Wooden Bridge, Netherland

Amsterdam is the largest and most visited tourist destination in the Netherlands. Developing since the 17th century into an economic superpower, Amsterdam is known for its cultural influence on the world.

Its rich architectural heritage radiates through the streets with a heavy mixture of modern and classical architecture.Yet the use of wood is seldom seen amongst the modern or classic construction. Due to a series of destructive fires in the 15th century, the use of timber as an architectural material was banned and only two wooden structures remain. Replaced with brick, Amsterdam’s architecture shows no material contrast, only generational.

Architect Laurent Saint-Val seeks to reclaim the forgotten wooden medium and showcase it in his modern bridge proposal.Taking into account the ancient use of the medium, he sought to illustrate a contemporary manipulation of timber in which its flexibility, sustainability and adaptive properties are unmatched by other materials.