• Characterful new weathering steel bridge. • Bridge designed as a park, connecting nature to the built environment.
During the Dutch War of Independence (1568-1648) the city of ‘s-Hertogenbosch was defended by inundating the surrounding landscape. Much of the land has remained undeveloped, and ‘s-Hertogenbosch is still surrounded by an open green area today. Designed by Benthem Crouwel Architects, the Ponte Palazzo bridge connects the southern Palace district to the historic town centre. Spanning rail tracks, the new crossing creates a fast, social and traffic-free connection, improving the accessibility of the Palace district and opening up possibilities for further public development. The bridge is designed as a park, with a green route for pedestrians and cyclists referencing the former inundation area around ’s-Hertogenbosch. Arup’s role includes a programme of requirements, 3D framework calculations and control of strength, stability and stiffness. The firm is also responsible for building services, foundations and optimisation of the design, construction plan and building method. The use of weathering steel is in harmony with the surrounding fortifications and produces a characterful effect. The material used to create this effect is Corten steel, an alloy with a compact layer of rust that effectively halts the rusting process. Plants, seats, railings and lighting are integrated into the weathering steel construction. Recesses in the bridge create space for trees and planting. The steel folds upwards or downwards at various points in the span, accommodating differing levels of ground clearance.
