Verwoeste brug in de Neo-vallei in Japan na een aardbeving before 1892

This photograph, by an anonymous artist, shows a destroyed bridge in the Neo-valley in Japan. The bridge, built from roughly hewn timbers, now lies broken, a testament to the raw power of the earthquake. Consider the labor involved in constructing such a bridge. Someone had to select and fell the trees, transport and shape the lumber, and assemble the structure. While we might overlook such vernacular architecture, it represents a profound intersection of material knowledge and local need. The bridge was undoubtedly vital for transportation and trade in this mountainous region, a pathway for goods and people. Its destruction would have had a significant impact on the community. The photo reminds us that infrastructure is never truly permanent. Natural events remind us of the constant work required to maintain our built environment, and of the human cost when things fall apart. The image also reflects the deep connection between the local community and their surroundings and the human effort required to navigate them.