The Shi Ling Bridge, designed by Tonkin Liu, and part of the Arup ‘Bridge Stories: 50 years of Bridge Design’ exhibition, is a structure of extreme lightness that sacrifices nothing in strength. Based on Shell Lace Structure- a technique inspired by nature, it uses an optimized curvilinear geometry in conjuncture with corrugation to provide stiffness.
Courtesy of Tonkin Liu
Unnecessary material is removed in the form of perforations through the 15mm plate that makes up the three triangular torsion beams . These beams form passage for pedestrians and cyclists across and through the Shi Ling Stone Forest, offering dramatic views. A single massive column anchors the bridge’s three asymmetrical arches arches to the forest below and providing a singularity point from which the forms spring.
Courtesy of Tonkin Liu
The geometries of these structures is one closely tied to digital modeling, analysis and fabrication tools. The computer data is taken and unraveled to provide for CNC cutting from flat plate. The architect states that the ‘design process is intuitive, analytical and iterative’. Once cut and assembled, they form an incredibly expressive, unique frankly, intuitive bridge structure. I mean why make a bridge out of beams when the beams can be the bridge?
Project info:
Architects: Tonkin Liu
Country: China, Yunnan
Photographs: Courtesy of Tonkin Liu
Client: Arup
Status: unfinished, 2009
Structural engineer: Arup
Size: 75 m span
Matt Davis is a Virginia Tech graduate and one of the founding editors behind Arch2O. Launching the platform in mid‑2012 alongside fellow Hokies, he helped shape its identity as an international hub for design innovation and critical dialogue . With a foundation in architectural education and a passion for uncovering unconventional design approaches, Matt has contributed significantly—both editorially and strategically—to Arch2O’s growth, ensuring that emerging architects, academics, and creatives have a space to question, explore, and elevate the built environment.