Social, Environmental, and Technical Impact Advancement Commendation
Project name: Moongate Bridge
Project overview: The traditional Chinese garden is often understood as an abstracted microcosm of a far more expansive landscape. Ponds and streams are miniature landscapes that refer to larger water bodies, and architectural elements in gardens like pavilions and bridges act as features as well as boundary elements that frame the landscape. Moongate Bridge is conceptualized as one single bridge framing the body of water with a series of partial circular openings. Sited at the main entrance to the Shanghai Expo Cultural Park, it frames an artificial lake to reflect the sky above. Inspired by Chinese moon gates that frame the landscape to alter perceptions of scale, distance, and nature, Moongate Bridge employs a similar technique, though rotated in plan.
The transformation of the former World Expo landscape into one of the largest public parks in Shanghai reimagines the site and redefines the role of a cultural park for the metropolis. In this context, the bridge is conceived of as a destination, not just as a means of crossing a body of water. As such, it is wider than it is long, and its edges are articulated to form viewing platforms and gathering spaces. Pavers form patterns to designate areas for vehicles as well as areas for pedestrians.
Like the Chinese garden, Moongate Bridge is about relationships—views and vantage points. Its design resonates with its cultural context, allowing the park to build a connection to the past as well as expand on a culturally specific building tradition.
Project location: Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
Firm name: Höweler + Yoon Architecture
Architect of Record: Shanghai Landscape-Architecture Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd.
Completion: 2022
Jury comments: This rethinking of a bridge experience is unique and a true destination. The project has such exciting promise!
Client: Shanghai Land Group Co. Ltd
Images/Photographer(s): Wu Tao/Shrimp Studio Landscaping: Shanghai Landscape-Architecture Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd.
