Hydro-bridge

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Unexpected Beijing

Hydro-bridge

Firm

School of Architecture, Tsinghua University

Type

Transport + Infrastructure › Bridge

STATUS

Concept

"Nepal, located in South Asia, has a monsoon climate that divides the year into dry season and rainy season; as a result, the people of Nepal often face threats of both floods and droughts.

The site of our design is located in Chyasikot, a typical Nepalese town located next to capital city Katmandu. A river named Nakkhu flows pass Chyasikot, blocking the town?s access to the main traffic artery of the region, thus impeding local economic developments.

As a response to the current ?cut apart? state of the town, we designed a ?Hydro-Bridge? that spans over Nakkhu River and connects directly with the flood dike; we aim to propose a transportation junction that not only functions in both dry season and rainy season, but also creates new public space for local people and provides new opportunities for local economic development.

During dry season, the Hydro-Bridge links the two sides of Nakkhu River for pedestrians and light vehicles. It connects main roads with the nearby swimming pool, which not only enlarges the walking radius of local people, but also provides easy access for people from outside to get to Chyasikot. Furthermore, the water-storage system of Hydro-Bridge is able to collect enough rain water during dry season, thereby helping to ease local water shortage.

During rainy season, when water level rises high, the upper floor of Hydro-Bridge transforms into a pier, where people can get to other cities by boat. Moreover, the platform on the second floor of Hydro-Bridge provides a secure camp site for local people, thus creating a new public space for local residents in rainy season.

The Hydro-Bridge explores the adaptability of transportation hub in a region with both dry and raining season; it is an integrated model that attempts to solve both water conservancy problems and transportation difficulties."