ZJA - Bridge Design

ZJA - Bridge Design
Light-rail station Beatrixlaan, The Hague, NL
Infrastructure and Public Transport - a large part of
the work of Zwarts & Jansma Architects consists
of the design of infrastructural works. Bridges,
viaducts, tunnels, stations and transfer points.
We see bridges and tunnels not just as technical
and useful structures. The quality of a design
depends also on its integration into the landscape,
i.e. on its relation to the country side or city that
surrounds it. A good design takes into account
the sensation of the users, that varies according to
their speed and mode of transport. Another aspect
is the style used to intergrate railing and lighting
into the design. Crucial are the solutions chosen
to minimize the negative effects on the natural and
urban environment, for example in terms of noise
levels. Our architecture speaks the language of
engineers as well, but aims for clear solutions to
come to terms with ecological, social and esthetic
aspects from the very start of the designing
process.
Bridges, highways, viaducts and stations are part
of public space and determine it by their size
and intensive use. That’s why it is so important
to best adapt their design to their environment.
For example by using clear and fluid lines along
freeways, where users move at higer speeds.
More expressive, exuburant shapes can be used in
urban environments, because bridges and stations
are ponts of orientation and provide cities with
character and atmosphere.
Designing structures for public transport requires
great care when it comes to interior design
and lighting to welcome travellers, providing a
sense of efficiency and safety. Public transport
buildings should be easy to clean and maintain.
It appears for instance that light constructions
provoke less vandalism and aggression than
armoured, menacing environments. ZJA’s view
on infrastructure is characterised by this social
and intelligent esthetic, that leads to efficient and
welcoming buildings.
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ZJA - Bridge Design
‘Landshape’ - Wildlife Crossing Infrastructure Design Competition, Colorado, USA
Ecoduct de Borkeld, Rijssen, NL
2/5

ZJA - Bridge Design
Hidden Oasis In The City, 5th Bridge, Dubai (UAE)
L’Oiseau de Feu - 6th Crossing Dubai Creek Bridge, Dubai (UAE)
3/5

ZJA - Bridge Design
From top to bottom (left-right):
(L) Pedestrian Tunnel Wilhelminaplein, Rotterdam, NL - (R) 2 nd & 3 rd Lek Bridges, River Lek, Vianen, NL
(L) Parkbridge, 6 th Crossing Dubai Creek Bridge, Dubai, UAE - (R) 7 th Crossing Dubai Creek Bridge, Dubai, UAE
(L) Extended Waal Bridge, Nijmegen, NL - (R) ‘Golden Wheels’, Town Bridge, Kampen, NL
(L) Bridge ‘Spottershill’, Meerhoven, NL - (R) Maas Boulevard, Venlo, NL
4/5

Top - Floriande bridges, Haarlemmermeer, NL
Bottom - City bridge Nijmegen, NL
ZJA - Bridge Design
ZJA Zwarts & Jansma Architects
www.zja.nl
Pedro de Medinalaan 7
NL-1086 XK Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Postal address:
Postbus 2129
NL-1000 CC Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Tel. : +31 20 535 22 00
Fax. : +31 20 535 22 11
E-mail : info@zja.nl
5/5