NEXT Architects

Zalige Bridge

Zalige Bridge
© Rutger Hollander

ZALIGE BRIDGE

Next Architects

CATEGORY
Pedestrian Bridge

LOCATION
Nijmegen, The Netherlands

ARCHITECTS
Next Architects

AREA
210 m²

PHOTOGRAPHS
Rutger Hollander, Jennie Burgers, Jan Daanen, Jeroen Bosch

CONTRACTOR(S)
I-Lent (Dura Vermeer Divisie Infra BV en Ploegam BV).

YEAR
2016

MANUFACTURERS
SNL systems, Spanbeton, Strukton

ADVISOR CONSTRUCTION
IBA Amsterdam (ing. Chris Hattink).

TEAM
Michel Schreinemachers, Marijn Schenk, Bart Reuser with Jurriaan Hillerström, Luuc Sonke, Maarten Vermeulen, Ingeborg Kuijlaars.

COLLABORATORS
i.c.w. H+N+S Landscape Architects, Witteveen & Bos, Dura Vermeer Infra, Ploegam, Ingenieursbureau Amsterdam and Trafique.

CITY
Nijmegen

COUNTRY
The Netherlands

Text description provided by architect.

The Zalige bridge in Nijmegen is the key project linked to water and its uses within the urban river park that was created as part of Room for the River Waal, a nation-wide project initiated by the ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment to prevent flooding.

Zalige Bridge
© Jennie Burgers
Zalige Bridge
© Jennie Burgers

In Nijmegen the measures included the displacement of the dike, combined with the construction of a lateral gully in the widened floodplains. This bypass created a new recreational island and a new urban river park. The Zalige bridge is the icon of the path that runs through the riverpark.

The Zalige bridge is designed as a continuation of the park’s path structure on the water. Built on the floodplains, the softly curved bridge changes significantly with the seasons.

Zalige Bridge
© Jeroen Bosch
Zalige Bridge
© Jeroen Bosch
Zalige Bridge
© Jeroen Bosch
Zalige Bridge
© Jan Daanen

When the water levels start to rise, the bridge partially submerges, thereby becoming inaccessible a few days a year. Within the river park, the spatial quality of the water is made visible in a poetic way.

The experience of the landscape and the recreational value of the surrounding park are the key elements to the Zalige bridge. The bridge is an integral part of the park’s path structure. The transition between the bridge and the path is smooth and gradual.At the bridge’s landings so-called ‘stepping stones’ adorn the side of the bridge/path.

When water levels are low, these high concrete blocks can be used as benches offering a beautiful view on the countryside and the city of Nijmegen. However, as water levels rise, the function and significance of the stepping stones changes: they become the only access route to the bridge: an intermitted path over the water.

Zalige Bridge
© Rutger Hollander
Zalige Bridge
© Jan Daanen

In January 2018 the Zalige bridge proved itself for the first time. Water levels rose to 12 m NAP+: the highest point in 15 years. This time however, the high water became an attraction.

Zalige Bridge
© Rutger Hollander
Zalige Bridge
© NEXT architects
Zalige Bridge
© Rutger Hollander
Zalige Bridge
© Rutger Hollander

While the water was rising, the bridge was reachable only through stepping stones, becoming the ultimate place to experience the high water.Eventually, also the stepping stones submerged, making the bridge inaccessible. As a crest above the river, the bridge emphasizes the dynamic character of water by letting people see and experience the changing river landscape.


Zalige Bridge
Location


Zalige Bridge
Plan


Zalige Bridge
Terrain Section


Zalige Bridge
Schema

NEXT Architects
T +31 20 4630463
NEXT Architects
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