Bilbao, Spain: Zubizuri

At first glance, this is the type of bridge that would be great fun to cross on foot. The architectural lines are so different, that it draws in the pedestrian. However, that is not a unanimous opinion. The Zubizuri has created some controversy by its mere presence.

The food bridge went up over the Nervion River in 1997. Santiago Calatrava's design was fine to some, but the footing on the bridge's glass surface areas wasn't too sure. That can be a problem in a region that receives a great deal of rain over the course of a year. 

Later, in 2006, the City Council tried to add a walkway to the bridge by cutting a beam. Calatrava sued, claiming his rights as the architect had been violated. He won the legal decision, as he was awarded damages. The walkway remains. It sparked a discussion about the push and pull between the public good and the creator's vision.