Scenic Architecture Office Creates a Stunning Bridge of Nine Terraces at Nanjing’s Horticultural Expo Village

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This article was written by Ilija Mirceski and published on uni.xyz, a platform for design professionals and creative thinkers.

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This article covers topics related to Architecture, Transportation. A Unique Pedestrian Bridge Blends Traditional and Modern Design in China's Nanjing Horticultural Expo Village

A Unique Pedestrian Bridge Blends Traditional and Modern Design in China's Nanjing Horticultural Expo Village

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Ilija Mirceski published Review under Architecture, Transportation on Apr 7, 2023

Located on the northern slope of the Xian Mountain in the 11th Horticultural Expo Park, the Horticultural Expo Village in Nanjing features a beautiful pedestrian bridge, designed by Scenic Architecture Office. The Northern Inn of VOCO B&B Hotel, a small shed in the northwest corner of the melon field, and the covered pedestrian bridge to the north of the village are among the many stunning architectural features of this beautiful village.

A Pedestrian Bridge that Unites Visitors with the Beauty of Nature

The Bridge of Nine Terraces in the Horticultural Expo Village is a remarkable feat of architecture and engineering, perfectly integrated into the natural surroundings. It is a pedestrian bridge that connects the village to the Jumbo Museum to the north, offering visitors a beautiful view of the valley in the direction of Baohua Mountain and Zhong Mountain. The bridge is an ideal spot for tourists to stop and admire the natural beauty of the area.

Sketch of the Pedestrian Covered Bridge © Shanshuixiu Architects

Bridge of Nine Terraces after construction © Ruijing Architectural Space Photography

A Bridge That Draws Inspiration from Traditional Dwelling Forms

The Scenic Architecture Office team was inspired by the traditional dwelling form of the double-pitched roof when designing the Bridge of Nine Terraces. This unique approach to the design was a game-changer, as the team struggled to find a structural form that was appropriate for the surrounding landscape and visitors’ experience. The bridge features a unique folded plate structure, covering the space while hanging the lower pedestrian bridge terraces as the main structure of the bridge.

The bridge remains its intimate scale during the abundant and dry periods © Ruijing Architectural Space Photography

A Technical Marvel That Blends Form and Function

The Bridge of Nine Terraces is a technical marvel, featuring a double-sloped roof structure consisting of four inclined steel trusses. The titanium-zinc panels on the upper surface and wood slats on the lower surface make it a beautiful and functional structure. The nine terraces of the bridge are staggered and connected, creating an intimate and inviting space that allows visitors to rest and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.

An Engineering Feat That Balances Form and Function

The Bridge of Nine Terraces is a stunning example of engineering that balances form and function. The bridgehead consists of a U-shaped concrete shear wall with a similar planer dimensions with each terrace. The cast-in-place concrete walls with coarse-grained pebble aggregate give the bridgehead a rustic feel that blends in perfectly with the surrounding environment. The double-pitched roof of the bridge extends from the supporting bridgehead and overhung it, helping to balance the arching forces of the main structure with its own weight.

Axonometric drawing © Shanshuixiu Architects

One of the ends of the bridge © Liangshan

Sectional perspective of the bridge body © Shanshuixiu Architects

A Structure That Celebrates Materiality

The use of various materials in the Bridge of Nine Terraces is a celebration of materiality. The architects used wood, metal, aluminum sheet, wire mesh, stainless steel, steel, galvanized steel, concrete, faced concrete, and cross-laminated timber in the construction of this beautiful bridge. The natural textures and colors of these materials form a distinct and beautiful environment that blends in perfectly with the natural surroundings.

The form of the bridge harmonizes with the roof of the houses in the village © Liangshan

A Stunning Addition to the Public Space Landscape

The Bridge of Nine Terraces is a stunning addition to the public space landscape in the Horticultural Expo Village in Nanjing. The bridge is not only a functional structure that connects the village to other important sites in the area, but it is also a beautiful and inspiring piece of architecture. The structure is a testament to the skill and creativity of the Scenic Architecture Office team, and it is sure to be an inspiration for many generations to come.

The long bridge is divided into nine terraces, like nine pavilions connected together © Liangshan

Three of the nine terraces were raised and five were lowered, connecting the higher south and lower north barge elevations in an asymmetrical way © Liangshan

The bridge deck after construction © Ruijing Architectural Space Photography

The stacking solves the stability of the terraces © Liang Shan

A Technical Marvel That Blends Form and Function

Overall, the Bridge of Nine Terraces is a stunning example of architecture that blends form and function perfectly. The structure is a technical marvel

A space for relaxing and sight viewing © Liangshan

Covered bridge and river bank © Liangshan

The bridge deck in the sunset © Liangshan

Aerial view of the covered bridge © Liangshan

Construction phase images  © Shanshuixiu Architects

Project Name: Bridge of Nine Terraces

Location: Expo Village of the 11th Horticultural Exposition of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province

Program: pedestrian bridge

Gross floor area: 3,229 ft2 (400 m²)

Bridge Span: 37.8m

Designed/built: 2018/2022

Architectural Design: Scenic Architecture Office

Design team: ZHU Xiaofeng, ZHOU Yan, Li Qitong

Client: Jiangsu Horticultural Exposition Construction and Development Co., Ltd

Structural consultant: ZHANG Zhun (AND Office)

Local design institute: T.Y. Lin International Group

General Contractor: China Construction Eighth Bureau Cultural Tourism Investment Development Co.

Interior Subcontractor: Jiangsu Dihao Decoration Co.

Structural system: Steel truss folded plate arch and concrete shear wall

Main materials: Titanium-zinc sheet roofing, CLT timber, Black titanium stainless steel, organic silicon coating, bamboo curtain, CLT timber flooring, stainless steel wire mesh, perforated aluminum plate, and cast in situ fair-faced concrete (small wood panel surface and washed pebble surface)

Photography: LIANG Shan