THE SOUND OF PANPIPES
09 Aug 2018
A spectacular new pedestrian bridge has been constructed in Chengdu, China, that links Dayuan Park to the urban landscape. With a distinct red façade, Ruyi Bridge’s unique design is inspired by the traditional Chinese panpipes to depict architecture that flows with elegance.
Designed by ZZHK Architects, Ruyi Bridge is located at Tianfu 2nd Street near the Jian’nan Road intersection in the high-tech city of Chengdu. The two spans of the main bridge cross Tianfu 2nd Street with the key walkway facing the greenway of Dayuan Central Park. The bridge connects Dayuan Park on the south to the urban space and green landscape on the north side. 
To facilitate the pedestrian crossing, both sidewalks utilise an eye-catching spiral stairway that lead pedestrians on a leisurely slope to and from the crossing. In order to connect the greenways on both sides of the street and encourage cycling, two bicycle ramps were installed at each end of the main bridge. 
The design concept is called Sound of Panpipes, as the façade design is inspired by the Chinese panpipes, a traditional Chinese musical instrument. The undulations and fluttering of the bridge’s design are akin to the flow of musical rhythm and take on an elegant and unique shape. The bridge is more than just a piece of architecture, it is also a sculpture of Chinese culture. 
The white poles that surround the bridge create interesting shapes and designs that cause the eye to travel with it and create a sense of space. The poles light up at night, creating beautiful, rhythmic colours that add to the design of Ruyi Bridge. 
The bridge was revealed in May 2016 and completed in 2018.
