THE WEST LAKE ARCH ROAD BRIDGE
HANGZHOU, CHINA

Key challenges:
KI Studio won a Chinese bridge competition for a road bridge across a canal for the New Hangzhou CBD district. We also received two third prize nominations for four pedestrian bridges in the same area.

Inspired by the outline of the traditional arch bridges of West Lake, the shape of the arch is asymmetric and based on the catenarian principle with one leg extended to one side. The structure is based on a pair of arches that are ‘reversed’ instead of mirrored, to create a sculptural composition that gives the bridge a dynamic character. The arches are leaning towards the centre of the bridge and steel fins are pivoted from the arch supporting the deck. A viewing platform has been incorporated at midspan to add interest for pedestrians.

WINNING DESIGN FOR ROAD BRIDGE – 2012