Beijing-based architecture firm IARA has created the FW JI Covered Bridge on Aqueduct. This was once an abandoned aqueduct in Huangshan, China, and the team refurbished the structure. Mainly, the changes lie in the sheltered timber bridge that is integrated on top of the stone structure. It has a narrow stone build that crosses on top of the Fengzi River just north of the village.
Founders of IARA, Jingqui Zhang and Lubin Liu speak to Dezeen about the design, noting "During the initial design phase, we conducted surveys with the villagers, and 'memory' was the most frequently mentioned word. To honour the collective memory of the village, we preserved the original aqueduct, not only maintaining its structural integrity but also retaining the traces of time imprinted on its surface, such as the perennial moss and vegetation. Villagers also expressed the need for a space to gather, eat, and seek shade during the summer. As a result, we decided to transform this aqueduct into a comfortable public covered bridge for daily use."
Image Credit: Huien Song
What's Driving This Trend
- Heritage-preserving Architecture
- Customized architectural designs that preserve historical elements cater to communities’ desires for maintaining cultural heritage while modernizing infrastructure.
- Multi-functional Public Spaces
- Structures that serve multiple community needs, such as social gatherings and daily utility, enhance the value of public infrastructure.
- Nature-integrated Design
- Architectural projects that incorporate natural landscapes, like moss and vegetation, offer sustainable and aesthetically pleasing solutions.
Who This Affects Most
- Architecture and Design
- Innovative architectural practices that blend modern functionality with historical preservation create unique community-centric public spaces.
- Construction and Infrastructure
- Refurbishing abandoned structures into multi-use facilities presents opportunities for sustainable infrastructure development.
- Urban Planning and Development
- Transforming unused historical spaces into functional public areas addresses both cultural preservation and modern urban needs.
