The Milky Way Bridge

Built by NEXT Architects and Rietveld Landscape for the Municipality of Purmerend in Amsterdam, the criss-crossing Melkwegbrug (Milky Way Bridge) is scheduled for completion in 2012. It is designed to separate pedestrian foot traffic from bicycle and wheelchair traffic. Walkers climb arching steps to a height of 12 meters, opening the the canal up for a beautiful view. Bicycles and wheelchairs take a more circuitous route, giving the feeling of a more thoughtful, meandering journey while also giving more length in which to distribute the arch of that section of bridge. Instead of a utilitarian bee-line bridge, the Melkwegbrug is meant to be experienced fully and enjoyed.

Images from Dezeen.