At first glance it looks like this bridge in the Netherlands was an engineering failure, not unlike the infamous Tacoma Narrows that collapsed. But this is how the architects designed and built it to look, and it works just fine.
It’s a 42m pedestrian and bicycle bridge that connects the Holy-Zuid district with the Broekpolder, in the city of Vlaardingen. It was designed by the architects at West 8 and specifically built by the metal workers at ABT so that the bridge looks like it has twisted at one end and is about to tumble into the river.
But it’s completely safe. The illusion comes from the welded steel tubes that actually surround the bridge itself, which provides a flat path for urban traffic to easily cross the waterway. The effect is still cool, though, and makes me wonder what inspires architects to be so creative when it comes to modern bridge design. [West 8 via CollabCubed]
Matt L
Friday, November 25, 2011 at 10:25 AMAll bridges should be like this, it looks great. I wonder if this config increases the strength of the frame.
deadnotsleeping
Friday, November 25, 2011 at 11:19 AMIt’s just for looks, it goes around the actual bridge.
Puddiepants
Friday, November 25, 2011 at 1:06 PMWhile it is architecturally designed to help with the looks, it’s definitely structurally designed to support the footpath (as can be seen in the top 2 photos).
I doubt though that the twisting shape adds to the strength (compared to if it wasn’t twisted). At the least it makes the calcs a bit more complex
Mikey
Friday, November 25, 2011 at 11:08 AMLooks terrible. Like something Melbourne would commission in one of its more hysterical attempts at culture.
Nathan
Friday, November 25, 2011 at 11:42 AMDo or do not, there is no try.
bruno
Friday, November 25, 2011 at 11:27 AMGoing through this at speed would make you motion-sick. I wanna go again!
Drongo
Friday, November 25, 2011 at 12:12 PMThere’s a similar footbridge at top ryde in Sydney over lane cove rd
Mudze
Friday, November 25, 2011 at 10:54 PMOoh, please show me on a map. Fun climbin’.