The Dutch city of Rotterdam is well-known for its Erasmus bridge (‘Erasmusbrug’, in dutch) designed by architect Ben van Berkel. The latest project to modernizize the cityscape was a design competition for the new Rijnhaven bridge (‘Rijnhavenbrug’). The Dutch firm Bureau SLA was among the five entrants, but was later disqualified because the Rotterdam city council deemed their design not feasible. The design features a draw bridge which opens upwards from two sides to allow for passing boats. Despite engineering calculation proving its feasibility, the council still disqualified the entry. Bureau SLA has since spoken out, criticizing the city council. They remaining entrants in the competition will continue on until a winner is selected.

The following information about their project is from SLA:

‘The Wilhelminapier is a booming place. This peninsula turns Rotterdam into Manhattan of the river Maas: there we find the so much talked designs of architects like Sir Norman Foster, Broek & Bakema, Renzo Piano, Bolles/Wilson and Mecanoo, and soon we will see high towers from Álvaro Siza, Cruz y Ortiz and Rem Koolhaas. The 139 meters high Erasmus bridge [UNStudio] link the site with the historical downtown. The prominent spot obliges the new Rijnhavenbrug, between the Wilhelminapier and Katendrecht, to become a particular striking bridge. We chose for a powerful and simple image of the bridge in a closed situation and a visual icon while opening. Generally the bridge lies waiting quietly but a couple of times a day its particular opening movement will make all those surrounding icons hold their breath for some minutes.’

For further information about the disqualification read the press release form the architects: ‘Rijnhaven bridge Rotterdam: the bridge that Rotterdam deserves, but is too afraid to build.‘

For more pictures visit: www.bureausla.nl.