The Nexus | Anshun Bridge Restaurant

At the intersection of two major rivers flowing through the city of Chengdu sits the Anshun Bridge, which has existed since the late Qing Dynasty. While maintaining the existing structure and roofline of the traditional style architecture, Neri&Hu’s design concept inserts a new envelope to enclose a restaurant and bar within.

The glass block façade takes inspiration from the structural grid of vernacular Sichuan architecture, while the wooden boxes inside bring a sense of warmth and metal accents add a touch of luxury.

The stairs on both ends of the bridge are redefined in a new material palette and feature concrete aggregate walls with bronze details to invite people in.

The public pathway remains open, such that restaurant goers can observe people passing as they dine. In the evening, the entire structure glows from within and reflects onto the flowing water below.