Designed by Chinese studio ZZHK, the G Clef Bridge is a pedestrian walkway spanning across the Bailu River in Chengdu. It forms a spiraling ramp and serves as a viewpoint inspired by musical notation. The G Clef Bridge serves as a link between the French-style town Bailu and the Diamond Music Hall on the opposite river bank. Since the area is a popular music destination, ZZHK used the music reference to influence the design of the bridge.
Designer: ZZHK
“Bailu Music Town lacked a central landmark embodying its theme,” said studio founder Zhang Ke. “We aimed to create a landmark and a spiritual fortress.” “Fulfilling the basic traffic function was essential, but resolving the stylistic conflict between the two banks and enhancing the musical theme of the scenic area were higher objectives,” he concluded.
The star feature of the bridge is a spiralling lamp which is located on the river’s eastern bank. It is shaped like a treble clef. This serves as a space to pass through, and to spend some time in. The spiral provides lush views of the surrounding landscape, as well as of the circular stage located at its base. This stage is intended for music performances.
This stage is surrounded by a shallow pool of water, which is separate from the river. This water body creates the impression that the stage is floating on the river”. The most crucial design approach was ensuring ‘flow’,” said Ke. “Maintaining an overall smoothness in form, achieving seamless integration with the surrounding environment and existing buildings, and harmonizing the tangible structure with its reflection in water.”
A raised section of the bridge is connected to the main spiral, and it takes you above a road to a plaza in the town. The longest portion of the bridge takes you across the river to a promenade right in front of the Diamond Music Hall. The G Clef Bridge is an artful and simple collection of steel columns and box girders, which mimic the form of the music hall, calling attention to its sculptural form.
