Floating Dragon Bridge, Guangzhou, China

Background
Located in the "Guangzhou-Foshan Intersected Core Area " in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Julong Bay is one of the 12 riverside high-end industrial parks built by Guangzhou bureau to promote the high-quality development along the Pearl River. As part of the "Old City Rejuvenation" partner city renewal plan, the area requires a redesign of its urban landscape. This includes the design of three crucial nodes, one of which involves constructing a new pedestrian bridge adjacent to the listed Yuling Bridge to alleviate its current capacity constraints.

The Masterplan of urban regeneration encompasses Dachongkou Creek's waterfront area in the Julong Bay district, stretching from Fangcun Avenue to the Pearl River. It includes five historical sites: Yuling Bridge, Xietonghe Machinery Factory, Ri-Qing Warehouse, Hedong Commune Yungkou Electric Pumping Station, and Chongkou Warehouse. These sites bear witness to the early 20th-century industrial development along the Pearl River Back Channel.

Design Inspiration
Inspired by the form of a dragon boat, the bridge is envisioned to drift on the water like a wrapped leaf of Zongzi. The Floating Dragon Bridge seamlessly integrates the listed Xietonghe Factory Museum plaza with the new commercial zone, creating a vibrant connection and enhancing circulation. Its innovative design, including strategic shifts and parametric control, optimises viewing experiences and symbolises a fusion of tradition and modernity. Enriching the urban landscape, the bridge reflects human creativity and resilience while leaving a lasting impression of ingenuity and aspiration. The Floating Dragon Bridge seamlessly integrates the Xietonghe Machinery Factory Museum plaza with the new commercial zone, creating a vibrant connection and enhancing circulation. Its innovative design, including strategic shifts and parametric control, optimizes viewing experiences and symbolizes a fusion of tradition and modernity. Enriching the urban landscape, the bridge reflects human creativity and resilience while leaving a lasting impression of ingenuity and aspiration.