PM Network - February 2016

CLOSING

Credit

Dutch architecture firm NEXT Architects had no problem designing a bridge for pedestrians and cyclists. But making the structure a home for bats as well intensified the project’s requirements.

The bridge spans an area of the Vlotwatering River in Monster, the Netherlands that hosts a large bat population. The project aimed to protect bats from both human interference and predators.

With stakeholder input, the project team determined that heavy and natural materials would perform double duty by providing an ideal bat habitat and an ideal bridge for humans. The 0.75-meter ( 2.5-foot) concrete foundation, walls and decks were thicker than normal, helping to shield bats from extreme temperatures throughout the seasons.

Closely spaced wood slats covering the concrete provide crevices large enough for bats to roost and small enough to protect them from predators. The 70-meter (230-foot) bridge also has a brick wall that serves as a place for bats to rest during warmer months.