Erasmus Bridge

Rotterdam, Netherlands

Photo © Christian Richters

Drawing © UNStudio

Architects: UNStudio

Location: Erasmusbrug, 3072 Rotterdam, Netherlands
Year: 1996
Client: Ontwikkelingsbedrijf Rotterdam
Team: Ben van Berkel with Freek Loos, Hans Cromjongh and Ger Gijzen, Willemijn Lofvers, Sibo de Man, Gerard Nijenhuis, Manon Patinama, John Rebel, Ernst van Rijn, Hugo Schuurman, Caspar Smeets, Paul Toornend, Jan Willem Walraad, Dick Wetzels
Engineering: Ingenieursbureau Gemeentewerken Rotterdam
Contractor steel works: Grootint, Dordrecht
Contractor concrete works: MBG/CFE, Brussel/Antwerpen

Constructed to facilitate the orchestration of traffic flows, the bridge design is inspired by, and in turn reflects, the industrial character of Rotterdam, adding to the narrative of the city. The bridge operates as the last crossing point between the Northern and Southern areas of the city, whilst its structural scale and design articulation has become a distinctive landmark within the surrounding skyline.