Zaha Hadid Architects unveils asymmetrical bridge for Taipei

Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) has been declared the winner of an international competition to design a new bridge in Taipei, Taiwan. Set for location at the mouth of the Tamsui River, ZHA says that Danjiang Bridge will be the longest single-tower asymmetric cable-stayed bridge in the world once complete.

The 920 m (3,018 ft) long Danjiang Bridge will serve to improve connectivity for locals and alleviate traffic on the area's congested roads. It will also improve access to the Port of Taipei.

The bridge's design is markedly asymmetrical, spanning 450 m (1,476 ft) to the west of the single 175 m (574 ft)-high supporting mast, and 175 m (574 ft) to the east. This ensures the mast does not unduly disrupt waterway traffic. It also enables locals a relatively unobstructed view of the sunset – a significant concern in a tourist spot famous for its sunsets.

"The mast is designed and engineered to be as slender as possible and positioned to offer the best structural performance, avoid impeding the navigability of the river and also minimize any interference with the views of the sunset from popular viewing points along the river," says ZHA. The firm also reports that the slim form of the supporting structure will minimize its disturbance to the the estuary's ecosystem.

ZHA is working on the project with Leonhardt, Andrä & Partner, and Sinotech Engineering Consultants. Details regarding budget and expected completion date (or indeed confirmation that the project will definitely be realized) have not yet been released.

Source: ZHA