The Floating Chain
Team
Name: Ishmam Ahmed
Nationality: Bangladeshi
Institution / Company: Yale-NUS College
Name: Dou Jingzhi
Nationality: Singaporean
Institution / Company: Yale-NUS College
Name: Barnabas Mah
Nationality: Singaporean
Institution / Company: Yale-NUS College
-HONOURABLE MENTION of Amsterdam Cycling Bridge Competition
“I don’t remember crossing this bridge before…”
Inspired by the humble bicycle chain, The Floating Chain consists of interlocking sections that move in harmony with the IJ River. Supported by floating hulls, each section moves in response to changes in river currents and water levels. The consistent height of the bridge above the river surface minimizes disruption to boat traffic, even with varying tidal conditions and rising sea levels.
Instead of treating the river as an obstacle to be crossed as quickly as possible, The Floating Chain emphasizes the river as the highlight of one’s commute. Elongated diagonally across the river channel, our design boasts a comfortable slope and entices commuters to spend more time overlooking the river.
Collapsible lateen sails – rigged between the bridge and tall pylons – pay homage to Amsterdam’s maritime heritage and ensure gentle yet pronounced movement in the wind. Tensile cables and underwater guide rails moored to the floating hulls stabilize and limit the extent of overall bridge movement.
By allowing commuters to both see and feel the water, our design embraces the river’s fluidity and Amsterdam’s unique urban context. Say goodbye to dull commutes. With The Floating Chain, you’ll never cross the same bridge twice.
#mobility #culturalheritage #floatation #fluidity #responsiveinfrastructure
