What are your solutions for renovating a movable bridge?
We split the renovation challenge in two sub-challenges that need to be solved. These challenges have different levels of scale: one movable bridge versus a network of 13 bridges in Zuid-Holland and Zeeland (Dutch provinces). We will combine the solutions into one action plan, which will be presented to Rijkswaterstaat.
Here you can find details for the challenge: “movable bridge”.
Challenge Spijkernisserbrug
Rijkswaterstaat is facing a major challenge with a movable bridge, the Spijkernisserbrug. This bridge forms a vital link in an important shipping route for inland navigation and maritime vessels. This bridge opens at least 17 times a day to let ships pass. At every opening, users experience disruption, because every day, 25,000 to 30,000 vehicles cross the bridge. This makes this bridge the main connection between two important regions. The 150,000 residents living in one of these regions depend on this bridge; to visit a hospital, to go to work or to see friends and family outside of their own regions.
The bridge needs to be renovated urgently. Operation and control are failing. The number of malfunctions increases as certain parts of the bridge are reaching the end of their life span. Recently, the bridge was malfunctioning for such a long period that long traffic jams occurred, resulting in questions from members of parliament (“Kamervragen”) eventually. Renovation of the bridge has to take place with as little disruption as possible for both the shipping traffic as the traffic driving over the bridge. Preferably in a circular and sustainable way.
Challenge Under the given conditions, how do we get this bridge fit for the future? What solutions does nature offer for these challenges?
In order to achieve groundbreaking and sustainable solutions, we use nature’s knowledge in our design process. Nature is full of ingenious design. Animals and plants have become perfectly adapted to their circumstances in these 3.8 billion years. Did you know that the wings of an owl are designed in such a way that allows it to fly without making any noise?
Also on a more systemic level, there is so much inspiration to be found. Take for example the cohesion among elements in a food chain, or the cooperation of ants; when studied in detail these examples are highly inspirational and lead to groundbreaking new designs. We will teach you to use this gigantic database of technical knowledge and experience, in order to develop products, processes, systems and strategies that fit within a natural ecosystem. This science is called Biomimicry, and the design tool Design Lens.
With the ongoing debate on sustainability and all the possible sustainable solutions it is sometimes difficult to keep an overview. The sole focus of sustainability is usage of materials and reduction of energy consumption. By applying biomimicry, however, sustainability becomes an integrated and logical story. A story with infinite opportunities and possibilities.
| 15 januari 2019 | 10:00 | 18:00 |
|---|---|---|
| Eerste dag: – Deep Dive Biomimicry – Scoping – Discovering + pizza! | ||
| 16 januari 2019 | 10:00 | 21.00 |
| Tweede dag: – Creating, Measuring – Proof of concept – Pitch voor Jury | ||
