[AMSTERDAM] Iconic Pedestrian Bridge

INTRODUCTION
The bridge is a structure built to span physical obstacles such as a body of water, for the purpose of providing passage over the obstacle.

It is designed for pedestrians and cyclists, rather than vehicular traffic. Footbridges complement the landscape and can be used decoratively to visually link two distinct areas or to signal a transaction.
Footbridges can be both functional and beautiful works of art and sculpture in there own right as seen in some of the most visited countries around world.

Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and has a population of approximately 1.5 million. It has been called the “Venice of the North” for its more than one hundred kilometres of canals, about 90 islands and 1,500 bridges.
The 17th-century canals located in the heart of the city of Amsterdam were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2010.

AIM OF THIS COMPETITION
The aim of this International competition is to design an Iconic Pedestrian Bridge in the Heart of Amsterdam. The architecture of this new structure should reflect contemporary design tendencies.

The proposal must not only attend to the specific function but the design should also take into consideration the urban insertion and impact geared towards creating a new architectural symbol for an European capital city.
This competition hopes to achieve the following:

• Encourage and reward design excellence between architecture and engineering.
• Research, respond to and highlight the unique aspects of designing an original footbridge.
• To generate the discussion of ideas regarding the functionality of bridges in relation with art and sculpture.
• Encourage the employment of sustainable design in all aspects of the proposal.

COMPETITION STRUCTURE
This is a single stage Competition with the aim of identifing the most appropriate proposal, which best satisfies the general and specific objectives of the contest.

Competition Website