Go your own way
Xiamen Footpaths
DISSING+WEITLING architecture
About
A 20-kilometre network of scenic footpaths and seven spectacular footbridges are set to become the new trademark of the city of Xiamen, China. The ambitious project, entitled Xiamen Footpaths, will create outstanding experiences in the exchange between bustling urban life and peaceful nature for the pedestrians of Xiamen.
Last year, the city of Xiamen opened the world’s longest bicycle bridge – Xiamen Bicycle Skyway – with the ambition to improve conditions for cyclists in the hectic Chinese traffic. Once again, Xiamen has chosen to focus on improving conditions for soft road users – this time the pedestrians.
Xiamen
A modern metropolis, Xiamen has a pulsating city-life and a hectic industrial port, while being situated on a mountainous island with a unique vegetation supported by a mild climate. The City of Xiamen envisioned a large-scale network of footpaths, elevated footpaths and footbridges that would connect the vibrant cityscape with the scenic natural surroundings.
The 20-kilometre route creates a new connection between city and nature – a system of elevated footpaths and footbridges that run through the city and across the island as a scenic, recreational artery. It will be a major attraction for the city and possibly become an icon for Xiamen that can attract tourists from all over the world.
Design
When designing the project, DISSING+WEITLING’s challenge was to create a coherent yet flexible design language that would be able to adapt to the incredibly different contexts. Xiamen Footpaths lead residents and visitors through the city and out into nature as a recreational artery among the treetops.
Seven unique footbridges appear as beacons in the landscape and create a link between parks, forests and viewpoints, where the city and landscape will unfold from a new perspective.
Danish momentum
Winning yet another infrastructure project in Xiamen, Dissing+Weitling continues their momentum in the Chinese city after the opening of Xiamen Bicycle Skyway in 2017. In close cooperation with local authorities, the winning proposal is currently being further developed and adapted to the city’s wishes. The comprehensive project has been named Xiamen Footpaths, and is expected to be completed already next year.
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Companies involved
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DISSING+WEITLING architecture
Construction management
XMEDI – Xiamen Municipal
Engineering Design Institute
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