Chinese firm Atelier FCJZ has completed an art gallery that bridges a river in the city of Jishou, to encourage people to engage with art on their daily commute.
The Jishou Art Museum (JAM) traverses the Wanrong river, which runs through the old town of Jishou, China.

The building comprises two stacked bridges that perform different but complementary functions. The lower level is an open steel truss structure that resembles a covered street.
This bridge features a sloping floor that arcs over the river and incorporates stepped podiums where passers by can stop and rest. An open metal balustrade lining the walkway permits views of the river on either side.

JAM's goal is to embed culture within the community and to merge with existing terraces housing shops, restaurants and residences. Entrances on both riverbanks are therefore integrated into the mixed-use streetscape.
Its design references traditional covered bridges found throughout the mountainous Xiangxi district in western Hunan. These bridges, known as Fengyu Qiao, typically provided a public space where travellers would rest and vendors would set up stands.

Atelier FCJZ was established by Yung Ho Chang and Lijia Lu in 1993.
The Beijing-based firm's previous projects include a windowless house with glass floors and a restaurant featuring a ceiling made from a woven net of bamboo.
Photography is by Tian Fangfang.

Project credits:
Architects: Atelier FCJZ

Principal architects: Yung Ho Chang, Lijia Lu

Project team...