NEXT Architects are known for their fascinating bridges like the Lucky Knot, and now they have designed a bridge that doubles as the roof of a school. The Dafne Schippers bridge opened to the public last year. It is located in the city of Utrecht, and it spans 110 meters across the Amsterdam-Rhine canal. The dream of the cyclists came true when a number of countries like Denmark and the Netherlands paid more attention to “Bridges and Passageways Only for Bikes”.
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Designed by NEXT Architects and Rudy Uytenhaak + Partners Architekten along with Arup and Bureau B+B, this bridge in Utrecht integrates the cycle and pedestrian track with the school, the park, and a lush green artificial hill. It is suspended, 9 meters above the water, between two asymmetrical towers on the two sides of the Amsterdam-Rhine canal. On the side of the Leidsche Rijn, the tower becomes a landmark for the city, while the one on the side of the school is reduced to match the scale of the trees. Additionally, cyclists and pedestrians get panoramic views of the canal when they use the Dafne Schippers Bridge. This cohesive scheme will save time for over 7000 cyclists.
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Courtesy Of NEXT architects
The bridge connects and works seamlessly with the school and the public park to form an integrated and efficient design. On the side of the school, the bridge creates a unique shed for the students to study in. The bridge’s position on the southern side of the school makes space for recreational areas on the northern side, towards the park. The east side of the school is made narrow, creating a private recreational space and a seemingly natural entrance. Then, it widens by the water surface, complementing the park and creating an enclosed playground for the students.
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The school’s roof garden plays three significant roles in the design. It is an essential element that connects all the different programs it caters to and complements the green space surrounding the school. Moreover, it provides the school with plenty of extra space. The permaculture garden on the roof of the gym also becomes a necessary buffer space between the cycle track and the school.
“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 of NEXT architects.
Here, watch this new video that documents the journey of cyclists on the Dafne Schippers Bridge.