in collaboration with AND office, NAN architects has envisioned the nanjing chengtian bridge to span across the qinhuai river bank in china. the project, which is currently under construction, intends to form an important connection between the north and south of nanjing, while also creating a gateway and impressive landmark. the structure will link the beijing-shanghai high-speed railway, which passes through the south side, with the city-belt highway to the north.

AND office + NAN architects construct a bridge inspired by mountains in china designboom

all images courtesy of NAN architects 

 

 

when designing the bridge, NAN has been inspired by the outline of four mountains which surround nanjing’s southern new town. the four triangular arches that form the structure symbolize these peaks, creating a striking image against the landscape, and from afar appearing as part of the landscape itself, floating on the river. the outline of the bridge aims to create an extension of the city’s dynamic skyline, adding a new climax to the urban landscape.

AND office + NAN architects construct a bridge inspired by mountains in china designboom

 

 

the bridge has been imagined for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians alike. to accommodate this and ensure the safety of all its users, the structure has been designed with a ‘double-layer’ to separate pedestrians and vehicles. the ‘pedestrian lane’ also creates a place for people to spend time and enjoy the scenery of the qinhuai river.

AND office + NAN architects construct a bridge inspired by mountains in china designboom

 

 

in essence, the bridge intends to not only connect the two parts of the city separated by the river, but also to form a beautiful structure that becomes an extension of the landscape. the 1.3km steel structure will provide a safe place for cyclists and pedstrians, in addition to a linear park, where people can take in the surroundings.

AND office + NAN architects construct a bridge inspired by mountains in china designboom

AND office + NAN architects construct a bridge inspired by mountains in china designboom

AND office + NAN architects construct a bridge inspired by mountains in china designboom

AND office + NAN architects construct a bridge inspired by mountains in china designboom

AND office + NAN architects construct a bridge inspired by mountains in china designboom

AND office + NAN architects construct a bridge inspired by mountains in china designboom

AND office + NAN architects construct a bridge inspired by mountains in china designboom

AND office + NAN architects construct a bridge inspired by mountains in china designboom

the bridge under construction

 

 

project info:

 

project name: nanjing chengtian bridge 

project location: nanjing, china

design: AND office + NAN architects 

principal: zhang zhun (structure), nan xu (architecture)

design team: zhou dingqi, tang huilian

executive architect: railway engineering consulting group co.,ltd.

client: nanjing government

project year: 2018

 

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: lynne myers | designboom