Woven Timber Arch: A Bridge Building Block

Redesigning an Intangible Cultural Heritage

The design team led by Qiu Liwei has taken on the challenge of redesigning the iconic Woven Timber Arch Bridge, with the aim of making its components more concise and eventually productizing the bridge. The result is a set of nine building block modules that can be assembled into bridges of different shapes.

What sets this design apart is its ability to transform a complex structure into an engaging toy suitable for all ages. Each building block module has a unique structure and function, allowing for endless possibilities in bridge construction. The challenging gameplay and the opportunity to create bridges of various shapes make this design highly appealing.

The Woven Timber Arch Bridge Building Block is made from plastic, ensuring durability and ease of use. The dimensions of the building blocks are as follows: 10mmx95mmx10mm, 10mmx94mmx10mm, 10mmx70mmx10mm, 10mmx30mmx10mm, 10mmx30mmx10mm, 10mmx20mmx10mm, 10mmx10mmx10mm, 10mmx10mmx10mm. The package size is 240mmx200mmx80mm.

After 8 months of design and development, the Woven Timber Arch Bridge Building Block was completed in January 2021. The model is currently exhibited in the exhibition hall of Wenzhou Polytechnic, showcasing the innovative approach to preserving and promoting intangible cultural heritage.

The inspiration for this design comes from the Woven Timber Arch Bridge, particularly the arch bridge on the Bianshui River in AlongtheRiverduringthe Qingming Festival. By converting a complex structure into a visual art form, the Woven Timber Arch Bridge has captivated generations. The design team saw an opportunity to not only activate this intangible cultural heritage but also make it accessible to a wider audience.

One of the main challenges faced by the design team was how to redesign the Woven Timber Arch Bridge with a complex structure while minimizing the number of module types. Through repeated simulations and careful analysis, the team was able to create building blocks with interoperable structures, allowing for seamless assembly and construction.

The Woven Timber Arch Bridge Building Block has received recognition for its innovative design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Toys, Games, and Hobby Products category in 2021. This prestigious award honors designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving quality of life.

With its unique blend of tradition and innovation, the Woven Timber Arch Bridge Building Block is not just a toy, but a testament to the power of design to preserve and celebrate cultural heritage.