Nesselande Station + 'Absence of Light' Bridge, Rotterdam
2007
Hans Moor Architects

Photo © Maarten Laupman:

image from Hans Moor Architects 240907

PROJECT BRIDGE ‘ABSENCE OF LIGHT’ NESSELANDE ROTTERDAM

Principal: OBR (Ontwikkelingsbedrijf Rotterdam) with cooperation Ds+V Dienst stedebouw en volkshuisvesting Rotterdam

design brug ‘absence of light’: 2003; construction/completion: 2005

Principal:
OBR Rotterdam, Galvanistraat 15, 3029 AD Rotterdam

Bridge ‘Absence of light’
Architect: Hans Moor Architects, Vasteland 8, 3011 BK Rotterdam




image from Hans Moor Architects 031007

Bridge ‘Absence of light’ - all text from Hans Moor Architects Oct2007:

Concept
If you are in a car by daylight and you race across a bridge, you’ll experience the bridge as being just a point because your environment changes just for a brief moment. Terra firma makes way for moving water. This transition, together with ’the brightness of water’ transforms the experience and makes space to the bridge. This basic principle in the design means that the bridge is not lit by lampposts or lights. The bridge transforms because it is lit ‘of itself’. Patches of light arising from differences in configuration indicate the track on which the car moves forward. Because of this ‘artificial lighting’ the driver will experience the bridge not only by way of its connecting function, but it will also provide a spatial experience.
The bridge is constructed from concrete in combination with glass ‘dots’. These units, which were specially developed by a supplier of glass and light, are made entirely of glass through which daylight travels and makes the space lighter under the bridge during daytime. These glass units are fitted with 2,500 led modules and provide sufficient and even light for the roadway.


photo from Hans Moor Architects 031007

Construction
A decision was made in the design to use oblique columns in every direction. This means that the horizontal sides of the bridges are accentuated. The bridge seems to sway and therefore to defy gravity. Also, the pillars (4 fingers) on the underside are linked visually which gives the effect of a bridge which is resting on the water.


photo from Hans Moor Architects 031007

Variant for the pedestrian
The pedestrian walks over a perforated steel section which is interrupted every 3 meters by glass which is lit from below. The lighting in the pedestrian section is designed differently because of the experience of light for the pedestrian on the bridge. Safety also plays a different role here and much better lighting is required.

Absence of Light Bridge : text above from Hans Moor Architects 031007

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1996
UN Studio Architects

Rotterdam bridge

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Dutch architect - Rem Koolhaas




photo from Hans Moor Architects 031007
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