FW JI·The Covered Bridge On Aqueduct / IARA

Architects: IARA
Area: 106 m²
Year: 2023
Photographs: Huien Song, Xinran Wu
Principal Designers: Lubin Liu, Jingqiu Zhang
Design Team: Hongrun Li, Xinran Wu, Lin Luo, Qinming Luo
Wood Structure Technical Support: Wuhan Linhamu Construction Engineering Technology Co, Wuhan Manmu Technology Co.
Constructor: Huangshan Dehong Construction Engineering Co.
Clients: Biyang Township People’s Government, Yixian Agricultural and Water Resources Bureau
City: Huangshan City
Country: China

“Fengwu JI”, a rural revitalization project in Fengwu Village, Yixian County, Huangshan City, designed by IARA, aims to address demographic and infrastructural challenges through innovative design and cultural integration. This initiative includes sub-projects like “The Covered Bridge on Aqueduct”, which transforms an old aqueduct into a public space while preserving historical memories and local architectural styles. The project employs sustainable materials and construction methods to enhance community life and celebrate the village’s heritage.

Fw ji·the covered bridge on aqueduct / iara

The project “Fengwu JI” is situated in Fengwu Village, located in Biyang Town of Yixian County, Huangshan City. Yixian County, known for its well-preserved traditional villages in southern Anhui, features a wealth of natural landscapes and cultural assets. Despite these attributes, Fengwu Village faces typical rural challenges such as depopulation, an aging populace, and the deterioration of ancient architecture. In response, the rural revitalization charity project “Fengwu JI” was launched in 2023. It adopts an international outlook while emphasizing local traits, implementing strategies like micro-renewal, and promoting rural culture. The aim is to mobilize community engagement, thereby enhancing and rejuvenating the lives of the inhabitants of Fengwu and the surrounding rural areas. A key part of this initiative is “The Covered Bridge on Aqueduct”.

This project unfolds along the old water channel in the northern segment of the village. Originally constructed in the 1960s for irrigation, the channel now lies unused. Its surrounding natural environment remains untamed and vibrant, contributing to the distinct sense of place. Initial design explorations included discussions with local residents, where ‘memory’ emerged as a recurrent theme. These memories encompass shared experiences of building the water channel and pleasant recollections of youthful interactions around it. The community also expressed a need for a space to gather and stay cool during summer. As a result, the decision was made to convert this aqueduct into a public covered bridge for everyday activities.

In honoring the shared memories of the community, the original aqueduct was preserved, maintaining its structural integrity and the historical marks it bears. A new, lightweight wooden structure was affixed to the aqueduct’s body. The choice of wood respects the traditional Huizhou architectural style and fosters a closer connection between the new facility and the villagers.

“The Covered Bridge on Aqueduct” features the use of prefabricated cross-laminated timber (CLT), chosen for its beneficial properties such as even stress distribution, high strength relative to weight, and eco-friendliness. The bridge’s design includes 19 interlocking units with small cross-sections, creating a rib-like structure that integrates seamlessly with the old aqueduct. The design includes independent X-shaped columns that support the roof within each structural unit.

The roofing solution comprises lightweight corrugated panels that sit atop the timber framework. The interior of the bridge is equipped with seating and two rows of reclining chairs, offering various resting and viewing options for the villagers. The construction process was designed to be low-impact, with all components of the bridge being manageable by hand to avoid heavy machinery. Connections between the wooden elements are bolted to facilitate easy assembly on site.

With its completion, the bridge stands as a respectful homage to the village’s unique history and provides a nurturing space for community gatherings and future engagements, thereby infusing new life and energy into the social fabric of Fengwu Village.