ZZHK architects sculpts spiraling ‘G clef bridge’ with musical inspirations in chengdu

the fluid ‘G Clef Bridge’ for a cultural destination

This ZZHK Architects-designed G Clef Bridge spans the Bailu River in the center of a mountainous cultural and musical destination in Chengdu’s Longmen range. Set between the French-style streets of Bailu Town and the metallic geometry of the Diamond Music Hall, the bridge introduces a fluid work of architecture that threads through these contrasting contexts.

Here, ZZHK establishes a footbridge that works with the contours of the landscape rather than imposing a static gesture. The bridge deck emerges from the ‘ridge path’ of the Diamond Music Hall, then curves across the Bailu River in a single, continuous motion. Its geometry aligns with slopes, roadways, and gathering points, easing the transition between riverbank and town.

ZZHK G Clef Bridge
images © Arch-Exist

Curvature as Structure and Circulation

The team at ZZHK Architects sculpts its G Clef Bridge to recall the looping character of a treble clef. A spiraling ramp rises from the riverbank toward an open-air stage in the music town, while a second loop lifts visitors toward an elevated overlook.

These spirals join two gently winding bridge decks, yielding a circulation sequence with several route choices. Movement across the G Clef Bridge becomes a steady progression of shifting perspectives—toward the French-influenced roofs of Bailu Town, toward the sharp metallic planes of the Diamond Music Hall, and toward the riverbed as it pulls through the valley.

ZZHK G Clef Bridge
G Clef Bridge links Bailu Town with the Diamond Music Hall across the Bailu River

ZZHK Architects’ simple material palette

Surfaces alternate between solid decking and glass panels inspired by the area’s historic ‘Broken Bridge,’ allowing glimpses of water flowing beneath the structure. Railings and structural elements use slender metal profiles that emphasize continuity. The construction carries a precise, deliberate character that keeps the focus on terrain and movement.

At key points, the bridge expands into platforms that hover above the river. These areas collect wind, sound, and changing light throughout the day. The waterfront platform folds into the riverside landscape, which allows visitors to shift between elevated paths and the ground plane with little effort.

ZZHK G Clef Bridge
ZZHK shapes the crossing as a continuous sequence of curves

A Multi-Level Experience

The bridge supports a range of experiences tied to performance and observation. A floating stage moored along the river provides space for live music, while the upper viewing platform doubles as an elevated stand for outdoor events at the Diamond Music Hall.

Night lighting gives the curvature a soft, directional glow that follows the loops and decks. Movement along the handrails and edges reads as a calm pulse across the river, anchoring the structure within the larger nighttime environment of the Bailu Music Tourist Area.

ZZHK G Clef Bridge
the bridge follows the terrain and river alignment with a steady flow