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Nemetschek Structural User Contest 2013 - Category 2: Civil Structures
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Winner Category 2: Civil Structures
Short description │
“Vluchthaven” Footbridge
The moveable Vluchthaven footbridge connects the IJdock peninsula with the Westerdoksdijk, over
a length of 105 m, while also providing access to the IJDock marina. The concept consists of a thick
folded and shaped sheet of steel. The form of the deck is inspired by the elegant movement of a
heron’s wings during flight. This also gives the deck, with a width of 4 m, its needed stiffness. The
deck shape allows for better water management in regard to a series of openings on both sides of
the bridge. Those perforations make a subtle reference to the water present underneath the bridge
and enforce the relation between the passer-by and the bridge. The perforations also allow for subtle
lighting integrated in the railing of the bridge. At a height of 15 cm, LEDs are embedded in resin at the
base of each of the +1,000 posts.
Project information
Owner
Gemeente Amsterdam
Architect
Ney & Partners
General Contractor
Vandermade bv
Engineering Office
Ney & Partners
Location
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Construction Period
05/2012 to 10/2012
Ney & Partners
Contact
Oswald Verbergt
Address
Terhulpsesteenweg 181
1170 Brussels, Belgium
Phone
+32 2 6432180
Email
Website
Ney & Partners is a structural engineering consultancy, established in Brussels. Since its creation in
1997, the office has worked with a pro-active view on the art of engineering through the integration of
the different civil works disciplines.
This integration and optimisation of structural elements aims to overcome the classic hierarchic
assembly of constructive solutions. Innovative bridges, roof structures and works of art developed by
our office most clearly express this vision.
The construction project quality lies in the synthesis of specific design constraints. The structural
aspect is of primary importance to this synthesis. From the very beginning of the design process, Ney
& Partners conducts constant research for advanced engineering integration. In doing so, our position
as an engineering consultancy goes beyond the standardised dimensioning of predefined technical
solutions. Ney & Partners currently employs more than 45 civil engineers, architects and draughtsmen.
