplike shape is also a nod to the instrument's regard as Ireland's national symbol, which dates back 800 years or more.