The creators of the world’s first 3D-printed steel bridge, a 40-foot stainless steel structure titled simply “The Bridge” that looks tantalizingly otherworldly thanks to its unique construction methods, say it is now ready for installation in Amsterdam following its ongoing week on show at the Dutch Design Week from Oct. 20-28.
Photo: MX3D (Joris Laarman Lab)
The team at MX3D, which originally planned to build the Joris Laarman Lab-designed bridge in mid-air over a canal but later opted to construct it in a controlled environment away from pedestrians, told Gizmodo in a statement that it is now ready to commence the structure’s final installation in Amsterdam’s famed De Wallen red-light district. They’ve also shared a number of photos from the finished bridge, which is designed to look like two billowing sheets connected by organic curves of steel, on display at the festival. It looks fantastic:
“The Bridge” on display at Dutch Design Week.
Photo: MX3D (Adriaan de Groot)
“The Bridge” on display at Dutch Design Week.
Photo: MX3D (Adriaan de Groot)
“The Bridge” on display at Dutch Design Week.
Photo: MX3D (Adriaan de Groot)
“The Bridge” on display at Dutch Design Week.
Photo: MX3D (Adriaan de Groot)
“The Bridge” on display at Dutch Design Week.
Photo: MX3D (Adriaan de Groot)
As the construction method is new and has not previously been used in any such large-scale project, MX3D worked with Amsterdam officials to develop a new safety standard and have also coordinated with partners including the UK’s Alan Turing Institute to equip it with a network of sensors. MX3D told Gizmodo that once in place the structure will be capable of collecting data on “bridge traffic, structural integrity, and the surrounding neighborhood and environment,” with the information being “used as input for a ‘digital twin’ of the bridge” that will be monitored to detect any safety issues. A steel deck on the bottom of the bridge should also provide additional stability.
