Apartment Buildings Constructed Under Guiyang Overpass

Guiyang. The Shuikousi Overpass located in Guiyang city of China has become the center of a unique residential project. 

After the completion of construction of this bridge in 1997, as there was a lack of land for affordable housing around it, the authorities there decided to utilize the empty space under the bridge and erect apartment buildings. 

The concept of building buildings under the Shuikousi bridge was put forward with the objective of utilizing the empty land near the center of the city instead of expanding settlements on the outskirts of the city. This provided residents with easy access to the city center, but they had to make some compromises for it. 

It was certain that the noise and vibration from the vehicles running overhead would have a direct impact on the more than a dozen apartment buildings built up to the height of the bridge. 

Two years after the construction of the bridge, about 10 residential buildings were constructed in that area as low-rent houses and resettlement housing projects. Gradually, more buildings were added to the remaining empty land under the Shuikousi Overpass. 

As expected, the continuous noise and vibration from vehicles passing overhead became a part of the daily lives of thousands of people living in this unique residential area. However, only a few people living there complained about it. Due to the many benefits of being close to the city center, the residents here have adapted themselves to this environment and have started considering this noise and vibration as a characteristic of their unique dwelling. 

To improve the living conditions and lifestyle there, the authorities later banned the movement of large cargo trucks on that bridge. This reduced the noise and vibration to some extent, but this place is still not the quietest or most comfortable place in Guiyang city. Residents also have few options to prevent dust from the road from entering their homes, but this place is affordable and very close to the city center. 

Today, in Guiyang city, which has a population of over 4 million and is facing a severe land shortage, this community under the Shuikousi bridge is being seen as an innovative and creative solution for managing urban population density.