IJBAAN CABLE CARS
Amsterdam to expand , while being respectful of the city ’ s past . The form of the towers themselves directly reference Amsterdam ’ s robust industrial past of ports and ship cranes . Their sculptural form wading through the water strives to balance playfulness with elegance .
Social Hubs The cable car stations are not only designed as transport hubs for pedestrians , cyclists and public transport streams to come together , but also as a destination in themselves . The Minervastation is intended as a new meeting place for the growing Western neighbourhood , creating a vibrant urban plaza on the water with restaurant and bar facilities . The NDSM Marine station on the opposite bank provides a transport hub for the blossoming cultural hotspot in the North , with a bus stop , bicycle parking and viewpoint .
The cable car , as a form of transport , fits UNStudio ’ s mission to develop architecture and urban design concepts that are future-proof , making the living environment healthier . The track also ties in with Amsterdam ’ s ambition to be Europe ’ s example for urban innovation , with a sustainable ‘ all electric ’ public transport system that is optimally linked to existing public transport modalities .
“ It is expected that this fast and frequent connection between the West and North will not only have regular traffic , but will also have a positive effect on bicycle traffic as it connects existing networks on both sides of the IJ . The cable car provides an architecturally interesting addition to the city and the harbour view , contributing to the spread of tourism in the city ,” says Bas Dekker , founder of the IJbaan Foundation .
About the designers As the designer of the Erasmus bridge in Rotterdam , UNStudio has a tradition of building bridges and connecting communities over water . Earlier this year , their design for the Gothenburg Cable Car was chosen as a winning design to celebrate the city ’ s 400 th anniversary . The new cable car design includes a 3 km long connection between the historic Gothenburg centre and new city boroughs across the river . Completion of the project with six towers and four stations is scheduled for 2021 .
30 AFRICAN DESIGN MAGAZINE © | JUNE 2018