Scenic Architecture Office Creates a Stunning Bridge of Nine Terraces at Nanjing’s Horticultural Expo Village
A Unique Pedestrian Bridge Blends Traditional and Modern Design in China's Nanjing Horticultural Expo Village
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
