That cannot be a bridge.The open international idea competition
for pedestrian bridge in the heart of Amsterdam prompted us to ask ourselves a question –
how to combine in one building several elements that would result in designing
a unique and outstanding bridge.
The name of the competition - Iconic Bridge made
us seek ideas with
a strong formal expression and
unconventional functional and technical solutions. Organizers also defined number of functional requirements
that had to be met – among others, the bridge had to ensure freedom of vessels movement on the
river and make it possible to arrange café bar and bicycle repair area on the bridge.

How to combine then functional requirements
and the value of use in the bridge
that should become a memorable icon of
Amsterdam?

The answer was obvious - that
cannot be a simple bridge, although it should serve
its original functions. This must be the
object that interacts emotionally - it is
surprising and raises clear
associations with the Netherlands – it acts as its landmark.
As a result we designed an object
that is a synthesis of all assumptions
and requirements.

The “bridge" – a "bunch" of artificial
tulips – the symbol
of the capital, provides
communication between the river banks and
contains necessary functions. Rising to
almost 60m height it provides a
nice panorama of Amsterdam and stands out as a landmark which helps to orientate oneself in the city.
The “bridge” not only exploits the values of the place, but it also serves its exploration - as the
London Eye – it allows to admire
the panorama of Amsterdam from
inaccessible so far perspective - you can get a tulip with a view.

Cafe bar and bicycle repair area are located on
a platform inside the tulip calyxes. Access to this platform is provided by two mobile cabins which rise along carbon fiber “stems” from the ground
to the level of the platform. The fibers form a
network of cells which are constantly and separately
filled with gas or liquid and then emptied - that allows
the stem to follow the direction needed: from upright
position to the totally lowered to the
ground. Flower petal skin is made of semi-transparent stretchable resilient and
durable polyurethane-coated fabric. Essential shapes are formed beneath
the skin by dense and thin aluminium net structure. The entire "bunch"
has the ability to perform small vertical movements giving
the impression of waving with the
wind.