The prefab steel bridges next to the ArsenaalDelft have been unanimously elected ‘best beautification of the Delft cityscape’. The bridges received both the Le Comte Prize 2021 and the public's prize from the weekly magazine Delft op Zondag. Architect Hans Cool of cepezed and project developer Menno Rubbens of cepezedprojects collected the prizes on Thursday evening.
a daring construction
“With these bridges, Delft has gained two exceptional structures of high esthetic value. The bridges, especially the long one over the Oude Delft canal, have a daring construction, resulting in a remarkable slenderness,” according to the jury. “Thus the power play of an arch bridge is almost tangible. The tightly curved, dynamic form, as it were, offers great beauty to the structure itself. These bridges unite a distinct contemporality with a clear reference to the old, solid, brick arched bridges.”
detached from the quay
A special feature of the new bridges is that they seem to float because they are not joined to the quays in a conventional manner. The foundation stands in the water at both ends and is hidden in the design of the bridge. A steel runner connects it to the quay. This technique leaves the monumental quays undamaged. The bridges have a high arch so that canal boats can pass underneath.
part of a larger project
The bridges, manufactured by Haasnoot Bruggen, belong to a larger project. They connect the Lange Geer and Oude Delft canals with the peninsula where the Army Museum was once located. That building complex is now called ArsenaalDelft and houses a restaurant, hotel and conference centre. cepezed (architects), cepezedprojects (development) and cepezedbouwteam (coordination of the construction process) were involved with both the design of the bridges and the renovation of ArsenaalDelft.
about the organization
With the yearly Le Comte Prize, the Delft historical society Delfia Batavorum grants a project that embellishes the Delft cityscape. The prize consists of a Delft blue plate designed by Olav Slingerlandis. The special Le Comte Committee at Delfia Batavorum receives nominations and draws up a longlist, ultimately selecting five. Based on this shortlist, the full board of the historical society decides which project will be awarded. The five nominees also have a chance to win the public award, organized by the Delft op Zondag weekly.
Bridges ArsenaalDelft win Le Comte award 2021 and public award
