Can Gio Bridges

Can Gio, Vietnam

2022

Client Vin Group

Road & Rail

To the south of Ho Chi Minh City the Can Gio Urban Area is being developed to a masterplan which includes an inland sea lake at its centre. Two bridges will cross the lake, connecting an outer rim of reclaimed land back to the mainland.Rather than propose one bridge twice as long as the other, our proposal divides the combined length into thirds, placing one module to the west and a pair to the east. Three repetitive 400m modules strike a balance between monumentality and simplicity, maintaining the complimentary approach to the scheme. Expanding on this approach compatible cabled-stayed and tied arch proposals have been developed.

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In developing these proposals there were two key dimensional aspects to consider: firstly the span lengths are approximately 400m and 800m, providing the opportunity to build a common design language and modularity into the concept from the outset; secondly a minimum clearance height of 7m, which is relatively shallow compared to the spans, allowing for two elegant but notably low decks.

Prioritising the user environment has led to a consistent road deck and footway design across both options for both crossings. This continuity results in supporting structures that can be ‘mixed and matched’ with the bridges still being appreciated as a pair. Common detailing and articulation further support this feature, allowing any combination of structures to speak to one another across the water.

Four diagrams display cross-sections of lens designs with different configurations. The top row shows lenses without a middle segment, while the bottom row features lenses with a central dome shape, illustrating varied light dispersion patterns.

Diagram displaying various complex railway track layouts with multiple switches, intersections, and signals. The layouts are shown from a top-down perspective with labels and directional arrows indicating train movements.

A technical diagram with four stages depicting a structural design process. Each stage shows incremental changes with added elements and annotations, illustrating a sequence of development or assembly on a white background.

Cable Stayed

While cable stayed bridges are tried and tested solutions, there is plenty of scope in this case to create something special and context appropriate. For example, each tower is being conceived as a pair of tapering legs that reach up and ‘clamp’ a secondary element that houses the cable anchorage cluster. For lateral stability the chisel shaped legs will straddle the deck, passing through gaps between the roadway and footway. Below the deck they will appear to slot into support piers where they transfer vertical loads into the foundation. By articulating each individual element and the structural forces it must accommodate, the solution is both honest and expressive.

A modern suspension bridge at dusk with illuminated cables and a pedestrian walkway. Cars blur past on one side while people walk on the other, set against a cloudy sky with hints of sunset.

A cable-stayed bridge illuminated at night, its reflection shimmering on calm water below. The bridges tower and cables create a symmetrical pattern against the dark, cloudy sky, while gentle lights accentuate its linear structure.

A modern cable-stayed bridge with people walking along it. The bridge crosses a calm river, with a city skyline visible in the distance under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

A detailed architectural site plan showing a bridge connecting two land masses over water. The left side features parallel roads and a roundabout, while the right side shows a structured area with curved streets and a large rectangular building.

Minimalist architectural cross-section of a suspension bridge, highlighting its cable connections and water underneath. The bridge is symmetrically designed, with trees lining the distant horizon on both sides.

Illustration of a bridge spanning across a body of water. The bridge is shown from an overhead view, connecting two sections of land with buildings and roads on each side. There are a few small boats in the water under the bridge.

Illustration of a cable-stayed bridge in side view. It features two towers with cables extending diagonally to the bridge deck. The structure spans across a wide body of water, with small silhouettes of vehicles and trees on each end.

A modern cable-stayed bridge spans across a calm body of water at dusk. The bridges lights reflect off the waters surface, creating a symmetrical pattern. The sky is filled with dark clouds, adding to the serene atmosphere.

Tied Arch

A second structural solution that equally prioritises the user experience is a tied arch. In this case 400m long arches will span between supports with the deck hung from below. While less efficient in terms of materials and carbon footprint, the arching form could be very dramatic especially when seen as a repetitive composition. Intentionally similar to the cable stayed solution, here a pair of arches will straddle the deck in order to support a secondary element above that will again support cable anchorages and the deck below. Each arch will have a varying cross section related to structural forces while enhancing the overall form.

In elevation the arches will appear heavier at the load transferring ends and deceptively slender at the apex high above. In this proposal a discreet yet substantial connection below the roadway will allow the deck itself to function as the tie. ‘Closing’ the structural system will also allow it to be assembled nearby on land and transported into position as a single monumental element.