South Yue Compass
THE CITY COMPASS
From the perspective of urban planning structure, Guangzhou Bridge and Liede Bridge together form the most important axis on the east and west sides of the new central axis, and their significance is self-evident.
Liede Bridge has already constructed a distinctive bridge tower, therefore, in order to form a complete urban image on both sides of the central axis, Guangzhou Bridge should also have a towering image.
From the perspective of urban development prospects, Guangzhou Bridge, as a main urban road connecting the north and south, will be the main vein driving the city's development to the south.
The north bank of the Pearl River has completed the construction of the grand north section of the axis, marking the end of a period in Guangzhou's urban construction development; while the south bank of the Pearl River continues from the north bank, especially the development momentum of the Zhujiang New Town axis. The south bank of the Pearl River will be the main direction of future urban development, with grand prospects.
Whether in terms of the timeline or spatial continuation, Guangzhou Bridge serves as an important milestone in the history of Guangzhou's urban construction development. From both temporal and spatial meanings, the people of Guangzhou hope to record this historical node and look forward to the future.
Starting from the concepts of time and space, the vertical and horizontal compositional elements respectively form symbols rich in ancient Eastern implications, such as a sundial and a compass.
This Time · This Place
At this moment, Guangzhou has entered the post-Asian Games era. With the completion of the northern section of the central axis, the city's development direction will extend towards the southern end of the central axis. The construction of Guangzhou Bridge, as a vital traffic artery on the central axis, will record this historical moment.
In this location, Guangzhou Bridge not only forms a symmetrical relationship with Liede Bridge on the new central axis from an urban layout perspective, holding a pivotal position; it is also an important vein for the southward development of urban space, with a strong spatial orientation effect.
South Yue Compass
South Yue: A colloquial name for Guangdong in terms of time and space concepts
The term "South Yue" refers to the precise spatial area of Guangdong Province. It is a common usage of Yue as an abbreviation.
The term "South Yue" first appeared in the historical records of the Qin and Han dynasties. In the "Records of the Grand Historian," it is collectively referred to as Nan Yue. In terms of the timeline, it is an old name for the history of Guangdong.
Compass: An abstract representation of time and space concepts
"Time pointer," such as the hour hand of a clock, is abstracted as a time concept, representing the important temporal node of the aforementioned development history of Guangzhou's urban construction and the future.
"Compass" is abstracted as a spatial concept, representing the spatial orientation of Guangzhou's urban development.
Tower · Vertical
The tall tower not only echoes with the Liede Bridge but also provides viewing points for both banks along the river.
Monument
The vertical volume has a strong commemorative implication, serving as a milestone in Guangzhou's development, recording historical moments.
Time · Sundial
The towering tower body and the circular landscape corridor on the ground form the concept of a sundial, allowing the shadow of the tower to measure time when it falls on the circular ring's scales. It exists as a concept of the city's historical timer.
Bridge · Horizontal
The bridge, as a medium connecting both banks, is presented with a simple horizontal cuboid volume.
Prospect
The pure horizontal volume gives people a hint of looking forward. The aim is to strengthen the trend of the city's future development.
Space · Compass
The layout in the exact north-south direction has a strong guiding effect. Like the implication of a compass, it gives people a clear spatial direction.
South Yue Compass Plan Master Plan
Guangzhou Bridge Historical and Cultural Environmental Art Promotion Design Plan - 'South Yue Compass' Plan Video
Non-structural expression, since the main structure of Guangzhou Bridge has been completed, the design content of this project should be the decorative engineering design of Guangzhou Bridge, and should not primarily present in the form of additional structures.
Vertical and horizontal composition, the most important bridge on the Pearl River, in terms of image, there are three important points to view the bridge: First, from the Pearl River cruise ships, Haiyin Bridge, and Liede Bridge; Second, while crossing Guangzhou Bridge; Third, overlooking from the surrounding super high-rise buildings. Therefore, the composition of vertical and horizontal elements can best emphasize this urban viewing experience.
Urban space continuation, Guangzhou Bridge, as a vehicular bridge, has been widened, and it also needs to serve the function of pedestrian traffic, and must connect the green urban spaces of the north and south banks and Ersha Island into a whole. Therefore, the design must consider the functional level, and must meet this point as a prerequisite.
Circular Path and Surrounding Greenery
Overall effect of the main bridge
Viewing Tower
Bridge Park and Bridge Observation Deck
IAPA Chief Designer: Paul Bo Peng; IAPA Team Members: Hu Yan, Shi Zhaohui, Liu Yuejun, Du Mingfang, Zhao Weihao, Yang Yang, Zeng Zhe, Ni Jiacong, Nicolas DEBUYST (Belgium)
EMBT Design Team
In this second round of the Guangzhou Bridge Historical Culture Environmental Art Promotion Design Competition, IAPA has completed a total of 3 sets of plans, which will be released on the IAPA WeChat public account, please stay tuned.
