Bridges have always been a symbol of union, a crossroads of exchange and an interlude between two separate lands. The Yuandang Pedestrian Bridge celebrates the meeting of Jiangsu Province and Shanghai on China’s central coast. The 586-meter bridge is a hybrid structure that incorporates landscape, infrastructure, and architecture. It sits at a key location where the two jurisdictions meet.
The bridge’s figure resembles a ribbon and echoes the ripples of water on Yuandang Lake below. Trees and shrubs are incorporated into the bridge, giving the appearance of a floating garden connecting the two shores. The six-meter-wide bridge is divided into three strips: bicycle path, vegetation strip, and pedestrian path, designed to accommodate different types of mobility and leisure activities.
The winding bridge has three widened sections for resting and enjoying the view of the lake. Taking inspiration from local sculptural traditions, the bridge pavilion explores contemporary mathematical modeling to create a porous wall that is both sculpture and playground. The bridge is a dynamic whole that integrates ecology, transportation, landscape and culture while adding value to the landscape with its sinuous lines.
For further information please visit www.bau.com
CREDITS
Project: Yuandang Bridge
Architect: BAU
Year: 2020
Photo: Zhu Runzi
