Season Bridges
Program
/ Pedestrian BridgesLocation
/ Hangzhou, ChinaClient
/ Hangzhou CBD Investment GroupScope
/ Pedestrian Bridge DesignStatus
/ on holdVisualisations
/ Silkroad BeijingAwards
/ Winner of the CompetitionSuperimpose won the invited competition to design 4 groups of in total 7 bridges at a new urban development in Hangzhou by using a holistic design approach with one powerful concept to cover the entire masterplan area.
The bridges are located near the ‘Hangzhou East Railway Station’, which is regarded as the ‘gate’ of the masterplan. The ‘main axis’ of the masterplan connects the station over 2 canals to a central park, and ultimately to the cultural plot at the northeast side. The retail in this masterplan is situated along this main axis and on most of the first and second floors within this masterplan.
By conducting site analysis, Superimpose arrived to the conclusion that people’s behavior, the appearance of nature in and around the city, and the use of public space are dictated by the four very distinct seasons in Hangzhou resulting in masterplan design concept: ‘The Season Bridges’.
Each of the 4 bridge groups has been assigned to one four seasons. Since the Chinese New Year starts at spring, the spring themed bridge group is situated near the Hangzhou East Railway station. The other bridge groups are themed so that sequence of the seasons aligns with the sequence of navigating from the station.
The bridge groups have different designs but share simple structural and circulation principles, keeping the project within budget. Every bridge group refers to its own season by unique spatial arrangement, circulation strategy, colors, vegetation typology, materials, and shape. The balustrades of the bridges play a special role in the spatial experience and appearance of each bridge. The bridges’ main purpose is to connect efficiently. Simultaneously they provide places where the people can stay, communicate, enjoy greenery and relax.