Ever since it was built in 1973, the Nelson Mandela bridge in Arnhem has presented a problematic item in that town's urban structure. Of strategic significance during the Cold War, it is suited for the large-scale movement of troops. The bridge has been blatantly oversized in anticipation of future traffic flows, all the more so since another bridge is to be built to the east of it.

A Bridge Too Far defines the link between the inner city and the Gelredome sports colossus on the south bank of the Rhine. This two-kilometre-long line gives the bridge a context. Proceeding from the original bridge, I introduced a new structure that interacts with the existing one.

By adding such functions as dwelling, work, education and cultural amenities alongside and on the bridge, it becomes a component of an architectural route. The 'cultural magnet' - a large complex of exhibition spaces, offices, workshops and a restaurant - pulls in the urban public, turning the bridge from a link too long into an urbane space. At the same time, the bridge meshes with the open rural area beyond. Depending on which route you take, through the internal space, over the rooftops or along the bridge promenade, your impression of the space and the exhibitions will always be different. The spatial whole thus created takes account of the urbanistic scale and at the same time can be perceived in human terms.

Place of education: TU Delft
Specialization: architectuur
Tutors: Daan Vitner, Meindert Scheers & Willem Hermans