Of Dykes and Bridges

<p>This paper discusses the design and construction of three bridges in Hoorn (NL), connecting the old Westfriese Omring Dyke with a new Oever Dyke and waterfront. The design objective was to embed the bridges into the natural environment through a sculptural approach. The bridges extend toward the monumental Westfriese Omring Dyke, a listed national heritage site, while minimizing physical impact, emphasizing its historical importance. The characteristic form of the dyke also inspired the geometry of the bridges, resulting in an immersive spatial experience. Each bridge features an in-situ cast concrete shell structure that provides the necessary stiffness. Robust concrete walls with a wood-print texture merge the bridges with its surroundings. Challenges in the design process were addressed using Federlamelle bearings, self-compacting concrete, and an integrated drainage-retention layer, demonstrating how engineering can contribute to both heritage and landscape integration. Construction of the bridges began in 2023 and is ongoing at the time of writing.</p>