this bridge in utrecht allows cyclists to bike over the roof of school

a bicycle bridge spanning 110 meters across the amsterdam-rhine canal in utrecht is set to open to the public. the project was commissioned by the city of utrecht, with NEXT architects and rudy uytenhaak + partners architecten responsible for the scheme’s deisgn. the unique structure integrates a cycle and pedestrian bridge with a school and a public garden, forming a single cohesive structure that is suspended 9 meters above the water.

image © mastum daksystemen / maurice iseger (also main image)

as well as NEXT architects and rudy uytenhaak + partners architecten, the project also involved arup and bureau b+b. once opened, the structure will naturally integrate into the environment and save time for more than 7,000 cyclists each day. simultaneously, the bridge connects the city in a new way: the bridge, school, and park seamlessly work with one another in an integral manner, becoming more than just a fast route from A to B.

image © mastum daksystemen / maurice iseger

‘in one fluid movement, the cycle route, park, and school are brought together to form a cohesive whole of infrastructure, architecture, and landscape,’ says marijn schenk, NEXT architects. the bridge, 7 meters high, creates a unique shed to study under and the school with the recreational area are orientate towards the park. this is made possible by making the east side of the school, under the bridge, more narrow. the result is a private recreational area attached to the public park and an apparent, natural entrance in continuation of the street. the wide side of the school at the water complements the park and creates a safe enclosed space for the school children to play.

image © NEXT architects

image © NEXT architects

image © NEXT architects

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