cx landscape introduces ribbons of green life in canberra's new pedestrian bridge

cx landscape’s entry for the ‘remaking lost connections’ competition in australia encompasses ribbons of life that revive a bridge in canberra, australia. their proposal creates a habitable green axis along the existing road bridge, commonwealth avenue, above lake griffin. during the lake’s construction in 1936, some aboriginal ngunawal cultural sites and rock paintings were inundated. the enlarged body of water separated the natural passage even further away, and although road bridges were constructed, the natural habitat suffered significant impact.

with the proposal ‘ribbons of life’, the designers attempt to bring back natural vitality to the road, connecting wildlife and human interaction, while reviving some of the lost aboriginal art. the project introduces a forest shell over the existing road bridge between the parliament house and the cbd. imitating a piece of sample bushland from the surrounding nature, the forest will cover the concrete structure in an organic form, echoing the green architecture of the parliament house. the inundated aboriginal art will be projected on the underside of the structure to bring back the lost cultural heritage and provide scenic views when passing under it.

the forest ribbon also serves as a wildlife corridor, connecting the parks on the north and south of the lake. the ribbon’s width varies from approximately 30 meters (98ft) to 100 meters (328ft), a safe passage for native wildlife. the organic geometry was shaped around the views to the surrounding landmarks: the cook capitan memorial jet on the lake, the natural museum of australia on the peninsula in the east-west, a proposed new waterfront development on the north-west bank, and the capital hill on the south.

wildlife corridor dipping in the lake

the wildlife corridor’s west fringe extends into the water becoming a wetland that provides the water access for the passengers and the possibility for water plants to improve the water’s quality. it seemingly dips into the water also offering a closer contact to the lake while adding three-dimensionality to the forest strip. it also provides a natural habitat for migration and a safe living environment.

aboriginal art projection under the structure

the second part of the project, that intertwines with the wildlife element, is the urban living ribbon. this ribbon includes the linear park, an independent structure that hosts pedestrian walkways along the bridge. this urban strip provides educational programs in the open space while minimizing the disturbance of the neighboring wildlife activities. solar panels are also integrated into its paving to generate clean power for the use of luminance, operation and possible future transport.

skywalk through the urban living ribbon

the linear park is characterized by a series of key components: a bird observing corridor that is placed on top of the wildlife corridor for ample views; a plaza facing the water jet in the lake center; laser projected art under the forest shell; and a water life observing channel.

amphitheater hosting scenic views 

the two strips intertwine throughout the route and engage in a tight relationship. the built landscape features windbreak forests on both sides, a nectar meadow, woodlands, rocky bushland, and wetland. rocks and logs are naturally arranged to provide shelters along the natural migration passage. the wildlife corridor and linear park set an example for planning greener cities in the future and rethinks a sustainable city development while keeping the local history and spirit of the place.

the project is a submission for the ‘remaking lost connections’ design competition organized by act chapter of australian institute of landscape architects, in partnership with the national capital authority (nca), environment planning and sustainable development directorate (epsdd) and the city renewal authority (cra). the competition explores new ideas about the future development of sustainable cities with the current natural, cultural and environmental issues the world is facing.

project info:

project name: ribbons of life

location: lake griffin, canberra, australia

designers: cx landscape

design team: george zhuo jing peng simon zhao danniel dong annie huang

competition: ‘remaking lost connections’ design competition

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: cristina gomez | designboom