Archinect - News

New European hyperloop proposed running from Amsterdam to Frankfurt

2018-09-14T13:07:00-04:00

The UNStudio Futures Team (UNSFutures) recently announced plans for a 'Station of the Future' at the first edition of HyperSummit. Organized by Hardt Hyperloop, the summit took place in Utrecht, Netherlands focusing on urgency, research, and collaboration to realize a European hyperloop.

'Station of the Future' from Amsterdam to Frankfurt by UNSFutures © Plompmozes

The proposed hyperloop will run from Amsterdam to Frankfurt in 53 minutes. Using technology powered by solar panels, the hyperloop will produce no sound or environmental emissions and can provide the necessary energy to power itself.

'Station of the Future' modular diagram © UNStudio

The station has been envisioned as a series of tessellating components which can adapt to a range of possible contexts: city-centre, edge of city or adjoining an existing infrastructure hub, such as an airport.

The Dafne Schippers Bridge in Utrecht doubles as a school and a garden

2017-03-29T17:07:00-04:00

Designed by NEXT Architects and Rudy Uytenhaak Architectenbureau in collaboration with Arup and Bureau B+B, the Dafne Schippers Bridge integrates a cycle and pedestrian bridge spanning the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal in Utrecht with a school and public garden. Opening on April 3, the bridge-cum-school is intended to make the bridge a “destination” as well as a piece of infrastructure.

"In one fluid movement, the cycle route, park, and school are brought together to form a cohesive whole of infrastructure, architecture, and landscape," states Marijn Schenk, NEXT architects.

In total, the Dafne Schippers Bridge measures 110 meters long. Its deck is 9 meters above the water. The Bridge is held between two asymmetric pylons. On the Leidsche Rijn side, the pylon is intended to serve as a landmark. On the side with the school, a smaller pylon lines up with a row of trees. 7,000 cyclists are expected to use the bridge on a daily basis to quicken their commute.

Utrecht to experiment with universal, unconditional "basic income"

2015-06-26T18:22:00-04:00

"What happens if someone gets a monthly amount without rules and controls?

Imagine if everyone was given a living wage, without any regulatory or qualifying hoops to jump through? The Dutch city of Utrecht, in a partnership with University College Utrecht, is running such a dramatic social experiment, starting at the end of the summer, offering an "unconditional form of payment to individuals, which covers their living costs". To start, the experiment will only provide the so-called "basic income" to those already receiving welfare, using a group of citizens receiving the normal welfare benefits as the control group.

Other news from The Netherlands:

Dutch court mandates reduction of greenhouse gas emissions

How to Think Like the Dutch in a Post-Sandy World

NS Stations by NL Architects

2013-07-02T18:06:00-04:00

NL Architects recently completed the project NS Station, a major office interior revamp over 9 stories right on top of Central Station in Utrecht, the Netherlands. The project resulted from a 2011 competition win where NL Architects made the Thick Walls™ system the conceptual core: big shelves absorb the clutter that normally spreads trough the office - wardrobes, bookshelves, flip boards, archive, bulletin boards. And sometimes even the stairs.