Dafne Schippersbridge, Utrecht

By integrating a bicycle bridge, an elementary school and public park into one cohesive whole, it connects a divided city while creating a green urban public space.

Utrecht is the fourth-largest and fastest-growing city in the Netherlands. The most important development location for the city is Leidsche Rijn, which is separated from the historic city centre by the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal. The work is a key project within the new, fast bicycle route to connect the city. The location held notable challenges: on the city-centre side the bridge would land in the densely build neighbourhood of Oog in Al, on the exact spot where two elementary schools were standing.

The design turned the site’s challenges into main strengths by merging functions and by carefully inserting the structure within the surrounding neighbourhood. The programme of needs was fine-tuned through workshops with the residents. Marijn Schenk, lead architect from NEXT architects: “This is how we were able to create a space that is successful in connecting people.”

By rearranging the orientation of the new school building and the iconic bicycle lane, a natural definition of the public spaces is created. The school and playground are oriented towards the park. This is achieved by making the east side of the school, under the bridge, more narrow. The result is an enclosed recreational area that is nevertheless attached to the public park and has a natural entrance from the street. The wide side of the school facing the water creates a safe and enclosed space for the school children to play.

The school’s roof garden is an essential connecting element between bridge, school and park, creating one continuous green space to learn and to play. It also creates a natural dis-tance between school and cyclists. When cyclists make their way to and from the centre of Utrecht, a long bend takes them upwards through the Victor Hugo park, passing a permaculture garden on the roof of the school, and between the trees towards a panoramic view over the canal.

The double land use with maximum space for greenery ma-kes the Dafne Schippers bridge a vibrant public space and a unique icon for environmental and social sustainability.