Sky bridge
In February 2017, Preliminary Research Office was commissioned by a leading Chinese commercial drone company to design a pedestrian bridge between two towers which will become their headquarters in Shenzhen.
The body of the bridge is generated by the intersection of a set of conic volumes positioned along their common axis between the cores of the two towers.
At two points along this axis, perpendicular cones are introduced and split by the same primitive cones that generated the volume of the bridge. These perpendicular cones extend beyond the body of the bridge to create large platforms from which drones can be flown and observed, and which serve as meeting areas with expansive views of the surrounding city.
Adjacent to each platform, the bridge 'plugs in' to two enclosed structures that allow for additional circulation back to the towers. The two structures allow both vertical and horizontal circulation, and are attached to the exterior of the towers.
The bridge is split into two levels, meeting the first tower at the 28th floor and the second tower between floors 28th and 29th, with a staircase connecting both floors to the body of the bridge. The two levels within the bridge are connected by a large ramp that spans the two viewing platforms. Views into each partially-enclosed platform are generated by the level shift, and are visible when traversing the ramp.
Images and content courtesy of PRO.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
The 2025 draft NPPF in brief with indicative responses
Local verses National and suitable verses sustainable: Consultation open for just over one week.
Increased vigilance on VAT Domestic Reverse Charge
HMRC bearing down with increasing force on construction consultant says.
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.
Cutting carbon, cost and risk in estate management
Lessons from Cardiff Met’s “Halve the Half” initiative.
Inspiring the next generation to fulfil an electrified future
Technical Manager at ECA on the importance of engagement between industry and education.
Repairing historic stone and slate roofs
The need for a code of practice and technical advice note.
Environmental compliance; a checklist for 2026
Legislative changes, policy shifts, phased rollouts, and compliance updates to be aware of.