A BRIDGE OF BLOOMS
13 Dec 2017
A unique ‘bridge of trees’ is the winning proposal for a competition held in The Netherlands that focused on the development of a landscape structure that creates a pedestrian-friendly bicycle bridge in the town of Amstelveen.
A collaborative design by Paul de Ruiter Architects, Complex Urban Landscape Design and structural engineering firm Telemans Bouwconstructies have contributed a unique scheme to the rural road network of Amstelveen, a small town outside of Amsterdam. The Bridge of Trees features a series of giant pots across a landscaped bridge that supports a new 200m bicycle and pedestrian bridge and public park. 
The eco-orientated project is the winning design of a community competition and will extend the existing A9 route in the local area, forming a new landmark visible from multiple directions. The winning proposal was voted on by the community, receiving 77% of the nearly 12,000 votes.
Working within their existing ethos of designing projects that focus on generating energy, the collaboration incorporate the virtues of health and wellbeing in their awarding-winning proposal Bridge of Trees. 
The columns of the bridge are shaped like giant flowerpots, extending above the deck of the bridge to support large trees native to the area. Lush greenery stretches across the bridge to create borders along winding paths, offering an abundance of vegetation and creating the atmosphere of a leafy park.
Subtle lighting will be incorporated among the greenery, highlighting the large trees and creating an iconic landmark and ensuring the safety of visitors in this unique and peaceful public space. The new bicycle way presents a calm oasis above the hustle and bustle of the road system below. 
Commissioned to span the highway that runs through Amstelveen, the new pedestrian and bicycle network will provide access to the southern parts of the city and functions as a green passageway to the city centre. The use of plentiful greenery in the project contributes to the city’s reputation as one of Europe’s greenest cities. 
“Amstelveen’s choice was clear and unequivocal,” claims Amstelveen’s Alderman Herbert Raat. ”We were simply blown away by the level of participation in this ballot; it’s a clear indication of people’s desire to have a say in their city’s development. The winning design feels like a natural extension of the city’s green character.”
