‘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.’

west 8: garden of 10,000 bridges now complete two of five bridges image © west 8 urban design & landscape architecture

west 8: garden of 10,000 bridges now complete (left) garden level (right) stairs up to bridge images © west 8 urban design & landscape architecture

west 8: garden of 10,000 bridges now complete image © west 8 urban design & landscape architecture

west 8: garden of 10,000 bridges now complete view from bridge image © west 8 urban design & landscape architecture

west 8: garden of 10,000 bridges now complete image © west 8 urban design & landscape architecture

west 8: garden of 10,000 bridges now complete plan image © west 8 urban design & landscape architecture

west 8: garden of 10,000 bridges now completerendered view image © west 8 urban design & landscape architecture

west 8: garden of 10,000 bridges now completegarden level image © west 8 urban design & landscape architecture