Lingzidi Bridge

The design of the bridge involves a singular loop linking two levels of the riverbank and an additional arm connecting across the river. This produces a wide, direct path for small trucks and motorcycles and a pedestrian path that cuts under the bridge to allow direct access to the river for washing, cleaning or fishing. The bridge becomes a social hub for the village providing steps for seating, shaded areas for relaxation and as a meeting point for trade and commerce.

Despite its small scale this bridge facilitates a critical link for the local village economy. It encourages the villagers to maintain and improve their local economy rather than rely completely on sources being sent back from their children working in the factory towns.

LOCATION:

Shangzhou, Shaanxi Province, China

DESIGN:

Joshua Bolchover and John Lin, Rural Urban Framework (RUF)

CONTACT:

jpbarch@hku.hk

johnlin@hku.hk

www.rufwork.org

COMMISSIONING DONOR:

World Vision

ADDITIONAL DONORS:

Luke Him Sau Charitable Trust

PROJECT COLLABORATOR:

Winview Building Materials & Services Co., Ltd.

CREDITS:

Design: Joshua Bolchover and John Lin

Rural Urban Framework is a not-for-profit design agency based at the Faculty of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong.

Project manager: Maggie K Y Ma

Project team: Jeffery Huang, Mark Kingsley, Kwan Kwok Ying, Wendy Huang

IMAGE CREDITS:

Rural Urban Framework (RUF)

PROJECT DETAILS:

Construction Date: June 2012

Completion Date: September 2012

Size: 65 m2

Cost: 26,836 USD (169,037 RMB)

Unit Cost: 412 USD/sqm (2,600 RMB/sqm)