In this week's comments update, readers are debating a 3D-printed pedestrian bridge that has opened in Amsterdam.
Joris Laarman designed the 12-metre 3D-printed bridge that has opened in Amsterdam six years after the project was first launched.
The bridge was fabricated from stainless steel rods by six-axis robotic arms equipped with welding gear and spans the Oudezijds Achterburgwal in Amsterdam's Red Light district.
"More an art piece than architecture"
Readers are divided. "Beautiful object," said Jack Mclathass. "More an art piece than architecture. However, I'd like to see more data about the alleged 'improved' efficiency and energy use against a comparable 'standard' steel structure. It seems to use twice as much metal and 10 times as much energy compared to conventional construction." "Interesting idea," continued Alex, "but the bridge looks like an object and not a structure. It looks like it was randomly plopped onto the site and the connection to the existing surfaces is very poor, almost comical on one side ? and quite dangerous for bikes, wheelchairs, and the elderly."
Puzzello agreed: "It is a beautiful bridge and a fine example of technological exploitation. I appreciate that. However, you'd think that with six years of planning that universal access could have been worked into the design, especially in a bicycle city like Amsterdam."
"For something that is designed in 3D, the step detail is baff...