Huashan Bridge in China by SANTIAGO CALATRAVA LLC

Article source: SANTIAGO CALATRAVA LLC 

Santiago Calatrava has been hired to design three landmark road and pedestrian bridges in the rapidly expanding Chinese city of Huashan. Huashan is situated approximately 20 kilometers east of Wuhan, the capital of Hubei Province in central China. These three iconic steel bridges will span the new Yangtze River canal, which connects to feeder lakes of the Yangtze River. The trio of bridges, called Xihu, Xianbi and Lincong, will facilitate vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians between the two sides and along the banks of the rapidly developing city. The construction of these bridges is central to the development of Huashan’s new urban center.

Artistic impression of an aerial view of the canal, Image Courtesy © Santiago Calatrava LLC

• Architects: SANTIAGO CALATRAVA LLC 
• Project: Huashan Bridge
• Location: Huashan, China

Artistic impression of Licong’s lateral view, Image Courtesy © Santiago Calatrava LLC

“Architecture is one of the art forms best able to improve and revitalize cities both artistically and functionally,” said Mr. Calatrava. “The Huashan project is a clear example of how an urban element, key to the successful growth of the city, can at the same time improve the quality of life for its citizens, thanks to an integration of all three bridges and the creation of boulevards on the banks of the canal.”

Artistic impression of Licong’s frontal view, Image Courtesy © Santiago Calatrava LLC

Artistic impression of Licong’s underside, Image Courtesy © Santiago Calatrava LLC

Calatrava designed the bridges so they are carefully integrated with the pedestrian and cyclist routes through a series of stairs and ramps. These  routes also provide key access points between the road and the promenade pathways at the canal level. These spaces create links to a shopping boulevard on the northern bank of the Yangtze River canal and provide accessible public spaces, enhanced by unique lighting concepts and indigenous landscaping.

Artistic impression of Xianbi’s lateral view, Image Courtesy © Santiago Calatrava LLC

Artistic impression of Xianbi’s central space, Image Courtesy © Santiago Calatrava LLC

The Xianbi Bridge, the central bridge, is 129 meters long with an arch extending 42.3 meters high and incorporates two traffic lanes with a support structure in the center, creating a characteristic void. The westernmost Xihu Bridge is designed with a single arch and is connected via a platform of inclined corrugated cables. It is 102.7 meters long and the tied arch reaches 20.4 meters. The easternmost Lincong Bridge, which has two arches inclining outwardly away from the bridge, is 118 meters long and 26.1 meters high. All three bridges have a pedestrian stairs allowing pedestrians to cross the channel directly from the lower level. Construction is anticipated to begin in late 2016.

Artistic impression of Xianbi’s frontal view, Image Courtesy © Santiago Calatrava LLC

Artistic impression of Xianbi’s underside, Image Courtesy © Santiago Calatrava LLC

Artistic impression of Xihu’s arch, Image Courtesy © Santiago Calatrava LLC

Artistic impression of Xihu’s underside, Image Courtesy © Santiago Calatrava LLC

Artistic impression of Licong’s lateral view, Image Courtesy © Santiago Calatrava LLC

Artistic impression of Licong’s underside, Image Courtesy © Santiago Calatrava LLC

Artistic impression of Licong’s deck, Image Courtesy © Santiago Calatrava LLC

Artistic impression of an aerial view of the canal. Dusk shot, Image Courtesy © Santiago Calatrava LLC

Artistic impression of Licong’s lateral view. Dusk shot, Image Courtesy © Santiago Calatrava LLC

Artistic impression of Licong’s underside. Night shot, Image Courtesy © Santiago Calatrava LLC

Artistic impression of Xianbi’s lateral view. Dusk shot, Image Courtesy © Santiago Calatrava LLC

Artistic impression of Xianbi’s central space. Dusk shot, Image Courtesy © Santiago Calatrava LLC

Artistic impression view of Xianbi’s frontal view. Dusk shot, Image Courtesy © Santiago Calatrava LLC

Artistic impression of Xianbi’s underside. Dusk shot, Image Courtesy © Santiago Calatrava LLC

Artistic impression of Xihu’s deck. Dusk shot, Image Courtesy © Santiago Calatrava LLC

Artistic impression of Xihu’s arch. Dusk shot, Image Courtesy © Santiago Calatrava LLC

Artistic impression of Xihu’s underside. Night shot, Image Courtesy © Santiago Calatrava LLC

About Santiago Calatrava

Santiago Calatrava is an architect, engineer and sculptor. Among his many international architectural projects, his most recent are the in-progress World Trade Center Transportation Hub and St. Nicholas Church in New York, as well as the Margaret McDermott Bridge in Dallas, Texas.

Tags: China, Huashan

Category: Bridge

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