The Melkwegbridge by NEXT Architects, a studio based in Amsterdam, is a striking X-shaped overpass that is deceptively simple. At first, people will look at the pedestrian crossing and see two basic paths intersecting each other in an interesting manner. But it is only until they take a closer look to discover the wave-like design of each path will they be truly impressed.
Cleverly, the Melkwegbridge by NEXT Architects addresses two needs: one involving legs and the other involving wheels. One path, which happens to be the most inclined, is made up of stairs while the flatter one is smooth for bicycle and wheelchair traffic.
The Melkwegbridge by NEXT Architects has been built in Purmerend, The Netherlands.
Photo Credits:
Pictures 1, 3, 5 and 8: NEXT architects
Picture 2: Piet Jonker
Picture 4, 6, 7, 9 and 10: Jeroen Musch
Cris-Crossing Overpasses
The Melkwegbridge by NEXT Architects Addresses Two Traffic Needs
Trend Themes
1. Wave-like Designs - Opportunities for disruptive innovation include applying wave-like designs to other architectural structures such as bridges and buildings.
2. Inclusive Infrastructure - Disruptive innovation opportunities can be found in creating infrastructure that caters to the needs of both pedestrians and cyclists/wheelchairs.
3. Functional Simplicity - Simplistic yet functional designs offer disruptive innovation opportunities in various industries, from transportation to product development.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - Disruptive innovation opportunities lie in developing unique and functional designs for bridges, buildings, and other architectural structures.
2. Urban Planning - Incorporating inclusive infrastructure solutions into urban planning can lead to disruptive innovation in creating more accessible and efficient cities.
3. Transportation - Adopting wave-like designs for transportation infrastructure like bridges can bring disruptive innovation to the transportation industry.