http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/sandamichaela-2074995-beloved-bike/

The Melkwegbridge, located in Purmerend, Netherlands. is part of the masterplan ‘De Kanaalsprong’ and connects the historic city center with the towns’ new district. The most striking part of the bridge, designed by NEXT architects, is a massive arch which reaches the height of 12m above water level and stands in a continuous line with the Melkweg-road, thus offering an incredible view over the city. The high lookout is an attraction in itself and lets pedestrians fully experience the relation between the new and historic center of Purmerend

Bicycles and remainder traffic cross the bridge using the 100m long bicycle deck. This deck was designed as a pendulum over the water, so that the slope could be limited to a minimum.

Because pedestrian traffic was separated from cyclists, the direct line between the Melkweg-road and city centre could remain. Furthermore the 48m arch remains the fastest possible way to cross the water.

The pedestrian bridge weighs 85 tons, consists of 130 steps and is supported by a steel arch.

Pedestrial Area of Melkwegbrug Bridge by NEXT Architects

The design makes it able to retain the spatial openness of the channel and its surroundings.

Both bridge sections flow smoothly into each other and form one whole.This unity is enhanced by the continuity of materials and colors.

In the edges of the bridge LED lines are applied that follow the contour of the bridge and guarantees a spectacular view on the bridge even after sunset.

'Chinese knot' pedestrian bridge

Dutch studio NEXT Architects has won a competition to design a pedestrian bridge for Changsha, China, with plans for a wavy structure based on the continuous form of a Möbius strip. The structure will comprise a sequence of undulating steel ribbons that combine to create a never-ending surface, just like a Möbius strip

"The construction with the intersecting connections is based on the principal of the Möbius ring," said Michel Schreinemachers of NEXT Architects, who previously completed a bridge in the Netherlands with different routes for pedestrians and cyclists.

Architect John van de Water says the form is

also intended

to reference traditional Chinese crafts.

"It refers to a Chinese knot that comes from an ancient

decorative Chinese folk art,"

he explained.

The bridge will create three different routes across the water, including one that reaches a height of 24 metres to offer views of the harbour, the city and the surrounding mountains. Lighting fixtures will highlight the profile of the structure after dark.

The spectacular circular cycle bridge in the Dutch city of Eindhoven has been opened to the public June 2012. The cable-stayed bridge, designed by ipv Delft, offers cyclists and pedestrians an exciting crossover.

With its impressive pylon, 72 metre diameter, thin deck and conspicuous lighting, the cyclist roundabout is a new landmark for the city.

Like a flying saucer, the steel bridge hovers above the Heerbaan/Meerenakkerweg intersection, its impressive pylon marking the entrance way to the cities of Eindhoven and Veldhoven. There used to be a level crossing here, but the development of a nearby housing estate meant the intersection needed changing in order to cope with growing traffic.

As Eindhoven City Council refrains from cyclist underpasses and didn’t want a level crossing roundabout either, they asked Dutch bridge specialist ipv Delft to look at possible solutions. A circular cable-stayed bridge soon appeared to be the best option.

The bridge comprises a 70-metre high pylon, 24 steel cables and a circular bridge deck and is made out of steel.

The cables are attached to the inner side of the bridge deck, right where the bridge deck connects to the circular counter weight. This way, torsion within the bridge deck is prevented. The M-shaped supports near the approach spans also ensure stability.

Sound: Joe Dassin - Et si tu n'existais pas; Siffler sur la colline

Text and pictures: InternetCopyright: All the images belong to their authors

Presentation: Sanda Foişoreanu www.slideshare.net/michaelasanda