Connection and Destination
The bicycle bridge over the Waterlandseweg (N305) welcomes travelers to Almere, enhances the cycling network, links two landscape structures, and draws attention to two nearby landmarks. Made of weathering steel, the bridge is an idiosyncratic sculpture that integrates naturally with its surroundings.
Location
As a main access route to Almere, the Waterlandseweg passes several iconic sites, such as the Green Cathedral, the Founding Fathers Monument, Castle Almere and the Circle Forest (Cirkelbos). The bridge crossing this road has the potential to act as a kind of city gate. By referencing nearby attractions, the bridge—and the location—gain meaning. It becomes an announcement of the city and a symbol of the surrounding landmarks.
Usage and Experience
The bridge is not only a functional structure that connects to the bus stops along the Waterlandseweg and forms part of Almere’s cycling network, but it also significantly enhances the quality of this network. It bridges the barrier created by the Hoge Vaart canal, creating new and more efficient routes for cyclists and pedestrians.
Moreover, the bridge is a place to pause and reflect, emphasizing its relationship with the environment. Two viewing points are integrated into the structure. On the southwest side, one viewpoint is elevated to provide a better view toward the Founding Fathers Monument. The northeastern section slopes downward, offering a new and unexpected perspective on the Green Cathedral. A long wooden bench—placed in line with the main axis of the cathedral—invites visitors to take time and enjoy the scene.
A quote by Marinus Boezem, the artist responsible for the Green Cathedral, is embedded in relief on the edge of the bridge:
“Only when it can no longer be seen, and people say to each other: ‘There used to be a cathedral here,’ then Almere will be a city with its own history.”
The Bridge as Landscape
The construction site sits at the boundary between polder and forest. On the south side, the bridge connects to the straight lines of the polder landscape. On the north side, the bridge curves into the forest area. In plan view, the bridge mediates between these two spatial typologies. The strict, straight southern section gradually transforms—via two smooth bulges—into a spiral form along the tree-filled northern bank.
The cross-section has a similarly subtle, meandering form. The section of the bridge spanning the roadway is slightly elevated, while the part spanning the canal appears more transparent and gently dips downward. These varying heights correspond to the required clearance for traffic underneath the road section and the navigation clearance above the canal. The bridge deck itself forms one smooth, continuous line. The meandering shape is achieved by varying the height of the edge beam.
Data
Project Team: Oriol Casas Cancer, Roeland Bornebroek, Ferdinando d’Alessio, Leonardo Marchese, Andrea Fernández Ramírez, Despina Sapoutzi, Daam van der Leij, Leander Rispens
Client: Reimert Construction and Infrastructure, Province of Flevoland
Design: 2018
Completion: 2020
Collaboration: Arup, Van der Zalm Metaalindustrie, PT-Structural (steel structure detail engineering), Flow Engineering (damper design)
Function: Slow traffic bridge (for bicycles and pedestrians)
Length: 250 meters
Photography: Thea van den Heuvel Photography and Film, Jan de Vries
Awards and Nominations
2022
Blauwe Kamer Yearbook
Category: Architecture and Landscape Design
Result: Selected
2023
National Steel Award
Category: Infrastructure and Sustainability
Result: Nominated
2023
BENELUX Steel Bridge Contest
Category: Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridges
Result: Nominated
2024
BENELUX Steel Bridge Contest
Category: Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridges
Result: Nominated
