Erasmus Bridge

For the dynamic architecture of UN Studio, rapid transport structures are more suitable than the calm typology of family houses or museums. During our visit to the Netherlands, we made use of several bridges, tunnels, and parking facilities by Ben van Berkel, and each time it was an exceptional event. The most remarkable results of collaboration between traffic engineers and architects are still most evident in the Netherlands and England, yet we are beginning to get used to similar things here as well.
Other dimensions of architecture—traffic and time—are exponentially further along for transport structures than for classical buildings, which is why a number of Dutch digital offices such as NOX, NIO, and UN Studio deal with them, uniting architecture and movement inseparably. The latter office created a new symbol for Rotterdam, a city whose large part was destroyed during World War II, in the form of a bridge resembling a swan. (pš)

The physical and figurative connection of two city parts
A large concrete staircase leading from the parking garages on the northern side of the bridge extends the curve of the main ramp to pedestrian level and transforms the function of the bridge into public space. At night, when the bridge is reduced to mere silhouette, a special lighting system emphasizes the interior of the bridge with cables rising high above the water's surface like a dematerialized echo of its daytime identity.
The appearance of the bridge is the result of a unified structural approach. Construction, urbanism, infrastructure, and public functions have been combined into one comprehensive gesture. To achieve smoothly functioning relationships between the variously complex parts, CAD-CAM methods were used for the entire design and subsequent prefabrication of components, which increased the architect's control over all levels of structural design. The architectural solution seamlessly transitioned from the initial sketch to the final construction phase. Five differently shaped concrete pillars, railings, docks, details of reinforcement, connections, and service equipment were designed cohesively.

Technical information
main span: 280 m; total length: 802 m; weight: 6,800 t; height: 139 m.