west 8: garden of 10,000 bridges - now complete

'garden of 10,000 bridges' by west 8 in xi'an, china
image © west 8 urban design & landscape architecture


urban design and landscape architects west 8 has sent us images of the recently completed
'garden of 10,000 bridges', a project conceived for the 2011 xi'an international horticulture exhibition
(open until 22 october 2011) in china. as previously covered by designboom, the design explores
the notion of poetry and narratives through a winding pathway that oscillates from ground level to
a raised span. consisting of five semi-circular bridge structures, visitors are encouraged to observe
the park and exhibition at multiple vantage points.

architects' own words: 'gardens tell a story. they combine poetry and narrative. our garden represents
the human life; the path of people's lifetime, which is a route of uncertainty and burden, but also of
highlights and elation. the garden design takes you on this walk of life as a meandering, winding trail -
continuous and like a labyrinth. it lets you find your way through nature and takes you over 10,000 bridges.'



two of five bridges
image © west 8 urban design & landscape architecture



(left) garden level
(right) stairs up to bridge
images © west 8 urban design & landscape architecture



image © west 8 urban design & landscape architecture



view from bridge
image © west 8 urban design & landscape architecture



image © west 8 urban design & landscape architecture



plan
image © west 8 urban design & landscape architecture



rendered view
image © west 8 urban design & landscape architecture



garden level
image © west 8 urban design & landscape architecture