grand canal masterplan
professional
role
location
type
date
size
status
team
antistatics architecture
architectural designer
beijing, china
competition; masterplan
december 2020 - june 2021
3.5km waterfront
in progress
christopher beckett
luke theodorius santoso
yasser hafizs
arthur yang
annie liu
The Grand Canal, known to the Chinese as the Jing–Hang Grand Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the longest canal or artificial river in the world. Starting in Beijing, it passes through many cities of China, which also links to the Yellow River and Yangtze River. The oldest parts of the canal date back to the 5th century BC, but the various sections were first connected during the Sui dynasty.
The site is located on the eastern area of Beijing, between the 4th and 5th ring road. South of the canal provides office complexes and to the north inhabits residential apartments; the canal being the division of the two districts.
The project is a masterplan of the entire 3.5 waterfront, including the redesign of five existing bridges with the proposal of a sixth. Our design focuses heavily on pedestrian and bicycle circulation, allowing users to enter and interact more with the proposed masterplan.
I was responsible for the redesign of the fourth and fifth existing bridges, drawing inspiration from nature, and the rich history of the canal with traditional Chinese construction. The design was created through Rhino and Grasshopper.
The fourth and fifth bridge draws inspiration from traditional design, whilst maintaining a modern style.
existing bridge 4
existing bridge 5
Bridge 4, also called “The Classic of Canal”, is designed with modular elements which is similar to that of traditional construction of boats. It serves as a passage way for trains. There is a platform that allows pedestrians to occupy just below the top.
Bridge 5, dubbed “The Dance of Canal”, draws its smooth and organic forms from nature. The bridge becomes heavily utilized during rush hour for many pedestrians. It becomes the main route for getting across the canal because of the nearby metro station.
grand canal public landscape
lasercut 2mm chipboard, white PLA 3D print
scale 1:100
