De Oversteek - 09.001
Program
Author of the complete design of the project. Preliminary design based on a design&build competition.
Concept
Designing a bridge for a city is like creating a scene for the urban environment. The theatrical answer of the construction is in relation with the river the Waal, the river forelands and the shores. The bridge gives form to the surrounding landscape. The arch, the main part of the design, accentuates the river and the whole width of the river.
It was important that the structure symbolized the 21st century and that it would become an icon of contemporary architecture and engineering. The bridge the Waal is a construction based on a high engineering level and strong formal language. The abutments are the result of a combination of local materials and constructions methods. In other words: these elements will be constructed with traditional building techniques (in situ concrete en brick masonry). They will have a human scale thanks to their design, dimensions and details, materials.
The city bridge is the result of an optimized engineering process in relation to the surrounding urban landscape and architecture. The ambition of the bridge structure is to show a visually efficient structure instead of a bridge full of accessories. The bridge is consistent with and relative laws of physics.
Natural beauty is the result of this approach to architecture and engineering.
