Ingenious Bamboo 'Gallery' Wins Top Honors in Contest

The work Suspended Gallery is built mainly with bamboo by students of the School of Architecture of South China University of Technology. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The work Suspended Gallery, built mainly with bamboo by students of the School of Architecture of South China University of Technology, won the top prize at the Third International Colleges and Universities Construction Competition held recently in Xiamutang village in Jiangxi province. It is a comprehensive design, with a practical function as a bridge that is actively connected to the venue, turning a passive environment into a lively one, said judges in comments about the work.

The work Suspended Gallery is seen during the day. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Metal and resin parts seal the ends of the bamboo poles to prevent the bamboo from corroding in the humid environment. The poles are linked together with metal parts and steel chains in a smart approach to design.

The work Suspended Gallery is seen at night, with candles forming the initials SCUT, which stand for South China University of Technology. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The use of both bamboo and reeds enriches the changes in light and shade on the bridge. The furniture and lights by the lakeside provide spaces for leisure, and the natural light, shade, water, fog and local vegetation form an interesting bamboo park. Twenty-one architecture schools from home and abroad participated in the contest.

An aerial view of the work Suspended Gallery. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Lights and fog surround the work Suspended Gallery. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The work Suspended Gallery is seen through the surrounding vegetation. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Students pose with their work Suspended Gallery, which is built mainly with bamboo. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The network of bamboo poles stands out in the work Suspended Gallery. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]