The trestle bridge serves as both infrastructure and public furniture
Easel Bridge is a 10-meter pedestrian crossing located in Yucun, Moganshan, Zhejiang Province, Chinawhich spans Fuxi Creek. The structure, designed by XBTW OFFICE, introduces a spatial system consisting of four inclined levels, transforming the act of crossing into a sequence of bodily positions oriented towards projection, tilt, pause and interaction. One side of it bridge it acts as an easel-like surface, allowing the surrounding mountains, creek and cityscape to be sketched in situ. The opposite side is designed as a continuous back, placing users between the landscape and the ongoing design activities. As such, the bridge functions as both a traffic infrastructure and a display and construction device in the public realm. In a waterfront shopping area that includes the Liaoyuan Theater, shops and eateries, the bridge is part of Moganshan City’s slow traffic network. The surrounding scenery unites mountain, water and urban tissue within a continuous visual field, which informs the spatial logic of the intervention.
all images from Zhu Yumeng
XBTW Office uses corrugated metal and teak to form the Easel Bridge
XBTW OFFICE’s architecture team composes the main structure of corrugated metal panels and circular steel tubes. The plane facing the easel uses translucent frosted corrugated material, while the opposite side incorporates teak backs to introduce a warmer tactile contrast to the metal frame. Structurally, the bridge adopts a beam system that allows the four inclined levels to function independently of load-bearing requirements. This separation allows the layers to respond primarily to spatial and programmatic intentions. The bridge is organized into 2 meter long units, each subtly rotating by 2–3 degrees. This gradual displacement produces variations along the intersection, shaping a series of small spatial arrangements that affect movement and perception across the range.
Easel Bridge spans Fuxi Creek in Moganshan’s Yucun
located in the seaside shopping area of Moganshan
the crossing is part of the city’s slow mobility network
mountains, creek and cityscape become part of the experience
corrugated metal panels shape the light appearance of the bridge
four inclined levels redefine the pedestrian crossing
