Park Meerland is the green heart of the suburban area Meerhoven, west of Eindhoven. The 15 bridges are a recognizable family serving as connecting elements in the park and between the park and the surrounding residential areas. The bridges vary in function, length and load. They range in length from 9 to 112 meters. Besides pedestrian bridges and two 'adventure bridges' there are a few bridges for heavy traffic use. Also, a large curved floating pier is part of the family. The context of landscape and modern residential area, asked, according to the urban plan, for a sober but elegant design. DaF-architects won the design competition in 2008.
Constructive railing In order to achieve a variable design and a slim appearance, the hight needed for the railing is used as a constructive element. The bridge deck is hung between them. The principle for the steel truss is the "lattice girder" in the past often used for railway bridges. The nature of this beam is the extraordinary slender profiling that is possible. Only in places of great stress, there is material compaction. This gives a image of a dense grid with a varying light pattern, not only the constructive logic seems to standout but also the aesthetic. The different diagonals are stretched between the top and bottom beam and cross each other as in a fabric, this limits the number of welds. Where necessary, the grid grows into supports. Between the trusses is a light bridge-deck, designed as steel-concrete floor. There are also two adventure bridges; a suspension bridge and a small bridge with only one railing. Through the lattice structure the bridges get a rustic character that fits the landscape-park Meerland. This is enhanced by the beige-brown color of the steel work. In the upper line of the truss are LED lights installed in the rhythm of the diagonals. This ensures compliance with lighting requirements and it highlights the rhythm of the bridges.
