bureau SLA + arup: amsterdam hermitage bridge

‘amsterdam hermitage bridge’ by bureau SLA + arup, amsterdam, the netherlands all images courtesy of bureau SLA

a collaborative design by amsterdam-based architectural firm bureau SLA and engineering practice arup, the ‘amsterdam hermitage bridge’ crosses the amstel river to connect with the hermitage museum in amsterdam. the result of a design competition, the product is an experiment to break the convention of bridges as the designers have agreed the specified location does not require any infrastructure. operated by drawing upon an iPad, onlookers may manipulate the shape of the deck, opening it in steep, curvy, parabolic, wobbly or rational forms to accommodate the regular cargo traffic which would pass under the structure.

comprised of 90 interconnected elements, the deck is suspended from an overhead arch. in the resting position, the combined appearance projects itself as a stationary structure, but then the 90 meter span is changed with an individual motor which pulls each component. the opened state will resemble the digital drawing, with minor adjustments by the master computer to comply with technical regulations and functioning mechanisms.

bridge opened to allow the cargo route to pass underneath

vantage point from restaurant of the hermitage

bridge interior leads directly into the hermitage

explanation of the bridge design and structure from bureau SLA and arup’s project teams video of courtesy of bureau SLA

site plan

diagram of bridge operation

steps 1-2

steps 3-4

steps 5-6

(left) iPad showing bridge open (right) iPad showing bridge in the closed position

detail of bridge deck

engine

project info:

start design: february 2012 end of design: march 2012 span: 90 m design: bureau SLA, amsterdam structural design & engineering: Arup, amsterdam address: amstel 51, opposite of the amsterdam hermitage museum program: bicycle bridge, café, bicycle repair shop project team bureau SLA: peter van assche, jiri masek, ninja zurheide, monique philippo project team Arup: edwin thie, demis karagiannis