Bicycle and pedestrian bridge with wind-responding shields, Almere
The multiple assignment from the city of Almere involved the making of a special bridge. That did not mean that the design of the bridge had to be lavish: a bridge is special if the user of the bridge feels special.
It is not common that a bridge offers both shelter from the wind and an optimal view when the weather is nice. For this purpose the bridge has been equipped with perforated steel windscreens, which are able to turn around a horizontal axis. With a perforation of 33 per cent they offer a wind reduction of 90 per cent. Depending on the weather and other programmable factors the screens are in a straight or horizontal position. They are driven by tube engines.
The weather determines how a stroll or a bike ride are experienced. The closing and opening of the bridge will also be an appealing sight from the banks.
The bridge will be illuminated by several lamps, located on the side of the bridge and shining on the windscreens. The light is reflected on the road via the screens. When the weather is good at night most of the shields are down (open), and only the screens for the illumination are in an upright position.
