Designed by Chinese studio ZZHK, the Treble Clef Bridge is a pedestrian walkway spanning the Bailu River in Chengdu. It forms a spiral ramp and serves as a viewing platform inspired by musical notation. The Treble Clef Bridge serves as a link between the French-style Bailu Town and the Diamond Music Hall on the opposite bank of the river. Since the area is a popular music destination, ZZHK used musical reference to influence the design of the bridge.
“Bailu Music Town lacked a central landmark that embodied its theme,” said studio founder Zhang Ke. “We wanted to create a landmark and a spiritual stronghold. Fulfilling the basic traffic function was essential, but resolving the stylistic conflict between the two banks and enhancing the musical theme of the scenic area were higher goals,” he concluded.
The bridge’s star feature is a spiral lamp that stands on the eastern bank of the river. It is shaped like a treble clef and serves as a space for passing the time. The spiral offers lush views of the surrounding landscape as well as the circular stage located at its base, intended for musical performances.
The stage is surrounded by a shallow pool of water, separated from the river. This body of water creates the impression that the stage is floating on the river. The most crucial design approach was to ensure “flow”, to maintain an overall softness in form, to achieve seamless integration with the surrounding environment and existing buildings, and to harmonize the tangible structure with its reflection in the water.
An elevated section of the bridge is connected to the main spiral and leads over a road to a plaza in the city. The longer part of the bridge takes you across the river to a promenade right in front of the Diamond Music Hall. Undoubtedly an ingenious work of simple steel columns and beams, which mimic the shape of the music hall, drawing attention to its sculptural form.
