<translation>Suspension Bridges</translation>

    Ben van Berkel has proven that cooperation between architects and civil engineers is possible and brings sweet rewards. The bridge in Purmerend was successful for UN studio just like other engineering structures.
The complicated routing of infrastructure and transport routes required that the bridge be designed as a system of three platforms, which gradually rise as a boat passes through (Berkel points out the analogy with fingers on a hand) and allows those present to admire the ecologically smooth transport happening. The separation of automobile traffic from pedestrians and cyclists has influenced safety on the bridge, which cannot be compared to the busy traffic on Rotterdam's Erasmus Bridge.
The operation of the bridge is managed and monitored by the "bridge master" residing in a monolithic concrete building. It is clad in silver expanded metal, resulting in the building's exterior changing with different sunlight and angles of view. The "master of the bridge" house is a beautiful compositional and proportional sculpture. Its expression draws attention and is the main dominant feature of the bridge.
Berkel has shown that even a banal bridge structure can become a quality dominant feature for its surroundings and a pleasant experience for users on their journey from the center of historic Purmerend to the new residential district.